Isolator-based transmission system with side isolator channel for refresh signals

摘要

A multi-channel isolation system has N+1 isolators for N channels of communication data. N of the isolators may transfer data signals across an isolation barrier, one for each of the N channels of data. An N+1st isolator transfers refresh signals representing state of the data signals on the N isolators. Receiver circuitry, therefore, may receive signals from the N isolation channels without risk for collision with refresh signals. If reception of the refresh signals becomes necessary, circuitry on a receive side of the isolator may switch over to the N+1st receive path to output state data contained in the refresh signals.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a plurality (N) of isolators to transfer data signals across an isolation barrier, and an N+1st isolator to transfer refresh signals identifying a state of the data signals on the N isolators, wherein the data signals and refresh signals are transmitted in a common direction across the isolation barrier.