Ultrasonic transducer array detection system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ultrasound, and discloses an ultrasonic transducer array detection system, which comprises an upper computer, an impedance detection device and a switch switching array, the upper computer is respectively connected with the impedance detection device and the switch switching array; the switch switching array is provided with one path of input and multiple paths of output, the input end of the switch switching array is connected with the impedance detection device, and each output end of the switch switching array is connected with one element of the ultrasonic transducer array; the switch switching array is used for receiving a control signal of an upper computer and sequentially controlling one path of output and input to be conducted according to the control signal, so that the impedance detection device is sequentially conducted with each element in the ultrasonic transducer array and impedance data detection is carried out; and the impedance detection device is used for sending the detected impedance data of each element to the upper computer. The method is high in detection efficiency, low in labor cost and high in detection reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ultrasonic technology, and particularly to an ultrasonic transducer array detection system. Background Art

[0002] In medical ultrasonic applications, a sensor array (acoustic head, also referred to as an ultrasonic transducer array) is an important and precision component. Ultrasonic signals are converted from electrical signals into ultrasonic mechanical waves by the acoustic head to penetrate the human body, and then the ultrasonic waves reflected by human tissues are converted back into electrical signals. Each link in the production process of the sensor array (acoustic head) has strict requirements, and even a slight deviation will cause a serious change in performance. Therefore, electrical performance measurement, analysis, and monitoring are required in each link of production.

[0003] In the existing production process of ultrasonic sensor arrays (acoustic heads), the impedance of each element is measured by an impedance analyzer to determine whether there are any deviations in the production process. The ultrasonic sensor array (acoustic head) has a large number of elements and goes through multiple production processes. The impedance data of each element needs to be measured in each process. These are all achieved through manual point-by-point measurement. That is to say, the operator needs to sequentially contact the electrodes of each element, manually switch the test points, and record the impedance amplitude-frequency curve. However, this method has significant defects, mainly including the following points:

[0004] Low detection efficiency: Manual point-by-point contact, reading, and position switching operations are extremely time-consuming. Especially for high-density arrays (such as two-dimensional planar arrays), a single full inspection can take several hours, seriously restricting the production line rhythm.

[0005] Insufficient detection reliability: Manual probe positioning is prone to poor contact due to operation jitter, introducing test noise and even damaging the precision electrode structure, resulting in misjudgment or product scrapping.

[0006] Difficult data analysis: Manually recording paper reports or scattered spreadsheets makes it difficult to perform correlation analysis of impedance parameters between processes and quickly trace the process deviations.

[0007] High labor costs: Full-time inspection personnel need to be equipped to handle high-frequency point measurement operations, and the training cycle for skilled workers is long, increasing the production cost pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer array detection system to solve the problems of low detection efficiency, insufficient detection reliability, difficult data analysis, and high labor costs caused by manually measuring the impedance data of each element in the production process of ultrasonic sensor arrays (acoustic heads).

[0009] The present invention provides an ultrasonic transducer array detection system, and the ultrasonic transducer array detection system includes: a host computer, an impedance detection device, and a switch switching array;

[0010] The host computer is respectively connected to the impedance detection device and the switch switching array;

[0011] The switch switching array has one input and multiple outputs. The input end of the switch switching array is connected to the impedance detection device, and each output end of the switch switching array is respectively connected to an element of the ultrasonic transducer array; the switch switching array is used to receive the control signal of the host computer and sequentially control one of its outputs to conduct with the input according to the control signal, so that the impedance detection device is sequentially conducted with each element of the ultrasonic transducer array and impedance data detection is performed;

[0012] The impedance detection device is used to send the impedance data of each of the detected elements to the host computer.

[0013] In an optional implementation manner, the switch switching array includes a single-pole double-throw controllable switch and multiple double-pole double-throw controllable switches, and the controlled ends of each controllable switch are all connected to the host computer.

