Capacitive isolator

US8169108B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Silicon Laboratories Inc. · US

Inventors

• Timothy J. Dupuis · Austin, US
• Axel Thomsen · Austin, US
• Zhiwei Dong · Austin, US
• Ka Y. Leung · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 2008
• Grant date: May 1, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04B2203/5491
• WIPO field: Semiconductors
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An integrated circuit provides high voltage isolation capabilities. The circuit includes a first area containing a first group of functional circuitry located in a substrate of the integrated circuit. This circuit also includes a second area containing a second group of functional circuitry also contained within the substrate of the integrated circuit. Capacitive isolation circuitry located in the conductive layers in the integrated circuit provide a high voltage isolation link between the first group of functional circuitry and the second group of functional circuitry. The capacitive isolation circuitry distributes a first portion of the high voltage isolation signal across the first group of capacitors in the capacitive isolation circuitry and distributes a second portion of the high voltage isolation circuitry across the second group of capacitors in the capacitive isolation circuitry.