Miniaturized isolator modules for intrinsic safety applications

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide miniaturized isolator modules capable of transferring power and/or data signals across an isolation barrier by way of a transformer while maintaining intrinsic safety (IS) compliance. For example, the isolator modules may provide power from a non-IS side to an IS side of the isolation barrier while protecting the IS side in the event of an overvoltage and/or overcurrent event on the non-IS side. In some aspects, an isolator module includes one or more silicon protection devices, which facilitate the miniaturization of the isolator module while maintaining protection against overvoltage and/or overcurrent events in accordance with IS standards. In some aspects, an isolator module includes a transformer adapted for IS compliance. For example, coils of the transformer may be disposed on opposing sides of an isolation barrier having a thickness of at least 200 microns. Some aspects provide silicon protection devices formed on a single semiconductor die for use with miniaturized isolator modules to provide overvoltage and/or overcurrent protection for IS compliance. Miniaturized isolator modules and protection devices described herein may be used either alone or in combination, in IS or non-IS environments.