[0014] In an optional implementation manner, the moving end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch serves as the input end of the switch switching array, the stationary end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch is respectively connected to the moving end of a double-pole double-throw controllable switch, and the stationary ends of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches are also sequentially connected in series with one or more double-pole double-throw controllable switches.

[0015] In an optional implementation manner, the host computer determines the target element to be detected currently according to a preset element test sequence, generates a controllable switch control signal corresponding to the target element, and the controllable switch control signal is used to control the closure of the controllable switch on the communication path between the input end of the switch switching array and the target element.

[0016] In an optional implementation manner, the impedance detection device is a network analyzer or an impedance analyzer.

[0017] In an optional implementation manner, the network analyzer sets a scanning range and a sweep frequency accuracy according to the expected frequency response characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer array, detects the elements according to the set scanning range and sweep frequency accuracy, obtains corresponding reflection coefficient data, and the impedance data of the elements can be inversely calculated through the reflection coefficient data.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the host computer is configured to analyze impedance data of each element of the ultrasonic transducer array to obtain at least one of the following electrical performance parameters:

[0019] The spectral bandwidth corresponding to each element;

[0020] The resonant frequency of each element;

[0021] The capacitance value of each element;

[0022] The sensitivity corresponding to each frequency point of each element.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the host computer is further configured to count the differences between the electrical performance parameters of each element.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the host computer is further configured to count the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and / or variance of the electrical performance parameters of each element.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the host computer is further configured to determine the quality of the ultrasonic transducer based on the electrical performance parameters of each element.

[0026] The ultrasonic transducer array detection system provided by the embodiments of the present invention controls the switch to switch the array through the host computer, so that each element in the ultrasonic transducer array is sequentially conducted with the impedance detection device to complete impedance data detection. Compared with manually measuring each element of the ultrasonic transducer array one by one, the detection efficiency is high, the labor cost is low, the contact between the detection probe and the element is reliable, and there is no missed detection. The detection result is reliable and will not cause the ultrasonic transducer array product to be scrapped. In addition, the impedance detection data is directly input into the host computer, which is convenient for data analysis. Description of the Drawings

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the related art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the related art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a 256-channel switch switching array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the test main interface of the host computer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic curve diagram of multiple electrical performance parameters of a primitive according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a primitive test report according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a sound head test report according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0035] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer array detection system is provided. Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of the ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 1 shown. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system includes:

[0036] a host computer 101, an impedance detection device 102, and a switch switching array 103;

[0037] The host computer is respectively connected to the impedance detection device and the switch switching array; specifically, the host computer 101 is connected to the impedance detection device through USB and is also connected to the switch switching array through USB.

[0038] The switch switching array has one input and multiple outputs. The input end of the switch switching array is connected to the impedance detection device, and each output end of the switch switching array is respectively connected to a primitive of the ultrasonic transducer array 104; the switch switching array is used to receive the control signal from the host computer and sequentially control one of its outputs to conduct with the input according to the control signal, so that the impedance detection device is sequentially conducted with each primitive in the ultrasonic transducer array and impedance data detection is performed;

[0039] The impedance detection device is used to send the detected impedance data of each primitive to the host computer.

[0040] The ultrasonic transducer array detection system provided by the embodiments of the present invention controls the switch to switch the array through the host computer, so that each element in the ultrasonic transducer array is sequentially conducted with the impedance detection device and the impedance data detection is completed. Compared with manually measuring each element of the ultrasonic transducer array one by one, the detection efficiency is high, the labor cost is low, the contact between the detection probe and the element is reliable, and there is no missed detection. The detection result is reliable and the ultrasonic transducer array product will not be scrapped. In addition, the impedance detection data is directly input into the host computer, which is convenient for data analysis.

[0041] The structure of the switch-switching array will be described by way of example below.

