Ultrasonic probe driving device and ultrasonic system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of ultrasonic detection devices, and discloses an ultrasonic probe driving device and an ultrasonic system.The ultrasonic probe driving device comprises a signal conversion unit, a power amplification unit and a feedback unit, command signals are input into the first input end of the signal conversion unit, and the output end of the signal conversion unit is connected with the input end of the power amplification unit; the output end of the power amplification unit is connected with the input end of the feedback unit; the output end of the feedback unit is connected with the second input end of the signal conversion unit; and the signal conversion unit, the power amplification unit and the feedback unit are packaged in a control box. The matching degree of the driving device and the ultrasonic probe in the ultrasonic system can be improved, the debugging process during installation of the ultrasonic system is simplified, and the application range of the ultrasonic probe driving device is widened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic testing device technology, specifically to an ultrasonic probe driving device and an ultrasonic system. Background Technology

[0002] Focused ultrasound (FUS) is often a key component in large medical devices and cannot operate independently of the system. This field primarily revolves around ultrasound transducers (i.e., power probes) or power amplifiers. However, the size and usage limitations of these FUS systems are complex, and power probes and amplifiers require strict matching before use. Because transducer and amplifier manufacturers do not fully understand the medical industry, and their understanding of a system may differ, it is difficult for users to build a stable FUS system. Furthermore, since different electronic components cannot be perfectly matched, the matching between different power probes and power amplifiers is imperfect. The actual power output from the power amplifier to the power probe is often lower than the user's expected power, leading to inconvenience and errors. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an ultrasonic probe driving device and an ultrasonic system to solve the problem of poor matching between the driving part and the probe part of the ultrasonic system.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an ultrasonic probe driving device, comprising: a signal conversion unit, a power amplification unit, and a feedback unit. The signal conversion unit receives a command signal at its first input terminal, and its output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the power amplification unit. The signal conversion unit generates a control signal based on the command signal, wherein the command signal includes a preset power. The power amplification unit's output terminal is connected to the input terminal of the feedback unit, and the power amplification unit amplifies the control signal and outputs a driving signal. The feedback unit's output terminal is connected to the second input terminal of the signal conversion unit. When the output terminal of the power amplification unit is connected to the ultrasonic probe, the feedback unit feeds back the output power of the power amplification unit to the signal conversion unit, and the signal conversion unit adjusts the control signal based on the output power to make the output power the same as the preset power. The signal conversion unit, power amplification unit, and feedback unit are encapsulated in a control box.

[0005] The ultrasonic probe drive device provided by this utility model has a preset power that is the power when the ultrasonic probe is working stably. When the ultrasonic probe drive device is connected to the ultrasonic probe, the signal conversion unit can dynamically adjust the control signal according to the output power of the power amplification unit, thereby adjusting the output power to be the same as the preset power, so that the ultrasonic probe works in the optimal state. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe drive device is packaged in a control box as a whole. When it is necessary to connect to different ultrasonic probes, the ultrasonic probe can be used immediately, simplifying the installation and debugging process and improving portability and ease of use.

[0006] In one optional embodiment, the signal conversion unit includes a control unit and a signal generator, wherein a first input terminal of the control unit receives a command signal, a second input terminal of the control unit is connected to the output terminal of the feedback unit, and the output terminal of the control unit is connected to the input terminal of the signal generator. The control unit is used to generate control parameters based on the command signal and adjust the control parameters based on the output power. The output terminal of the signal generator is connected to the input terminal of the power amplification unit, and the signal generator is used to output a control signal based on the control parameters.

[0007] In one alternative implementation, the signal generator includes a waveform generator with an output frequency of 500k to 5MHz.

[0008] The ultrasonic probe driving device provided by this utility model can realize wideband signal output and improve the applicability of the ultrasonic probe driving device.

[0009] In one alternative implementation, the power amplification unit includes either a half-bridge amplifier circuit or a full-bridge amplifier circuit.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the feedback unit includes a current sampling circuit and a voltage sampling circuit, wherein the input terminals of the current sampling circuit and the voltage sampling circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the power amplification unit, and the output terminals of the current sampling circuit and the voltage sampling circuit are both connected to the second input terminal of the signal conversion unit.

[0011] Secondly, this utility model provides an ultrasonic system, including: an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic probe driving device according to the first aspect or any corresponding embodiment, wherein the ultrasonic probe includes a matching unit and a power probe, the input end of the matching unit is connected to the input end of the power amplification unit, the output end of the matching unit is connected to the control end of the power probe, and the matching unit is used to convert the impedance of the control end of the power probe into a pure impedance.

