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Transmission circuit, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image display apparatus

a transmission circuit and ultrasonic probe technology, applied in the field of transmission circuits, ultrasonic probes and ultrasonic image display apparatuses, can solve the problems of large power consumption, difficult to provide a conventional transmission circuit in an ultrasonic probe, and large heat generation, so as to reduce power consumption, suppress heat generation, and reduce power consumption

Active Publication Date: 2013-04-25
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a transmission circuit in an ultrasonic probe that is smaller and consumes less power than conventional circuits. The circuit includes a high voltage current DAC and a waveform generator which work together to reduce circuit size and power consumption, as well as suppress the generation of heat. The circuit is also more efficient and effective in generating the desired waveform. This invention allows for a smaller, more efficient ultrasonic probe that can generate better quality images.

Problems solved by technology

It is however difficult for a conventional transmission circuit to be provided in an ultrasonic probe due to the size of the circuit and the generation of heat.
For example, a transmission circuit described in JP 2004-358133, using complementary transistors and a ground clamp circuit, presents a problem in the generation of heat because power consumption is large upon generating coded pulses.
Since, however, the Class-A amplifier needs a feedback circuit, the size of the circuit becomes a problem.
Further, since a high-speed feedback circuit becomes necessary, power consumption is large and the generation of heat also becomes a problem.

Method used

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  • Transmission circuit, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image display apparatus
  • Transmission circuit, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image display apparatus
  • Transmission circuit, ultrasonic probe and ultrasonic image display apparatus

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

first embodiment

[0025]A first embodiment will first be described based on FIGS. 1 through 6. As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic image display apparatus 100 has an apparatus main body 101 and an ultrasonic probe 102 connected to the apparatus main body 101. The ultrasonic probe 102 is connected to the apparatus main body 101 via a cable 103.

[0026]The ultrasonic probe 102 is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 104 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 4) that perform transmission / reception of ultrasound (only one ultrasonic transducer 104 is however illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4). The ultrasonic probe 102 is also provided with a transmission circuit 1 which drives the ultrasonic transducer 104.

[0027]Although not illustrated in particular, the ultrasonic probe 102 may be provided with a reception circuit that inputs ultrasound echo signals received by the ultrasonic transducer 104 therein and performs delay addition processing thereon.

[0028]The transmission circuit 1 will be explained. The transmission ...

second embodiment

[0055]A second embodiment will next be explained based on FIGS. 8 and 9. The same components as those in the first embodiment are however assigned the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted.

[0056]A transmission circuit 50 according to the present embodiment is equipped with the waveform generator 2, current DAC 51 and current mirror circuit 52 as shown in FIG. 8. Incidentally, the transmission circuit 50 of the present embodiment is also provided in the ultrasonic probe 102 (refer to FIG. 1). The numbers of the current DACs 51 and the current mirror circuits 52 are respectively the same number (plural) as the maximum number of ultrasonic transducers 104 simultaneously used in transmission. Only one high voltage current DAC 3 relative to one ultrasonic transducer 104 is however shown herein.

[0057]Here, the current mirror circuit 52 includes a positive-side high voltage current mirror circuit 52A and a negative-side high voltage current mirror circuit 52B to be ...

third embodiment

[0070]Then, a third embodiment will be described based on FIG. 12. The same components as those in the respective embodiments are however assigned the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are omitted.

[0071]In a transmission circuit 50 according to the present embodiment, the current mirror circuit 52 has a positive-side low voltage current mirror circuit 52C and a negative-side low voltage current mirror circuit 52D as shown in FIG. 12. The transmission circuit 50 has a first voltage protection circuit 54, a second voltage protection (common-gate) circuit 55, a third voltage protection circuit 56 and a fourth voltage protection circuit 57. The positive-side low voltage current mirror circuit 52C is one example of an embodiment of a positive-side current mirror circuit. The negative-side low voltage current mirror circuit 52D is one example of an embodiment of a negative-side current mirror circuit. Each of the voltage protection circuits 54 through 57 is one example of ...

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Abstract

A transmission circuit for use with an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The transmission circuit includes a high voltage current DAC configured to output a drive current of an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive ultrasound, and a waveform generator configured to output a control signal from the high voltage current DAC to the high voltage current DAC with a predetermined timing. The control signal configured to output the drive current with a desired magnitude.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a transmission circuit which drives an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic probe equipped with the transmission circuit, and an ultrasonic image display apparatus.[0002]An ultrasonic image display apparatus transmits ultrasound to within a subject from an ultrasonic probe connected to an apparatus main body and receives its echoes through the ultrasonic probe thereby to generate an ultrasonic image within the subject. The ultrasonic probe is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer comprised of a piezoelectric material such as piezoelectric ceramic. The ultrasonic transducer is driven by a transmission circuit to perform the transmission of ultrasound (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-358133 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-68014). The transmission circuit is generally provided in the apparatus main body.[0003]Now, a study of the provision of a transmission circuit...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H03M1/66
CPCH03M1/0682H03M1/66H03M1/745A61B8/00G01N29/24
Inventor AMEMIYA, SHINICHIHAIDER, BRUNORAO, NARESH KESAVANSUNDARESAN, KRISHNAKUMARHALVORSROD, THOMAS
Owner GENERAL ELECTRIC CO