[0042] In some optional specific embodiments, the switch-switching array includes a single-pole double-throw controllable switch and a plurality of double-pole double-throw controllable switches, and the controlled ends of each controllable switch are connected to the host computer. Specifically, the single-pole double-throw controllable switch can be a single-pole double-throw relay, and the double-pole double-throw controllable switch can be a double-pole double-throw relay.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the moving end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch serves as the input end of the switch-switching array, the stationary end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch is respectively connected to the moving end of one of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches, and the stationary ends of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches are also connected in series with one or more of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches in sequence. The number of double-pole double-throw controllable switches can be determined according to the number of elements of the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0044] The structure of the switch-switching array will be described by way of example when the number of elements of the ultrasonic transducer array is 256. This switch-switching array is a 1:256 switch array, that is, it has 1 input and 256 outputs. The connection between the input and output is unique, and only one output is connected to the input at the same time. Since the consistency of the ultrasonic transducer array needs to be tested, the consistency between the 256 outputs of the switch array should be good to avoid misjudgment. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present invention, the circuit structure between each output and the input is exactly the same, including the same type, number, and connection method of the controllable switches. In the embodiments of the present invention, the 256-way switch-switching array adopts a new arrangement method, which is beneficial to ensuring the consistency of each switch by using the copy and paste method in the PCB layout. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, every 16 outputs are grouped into one group, with a total of 16 groups, and each group adopts a step-by-step decentralized connection method. Figure 2Switch implementation method in [the above]: The 8:16 switch is implemented by 4 double-pole double-throw relays, with 8 inputs and 16 outputs; the 4:8 switch is implemented by 2 double-pole double-throw relays, with 4 inputs and 8 outputs; the 2:4 switch is implemented by 1 double-pole double-throw relay, with 2 inputs and 4 outputs; the 1:2 switch is implemented by 1 single-pole double-throw relay, with 1 input and 2 outputs.

[0045] In other optional specific implementation manners, the switch switching array may include a plurality of single-pole double-throw controllable switches and a plurality of double-pole double-throw controllable switches, or may only include single-pole double-throw switches. Similarly, since the consistency of the ultrasonic transducer array needs to be tested, no matter what type of switches the switch switching array is composed of, the consistency between each output should be good to avoid misjudgment.

[0046] In some optional specific implementation manners, the host computer determines the target element to be detected currently according to a preset primitive test sequence, generates a controllable switch control signal corresponding to the target element, and the controllable switch control signal is used to control the closing of the controllable switch on the connection path between the input end of the switch switching array and the target element.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention, the switch switching array is used to switch the connection between the ultrasonic transducer array (acoustic head) and the impedance detection device, and ensure a single connection between the element to be measured and the impedance detection device. The host computer (specifically, the software deployed thereon) generates a corresponding control signal each time according to a preset element serial number and sends it to the switch switching array through USB. The switch switching array executes the received control signal, switches the states of relevant controllable switches, and realizes the connection between the corresponding element and the impedance detection device. Specifically, the primitive test sequence of each type of ultrasonic transducer array can be preset in the host computer, so the primitive test sequence can be determined by selecting the corresponding type when detecting the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0048] In some optional specific implementation manners, the impedance detection device is a network analyzer or an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer can directly detect the admittance data of the element, and the admittance data includes conductance (G, real part) and susceptance (B, imaginary part). The network analyzer measures the reflection coefficient (S11) data and then obtains the admittance data through formula conversion, where S11 is a complex number composed of a real part and an imaginary part.

[0049] In some optional specific implementation manners, the network analyzer sets the scanning range and sweep frequency accuracy according to the expected frequency response characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer array, detects the element according to the set scanning range and sweep frequency accuracy, obtains the corresponding reflection coefficient data, and the impedance data of the element can be inversely calculated through the reflection coefficient data.