[0012] The ultrasonic system provided by this invention features an independent ultrasonic probe driver unit. This unit can automatically adjust its internal control signal based on the output power, ensuring the output power matches the preset power. This facilitates compatibility with various ultrasonic probes with different rated power, allowing probes of different specifications to operate at their optimal state. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe driver unit is encapsulated as a single unit within a control box. When connecting to different ultrasonic probes, the probes can be used immediately, simplifying installation and debugging, and improving portability and ease of use.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the ultrasound system further includes a host computer, wherein the host computer is connected to a first input terminal of the signal conversion unit, and the host computer is used to output command signals.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the host computer is wirelessly connected to the first input of the signal conversion unit via Bluetooth.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, the host computer is wired to the first input terminal of the signal conversion unit via an optical fiber. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a component diagram of an ultrasonic probe driving device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a component diagram of a signal conversion unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a component diagram of a feedback unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a component diagram of an ultrasonic system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] This embodiment provides an ultrasonic probe driving device 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a signal conversion unit 11, a power amplification unit 12, and a feedback unit 13.

[0026] Figure 1 In the signal conversion unit 11, a command signal is input to the first input terminal, and the output terminal of the signal conversion unit 11 is connected to the input terminal of the power amplification unit 12. The signal conversion unit 11 is used to generate a control signal based on the command signal, wherein the command signal includes a preset power.

[0027] Specifically, Figure 1In the process, the command signal may include preset parameters such as the rated power, rated voltage, rated current, rated frequency, and working time of the ultrasonic probe to be connected. The signal conversion unit 11 is used to convert the preset parameters into control signals with a certain amplitude and frequency.

[0028] Figure 1 In this circuit, the output terminal of the power amplifier unit 12 is connected to the input terminal of the feedback unit 13. The power amplifier unit 12 is used to amplify the control signal and output the drive signal.

[0029] Specifically, Figure 1 In this system, the amplification factor of the power amplifier unit is usually a fixed value, which can be changed by adjusting the specific circuit design. The power amplifier unit is used to convert control signals into drive signals for output to the ultrasonic probe.

[0030] Figure 1 In the control box, the output terminal of the feedback unit 13 is connected to the second input terminal of the signal conversion unit 11; the signal conversion unit 11, the power amplification unit 12 and the feedback unit 13 are encapsulated in the control box.

[0031] Specifically, Figure 1 When the output of the power amplifier unit 12 is connected to the ultrasonic probe, the ultrasonic probe will experience temperature drift during operation. This change in the internal resistance of the ultrasonic probe affects the voltage division ratio with the power amplifier unit 12, thus affecting the output voltage of the power amplifier unit 12. Consequently, the output power of the power amplifier unit 12 may not reach the rated power of the ultrasonic probe. Therefore, when the output of the power amplifier unit 12 is connected to the ultrasonic probe, the feedback unit 13 sends the current and voltage signals from the output of the power amplifier unit to the signal conversion unit 11 in real time. This allows the signal conversion unit 11 to calculate the output power of the power amplifier unit 12 and adjust the control signal synchronously based on the output power and the command signal until the output power of the power amplifier unit 12 matches the preset power in the command signal. Only then can the ultrasonic probe operate normally at the preset power.

[0032] Specifically, Figure 1 In this design, the ultrasonic probe drive unit 1 is encapsulated as a whole in the control box, which improves portability and enables the ultrasonic probe to be plug-and-play, reducing the difficulty of installing the ultrasonic probe.

[0033] The ultrasonic probe drive device provided in this embodiment has a preset power that is the power when the ultrasonic probe is working stably. When the ultrasonic probe drive device is connected to the ultrasonic probe, the signal conversion unit can dynamically adjust the control signal according to the output power of the power amplification unit, thereby adjusting the output power to be the same as the preset power, so that the ultrasonic probe works in the optimal state. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe drive device is packaged as a whole in the control box. When it needs to be connected to different ultrasonic probes, the ultrasonic probe can be used immediately, simplifying the installation and debugging process and improving portability and ease of use.

[0034] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the signal conversion unit 11 includes a control unit 111 and a signal generator 112. The first input terminal of the control unit 111 receives a command signal, the second input terminal of the control unit 111 is connected to the output terminal of the feedback unit 13, the output terminal of the control unit 111 is connected to the input terminal of the signal generator 112, and the output terminal of the signal generator 112 is connected to the input terminal of the power amplifier unit 12.

