Isolators for high frequency signals transmitted between two circuits configured to operate at different voltage domains are provided. The isolators may include resonators capable of operating at high frequencies with high transfer efficiency, high isolation rating, and a small substrate footprint. In some embodiments, the isolators may operate at a frequency not less than 20 GHz, not less than 30 GHz, not less than 65 GHz, or between 20 GHz and 100 GHz, including any value or range of values within such range. The isolators may include inductive loops with slits and capacitors integrally formed at the slits. The sizes and shapes of the inductive loops and capacitors may be configured to control the values of equivalent inductances and capacitances of the isolators. The isolators are compatible to different fabrication processes including, for example, micro-fabrication and PCB manufacture processes.

A driving method and a driving device using the same are disclosed. The driving method controls a pulse transformer. The secondary winding of the pulse transformer is electrically connected to a control device. Firstly, positive charging electrical energy is delivered to the primary winding, thereby charging the control device. Then, the control device is disconnected from the secondary winding while the primary winding is in a high-impedance state. Finally, negative discharging electrical energy is delivered to the primary winding and the control device is electrically connected to the secondary winding, thereby discharging the control device, and the primary winding is in a low-impedance state after the step of delivering the negative discharging electrical energy to the primary winding.

A driving method and a driving device using the same are disclosed. The driving method controls a pulse transformer. The secondary winding of the pulse transformer is electrically connected to a control device. Firstly, positive charging electrical energy is delivered to the primary winding, thereby charging the control device. Then, the control device is disconnected from the secondary winding while the primary winding is in a high-impedance state. Finally, negative discharging electrical energy is delivered to the primary winding and the control device is electrically connected to the secondary winding, thereby discharging the control device, and the primary winding is in a low-impedance state after the step of delivering the negative discharging electrical energy to the primary winding.

A DC-DC converter includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a power oscillator applying an oscillating signal to the primary winding to transmit a power signal to the secondary winding, a rectifier obtaining an output DC voltage by rectifying the power signal at the secondary winding, and comparison circuitry generating an error signal representing a difference between the output DC voltage and a reference voltage value. A transmitter connected to the secondary winding performs an amplitude modulation of the power signal at the secondary winding to transmit an amplitude modulated power signal to the primary winding, the amplitude modulation based upon the error signal and modulating a stream of data to the primary winding. A receiver coupled to the primary winding demodulates the amplitude modulated power signal to recover the error signal and the stream of data. An amplitude of the oscillating signal is controlled by the error signal.

A DC-DC converter includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a power oscillator applying an oscillating signal to the primary winding to transmit a power signal to the secondary winding, a rectifier obtaining an output DC voltage by rectifying the power signal at the secondary winding, and comparison circuitry generating an error signal representing a difference between the output DC voltage and a reference voltage value. A transmitter connected to the secondary winding performs an amplitude modulation of the power signal at the secondary winding to transmit an amplitude modulated power signal to the primary winding, the amplitude modulation based upon the error signal and modulating a stream of data to the primary winding. A receiver coupled to the primary winding demodulates the amplitude modulated power signal to recover the error signal and the stream of data. An amplitude of the oscillating signal is controlled by the error signal.

Some embodiments include a pulsing power supply comprising a power supply and a transformer comprising: a transformer core; a primary winding wrapped around a portion of the transformer core, the primary winding having a first lead and a second lead; and a secondary winding wrapped around a portion of the transformer core. The pulsing power supply may also include a first switch electrically connected with the first lead of the primary winding and the power supply; and a second switch electrically connected with the second lead of the primary winding and the power supply, wherein the first switch and the second switch are opened and closed at different time intervals. The pulsing power supply may also include a pulsing output electrically coupled with the secondary winding of the transformer that outputs pulses having a voltage greater than about 2 kV and with pulse frequencies greater than 1 kHz.

Some embodiments include a pulsing power supply comprising a power supply and a transformer comprising: a transformer core; a primary winding wrapped around a portion of the transformer core, the primary winding having a first lead and a second lead; and a secondary winding wrapped around a portion of the transformer core. The pulsing power supply may also include a first switch electrically connected with the first lead of the primary winding and the power supply; and a second switch electrically connected with the second lead of the primary winding and the power supply, wherein the first switch and the second switch are opened and closed at different time intervals. The pulsing power supply may also include a pulsing output electrically coupled with the secondary winding of the transformer that outputs pulses having a voltage greater than about 2 kV and with pulse frequencies greater than 1 kHz.

A composite coil device includes a winding shaft portion, a first conductor portion, and a second conductor portion. The winding shaft portion at least partly includes a magnetic body and axially includes a first section and a second section. The first conductor portion is wound continuously in the first section and the second section. The second conductor portion is wound in the second section.

According to one embodiment, an isolator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a conductive body, and a first insulating layer. The second electrode is provided on the first electrode and separated from the first electrode. The conductive body is provided around the first and second electrodes along a first plane perpendicular to a first direction. The first direction is from the first electrode toward the second electrode. The first insulating layer is provided on the second electrode. The first insulating layer includes silicon, carbon, and nitrogen.

According to one embodiment, an isolator includes first and second electrodes, first and second insulating portions, and a first dielectric portion. The first insulating portion is provided on the first electrode. The second electrode is provided on the first insulating portion. The second insulating portion is provided around the second electrode along a first plane perpendicular to a first direction. The second insulating portion contacts the second electrode. The first dielectric portion is provided between the first and second insulating portions. At least a portion of the first dielectric portion contacts the second electrode and is positioned around the second electrode along the first plane. A distance between a lower end of the second electrode and a first interface between the first dielectric portion and the second insulating portion is less than a distance between the first interface and an upper end of the second electrode.