[0050] In some optional specific embodiments, the host computer is configured to analyze impedance data of each element of the ultrasonic transducer array to obtain at least one of the following electrical performance parameters:

[0051] The spectral bandwidth corresponding to each element;

[0052] The resonant frequency of each element;

[0053] The capacitance value of each element;

[0054] The sensitivity corresponding to each frequency point of each element.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present invention, the host computer acquires and stores the impedance data detected by the impedance detection device, and analyzes various electrical performance parameters of the elements based on the impedance data.

[0056] Specifically, if the impedance detection device is a network analyzer and the network analyzer detects the reflection coefficient (S11) data of each frequency point, the host computer can use the calculation formula: (1 + S11) / (1 - S11) / 50 to calculate the admittance data of each frequency point of the element. The admittance data of each frequency point consists of real part data and imaginary part data. The real part data is G, and the imaginary part data is B. A curve can be drawn for G or B at each frequency point to facilitate quick and vivid display. Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the main test interface of the host computer is shown. Among them, TestResult is the test result, Status represents the test status (pass, fail, not tested), Element represents the element number, C0 (pF) is the static capacitance, M0 is the maximum sensitivity, Fs represents the optimal frequency point, Gmax represents the maximum value of admittance G, Fg represents the frequency point when the admittance G reaches the maximum value, BW6 is the -6dB bandwidth, Array Type represents the acoustic head model, and SN represents the serial number. Figure 3 The reflection coefficient (S11) data curve of an element is shown in the upper right, and the GB curve of the same element is shown in the lower right.

[0057] After drawing the G curve and B curve based on the admittance data, the maximum value (Gpeak) in the G curve and the corresponding frequency (Fgpeak) can be found, that is, the resonant frequency is obtained. Near the resonant frequency, the amplitude of the admittance reaches the peak. The spectral bandwidth corresponds to the frequency range where the admittance amplitude is higher than a specific threshold. For example, the upper and lower limit frequencies f low and f high are determined with a threshold of -6dB (amplitude drops by 50%) or -3dB (amplitude drops by 30%). The bandwidth BW calculation formula is: BW = f high - f low .

[0058] Regarding the capacitance value of each element, it can be calculated based on the B curve. The calculation formula is B / (2*PI*freq), where PI is π and freq is the angular frequency. In the non-resonant frequency region (far from the resonance point), the influence of the dynamic impedance can be ignored, and the admittance is mainly dominated by the static capacitance (C0). Generally, the static capacitance of the element is taken as the electrical performance parameter of the element. The capacitance value at the lowest frequency point of the frequency sweep can be used as the static capacitance.

[0059] Regarding the sensitivity corresponding to each frequency point of each element, the corresponding curve of the sensitivity of the ultrasonic transducer and the frequency can be calculated through the formula: 20*LOG(1-ABS(S11)) (where ABS(S11) is the magnitude of the reflection coefficient, usually between 0 and 1). Based on this, the frequency point (Fs) with the maximum sensitivity (M0), the two frequency points (F1 and F2) of the -6dB bandwidth, and the BW6 percentage (2*(F2 - F1) / (F2 + F1)) can be calculated.

[0060] Figure 4 The schematic curve diagram shows multiple electrical performance parameters (such as the static capacitance (C0), the maximum sensitivity (M0), the maximum value (Gpeak) in the G curve, and the corresponding frequency (Fgpeak), etc.) of one element. Figure 4 The average values of each parameter are shown below.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, the host computer is further configured to count the differences between the electrical performance parameters of each element. Specifically, it includes the differences between the spectral bandwidths corresponding to each element, the differences between the resonance frequencies of each element, the differences between the capacitance values of each element, and the differences between the sensitivities corresponding to each frequency point of each element.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the host computer is further configured to count the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and / or variance of the electrical performance parameters of each element.

[0063] In some specific embodiments, the host computer is further configured to determine the quality of the ultrasonic transducer based on the electrical performance parameters of each element. Specifically, the limit ranges of each electrical performance parameter can be preset in advance, and then it is determined whether the ultrasonic transducer array is a good product or a defective product based on the set limit ranges.