[0035] Specifically, Figure 2 In this circuit, control unit 111 generates control parameters based on command signals. These control parameters can be parameters such as frequency, power, and time. It also receives current and voltage signals from the output of power amplifier unit 12 sent by feedback unit 13 to calculate the output power of power amplifier unit 12. When control unit 111 determines that the output power is greater than the preset power in the command signal, it lowers the relevant control parameters to reduce the output amplitude. When control unit 111 determines that the output power is less than the preset power in the command signal, it raises the relevant control parameters to increase the output amplitude. These relevant control parameters can be voltage, current, frequency, power, etc., until the output power is determined to be equal to the preset power in the command signal. Signal generator 112 outputs control signals based on the control parameters.

[0036] Optionally, Figure 2 In this device, the signal generator 112 can be a waveform generator, which can output a wideband signal with a frequency of 500k to 5MHz, thereby improving the applicability of the ultrasonic probe drive device.

[0037] It should be noted that the control unit incorporates existing mature power calculation, comparison and judgment, and parameter adjustment control methods. Those skilled in the art can program the control unit according to existing mature parameter adjustment control programs and combine them with actual needs to adjust the control signal adjustment logic. That is, this embodiment only protects the structure of the signal conversion unit and does not protect the internal adjustment logic of the signal conversion unit.

[0038] Optionally, the power amplification unit 12 includes either a half-bridge amplifier circuit or a full-bridge amplifier circuit.

[0039] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 3 As shown, the feedback unit 13 includes a current sampling circuit 131 and a voltage sampling circuit 132. The input terminals of the current sampling circuit 131 and the voltage sampling circuit 132 are both connected to the output terminal of the power amplifier unit 12, and the output terminals of the current sampling circuit 131 and the voltage sampling circuit 132 are both connected to the second input terminal of the signal conversion unit 11.

[0040] Specifically, Figure 3 In this process, when the control terminal of the ultrasonic probe is connected to the output terminal of the power amplification unit 12, the signal conversion unit 11 acquires the preset power in the command signal, which is the rated power of the ultrasonic probe. The signal conversion unit 11 acquires the current input to the control terminal of the ultrasonic probe in real time through the current sampling circuit 131 and the voltage of the control terminal of the ultrasonic probe in real time through the voltage sampling circuit 132, and then calculates the input power of the ultrasonic probe, that is, the output power of the power amplification unit 12.

[0041] This embodiment provides an ultrasound system, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes: an ultrasonic probe 2 and an ultrasonic probe driving device 1 of the above embodiment or any corresponding embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 2 includes a matching unit 21 and a power probe 22. The input terminal of the matching unit 21 is connected to the input terminal of the power amplification unit 12, and the output terminal of the matching unit 21 is connected to the control terminal of the power probe 22. The matching unit 21 is used to convert the impedance of the control terminal of the power probe 22 into a pure impedance.

[0042] Specifically, Figure 4 In this system, the power probe 22 can be a power-focused ultrasound probe of any shape or frequency. The matching box is a two-terminal network that can match the impedance measured at the control end of the power probe to a purely resistive impedance of 50 ohms. When ultrasound probes 2 of different specifications are connected to the ultrasound probe drive device 1, the internal resistance of the power probes 22 of different specifications is different, or the temperature drift generated when the power probe 22 is working continuously causes the internal resistance to change, which changes the voltage division between the ultrasound probe 2 and the power amplification unit 12, and consequently causes changes in the current and voltage at the input end of the matching unit 21. In order to keep the ultrasound probe 2 in the optimal working state, the output power of the power amplification unit 12 should be the same as the rated power of the ultrasound probe 2.

[0043] therefore, Figure 4The signal conversion unit 11 obtains the output current and output voltage of the power amplifier unit 12 in real time through the feedback unit 13, calculates the real-time output power of the power amplifier unit 12, compares it with the preset power, and adjusts the amplitude, frequency, and other parameters of the waveform of the control signal input to the power amplifier unit 12, thereby changing the output current and output voltage of the power amplifier unit 12. For example, when the signal conversion unit 11 determines that the output power is greater than the preset power, it controls the amplitude, frequency, and other parameters of the waveform of the control signal input to the power amplifier unit 12 to decrease, thereby reducing the output voltage and output current of the power amplifier unit 12; when the signal conversion unit 11 determines that the output power is less than the preset power, it controls the amplitude, frequency, and other parameters of the waveform of the control signal input to the power amplifier unit 12 to increase, thereby increasing the output voltage and output current of the power amplifier unit 12. When the signal conversion unit 11 determines that the output power is equal to the preset power, it maintains the existing control signal output, thereby ensuring that the input power of the ultrasonic probe 2 is consistent with the rated power, maintaining the optimal working state.

