Design and Analysis of a Transformer-Based Solid-State Relay

Abstract

Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) systems require relays to perform complex high-speed tests on semiconductor devices. However, existing relays all come up short in some aspect. Electromechanical reed relays have a limited lifetime and slow switching speeds, while solid-state photoMOS relays have high on-resistance and low bandwidth. This thesis presents the design, simulation, and analysis of a new solid-state relay tailored for ATE applications. We use Analog Devices’ iCoupler technology to design this relay, relying on on-chip transformers to provide reliable input-to-output isolation. In Cadence simulations, the iCoupler relay achieves 100 mOhm on-resistance, 7.5 us turn-on time, and 4.8 GHz output 3dB bandwidth.