[0064] The data obtained by manually measuring each element of the ultrasonic transducer array cannot be automatically summarized or saved in real time. However, the ultrasonic transducer array detection system provided by the embodiments of the present invention realizes the real-time saving and automatic summarization of impedance data through the host computer, and can also analyze and obtain electrical performance parameters such as the spectral bandwidth, resonance frequency, capacitance value, and sensitivity corresponding to each element, as well as the differences between the electrical performance parameters of each element, count the fluctuations of the electrical performance of each element, and can display graphics such as the spectral shape.

[0065] After the completion of each process in the production process of the ultrasonic transducer array, the ultrasonic transducer array detection system provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be used to detect the ultrasonic transducer array during the preparation process, which can not only timely judge whether the performance of the ultrasonic transducer array deviates during the production process, but also compare the changes brought by each process.

[0066] In the embodiments of the present invention, the impedance data of each element of the sensor array (acoustic head) is automatically measured by a network analyzer, the elements of the sensor array (acoustic head) are automatically switched by the host computer software, and the impedance data of each element is collected and saved, and various electrical performance parameters of each element of the sensor array (acoustic head) are analyzed, and a complete report is formed by statistical summary. Figure 5 An example of an element test report is shown, where the VSWR Curve is the voltage standing wave ratio curve and the BG Curve is the admittance curve. Figure 6 An example of an acoustic head test report is shown.

[0067] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transducer array detection system, characterized in that, The ultrasonic transducer array detection system includes: a host computer, an impedance detection device, and a switch switching array; The host computer is respectively connected to the impedance detection device and the switch switching array; The switch switching array has one input and multiple outputs. The input end of the switch switching array is connected to the impedance detection device, and each output end of the switch switching array is respectively connected to an element of the ultrasonic transducer array; the switch switching array is used to receive the control signal of the host computer and sequentially control one of its outputs to conduct with the input according to the control signal, so that the impedance detection device is sequentially conducted with each element of the ultrasonic transducer array and impedance data detection is performed; The impedance detection device is used to send the impedance data of each of the detected elements to the host computer.

2. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 1, wherein, The switch switching array includes a single-pole double-throw controllable switch and multiple double-pole double-throw controllable switches, and the controlled ends of each controllable switch are all connected to the host computer.

3. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 2, wherein The moving end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch serves as the input end of the switch switching array. The fixed end of the single-pole double-throw controllable switch is respectively connected to the moving end of a double-pole double-throw controllable switch, and the fixed ends of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches are also sequentially connected in series with one or more of the double-pole double-throw controllable switches.

4. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The host computer determines the target element to be detected currently according to the preset element test sequence, generates a controllable switch control signal corresponding to the target element, and the controllable switch control signal is used to control the closure of the controllable switch on the connection path between the input end of the switch switching array and the target element.

5. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that The impedance detection device is a network analyzer or an impedance analyzer.

6. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 5, wherein The network analyzer sets the scanning range and sweep frequency accuracy according to the expected frequency response characteristics of the ultrasonic transducer array, detects the elements according to the set scanning range and sweep frequency accuracy, obtains the corresponding reflection coefficient data, and the impedance data of the elements can be inversely calculated through the reflection coefficient data.

7. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 1, wherein The host computer is used to analyze at least one of the following electrical performance parameters based on the impedance data of each element of the ultrasonic transducer array: The spectral bandwidth corresponding to each element; The resonance frequency of each element; The capacitance value of each element; The sensitivity corresponding to each frequency point of each element.

8. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The host computer is also used to count the differences between the electrical performance parameters of each element.

9. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 7, wherein The host computer is also used to count the average value, maximum value, minimum value, and / or variance of the electrical performance parameters of each element.

10. The ultrasonic transducer array detection system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that, The host computer is also used to determine the quality of the ultrasonic transducer based on the electrical performance parameters of each element.

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