Conexant Systems, Inc.

Silicon Laboratories Inc.

Thomas Grey Beutler

Raphael Rahamim

Eric Floyd Riggert

Alberto Mantovani

Ketankumar B Patel

Jacques Mathe

James B Skov

Faouzi Chaahoub

Nuno F Paulino

Transformer driven by data modulated signal provides isolated power. Outbound data is extracted from the data modulated signal received from the transformer. Inbound data received in isolated circuitry modulates the load presented to transformer. Inbound data perceived in non-isolated circuitry by sensing load experienced by the transformer.

Method and apparatus for conveying bidirectional data, power and timing signals using a single transformer

A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that data and control information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry using a serialized digital communication protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem includes detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure or establish electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection. Command information for the programmable circuitry is multiplexed with data communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier. Interrupt signals and information for synchronizing communications between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry may also comprise a portion of the serialized datastream.

Data access arrangement utilizing a serialized digital data path across an isolation barrier

A circuit board capacitor structure operable as a high voltage isolation barrier in communication circuitry. Capacitor electrodes form a capacitive structure directly on a printed circuit board's opposing sides. The PCB substrate intermediate the electrodes functions as the capacitive structure's dielectric material. The capacitor electrodes are sized such that the electrodes' area and the substrate's dielectric properties create the desired capacitance. Alternatively, a multi-layered PCB may be utilized where layer(s) is/are used to form the capacitive structure. The circuit board capacitor may couple communication circuitry located on the PCB's various sides. The circuit board capacitor operates as a high voltage isolation barrier in data access arrangements, separating line and system side circuitry. Further, the high voltage isolation barrier may include multiple circuit board capacitors to realize differential communications and/or multiple datapaths. The capacitor structure can be flexibly arranged to minimize PCB real estate and be more cost-effective than discrete capacitors.

Circuit board capacitor structure for forming a high voltage isolation barrier

A high voltage isolation barrier includes first and second capacitors, each having a first terminal connected to a system-side input signal source. A first diode is connected between second terminals of the first and second capacitors, and a second diode is connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor and to a first terminal of a third capacitor. Application of an alternating polarity squarewave across the first terminals of the first and second capacitors results in generation of a line side voltage on the third capacitor and in transfer of a clock signal at the squarewave frequency across the isolation barrier to the line side.

Method and apparatus for deriving power from a clock signal coupled through capacitors

A modem utilizing a data access arrangement (DAA) having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface. The line side circuitry and the system side circuitry are separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. In accordance with the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier and other DAA circuitry are configured such that information may be communicated between the system side circuitry and the line side circuitry in a digital format. In one embodiment of the invention, the high voltage isolation barrier comprises a single capacitor for communicating bidirectional digital data. In another embodiment of the invention, a pair of capacitors are provided in the high voltage isolation barrier, with the digital signals being driven is a differential manner. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a transformer is utilized for supplying clock signals and power across the high voltage isolation barrier, while a pair of capacitors (or a second transformer) is utilized to communicate bidirectional data.

Modem having a digital high voltage isolation barrier

A modem utilizing a DAA having line side circuitry including a telephone network interface and system side circuitry including a host system interface, the line side circuitry and the system side circuitry being separated by a high voltage isolation barrier. A CODEC is provided in the line side circuitry, such that encoded information generated by the CODEC, as well as information for decoding by the CODEC, are communicated across the high voltage isolation barrier. These communications are accomplished in a digital manner. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the line side circuitry of the modem further includes programmable detection and measurement circuitry that is programmable to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., tip/ring voltage and loop current) of the telephone line interface connection and is capable of corresponding adjustments to enable compliance with applicable regulations. The system is software programmable via control signals sent across the high voltage isolation barrier to establish electrical parameters corresponding to a specific country where the equipment may be used.

Modem having a programmable universal data access arrangement

A transformer driver circuit connected to the primary or 'system' side of a transformer has a system clock connected to an input thereof the system clock having a frequency selected to constitute the desired clock frequency of a CODEC circuit located on the secondary or 'line' side of the transformer. A signal line is connected to a point on the secondary of the transformer so as to tap the system clock frequency, whereby both the system clock and the source voltage for the CODEC are derived from the transformer's secondary.

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Tustin, CA, United States of America

Thomas Grey Beutler