[0044] The ultrasonic system provided in this embodiment features an independent ultrasonic probe driver unit. This unit can automatically adjust its internal control signal based on the output power, ensuring the output power matches the preset power. This facilitates compatibility with various ultrasonic probes with different rated power, allowing probes of different specifications to operate at their optimal state. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe driver unit is encapsulated as a single unit within a control box. When connecting to different ultrasonic probes, the probes can be used plug-and-play, simplifying installation and debugging, and improving portability and ease of use.

[0045] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the ultrasound system also includes a host computer 3, which is connected to the first input terminal of the signal conversion unit 11 and is used to output command signals.

[0046] Specifically, the host computer 3 integrates existing software that can be installed on any Windows system. The operator can pre-store the working parameters (such as frequency, power, time, etc.) of the ultrasound probe to be connected into the host computer 3. After receiving the command, the software in the host computer 3 sends the command signal to the signal conversion unit 11 according to the preset working parameters.

[0047] Optionally, Figure 4 In the process, the host computer 3 is connected to the first input terminal of the signal conversion unit 11 via wireless LAN, Bluetooth or other wireless connection methods, or it can be wired to the first input terminal of the signal conversion unit 11 via optical fiber or other signal lines.

[0048] It should be noted that the host computer has a built-in control method based on the mature ultrasonic drive control program in the existing technology. Those skilled in the art can program the host computer according to the mature ultrasonic drive control program in the existing technology and in combination with actual needs. The working logic of the ultrasonic drive control program, that is, this embodiment only protects the structure of the ultrasonic system and does not protect the internal control logic of the host computer.

[0049] Although 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 all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic probe driving device, characterized in that, The device comprises a signal conversion unit, a power amplification unit and a feedback unit, wherein, a first input end of the signal conversion unit inputs an instruction signal, an output end of the signal conversion unit is connected with an input end of the power amplification unit, and the signal conversion unit is configured to generate a control signal based on the instruction signal, wherein the instruction signal comprises a preset power; an output end of the power amplification unit is connected with an input end of the feedback unit, and the power amplification unit is configured to output a driving signal after amplifying the control signal; an output end of the feedback unit is connected with a second input end of the signal conversion unit; when the output end of the power amplification unit is connected with an ultrasonic probe, the feedback unit feeds back an output power of the power amplification unit to the signal conversion unit, and the signal conversion unit adjusts the control signal based on the output power, so that the output power is the same as the preset power; the signal conversion unit, the power amplification unit and the feedback unit are packaged in a control box. The signal conversion unit comprises a control unit and a signal generator, wherein, 2. The ultrasonic probe drive device according to claim 1, characterized by a first input end of the control unit inputs an instruction signal, a second input end of the control unit is connected with an output end of the feedback unit, an output end of the control unit is connected with an input end of the signal generator, the control unit is configured to generate a control parameter based on the instruction signal and adjust the control parameter based on the output power; and an output end of the signal generator is connected with an input end of the power amplification unit, and the signal generator is configured to output a control signal based on the control parameter.

3. The ultrasonic probe driving device according to claim 2, wherein, the signal generator comprises a waveform generator, and an output frequency of the waveform generator is 500k-5MHz.

4. The ultrasonic probe driving device according to claim 1, wherein, the power amplification unit comprises any one of a half-bridge amplification circuit and a full-bridge amplification circuit. The feedback unit comprises a current sampling circuit and a voltage sampling circuit, wherein, 5. The ultrasonic probe drive apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by input ends of the current sampling circuit and the voltage sampling circuit are both connected with an output end of the power amplification unit, and output ends of the current sampling circuit and the voltage sampling circuit are both connected with a second input end of the signal conversion unit. The device comprises an ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic probe driving device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, 6. An ultrasound system characterized by, the ultrasonic probe comprises a matching unit and a power probe, an input end of the matching unit is connected with an input end of the power amplification unit, an output end of the matching unit is connected with a control end of the power probe, and the matching unit is configured to convert an impedance of the control end of the power probe into a pure impedance. The device further comprises a host computer, wherein the host computer is connected with the first input end of the signal conversion unit, and the host computer is configured to output an instruction signal.

8. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, wherein, 7. The ultrasound system of claim 6, wherein, the host computer is wirelessly connected with the first input end of the signal conversion unit through Bluetooth.

9. The ultrasonic system according to claim 7, wherein, ​ ​ ​ The upper computer is connected with the first input end of the signal conversion unit through optical fiber.

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