Giant Magneto-Impedance Sensor for Gate Driver-Insulated Signal Transmission Functions

A proof-of-concept of the use of a giant-magneto-impedance (GMI) sensor for the realization of signal transmission under high isolation voltage is presented. This technology, which has never been used for gate driver units before, can potentially provide low coupling capacitance (<;1 pF) and high insulation voltage capability up to 40 kV for a gap of 1 mm. The signal information is carried by a magnetic field emitted by a specially designed magnetic coil. The receiver acquires datum thanks to a dedicated high sensitivity and large bandwidth GMI sensor. The technique ensures a high galvanic isolation and provides potentially fast transmission rates while maintaining a low coupling capacitance between the transmitter and the receiver. The aim of this new technology would be to proceed well beyond the performances of coil-coil transmitters. This letter deals with the principles of implementation of this new technique. A prototype has been designed, developed, and tested. First results are given with a discussion about the potential performance and strategies of improvements.