2-D Array IC Common Current Source Merging for Probe Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of ultrasound probes and their element circuits is hindered by the large number of transducers and drive circuits, leading to increased size and cost of ultrasound diagnostic devices, which is a challenge for achieving high-quality imaging.
Innovation Solution
A 2-D array transducer with a reduced number of common current sources on an IC substrate, where each transducer is driven at different timings with prescribed delay quantities, and each element circuit includes a transmitter, delay control circuit, and receiver connected to a common current source, allowing for efficient drive current supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of transducers is increased to provide high-quality imaging, then image quality is improved, but the size of the 2-D array IC increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple current sources are merged into a single shared current source that serves multiple transducers. The patent configures the 2-D array IC so that transducers share common current sources, reducing the total number of current sources from N (one per transducer) to a smaller number M, thereby decreasing the IC area while maintaining the ability to drive all N transducers for high-quality imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The shared current source is designed to serve multiple functions by providing drive currents to multiple different transducers through switching mechanisms. This universal current source can be dynamically allocated to different transducer groups, allowing one current source to perform the work of multiple dedicated current sources, thus reducing overall IC complexity and size
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of drive circuits is increased to drive more transducers, then transducer coverage is improved, but the number of current sources increases leading to larger IC size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual current sources into shared current sources that can serve multiple drive circuits. By combining the current source functionality, the system maintains the ability to drive all transducers while reducing the total component count and IC complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic allocation of shared current sources to different transducer groups through switching mechanisms. This dynamic approach allows the same current source to be reassigned to different transducers at different times, providing flexible transducer coverage without requiring dedicated current sources for each transducer
3Power
If more current sources are provided for each transducer, then drive current availability is improved, but the size and cost of the ultrasound probe increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple current sources are merged into shared current sources that collectively provide the necessary drive current capacity. The shared current sources are designed with sufficient current capability to serve multiple transducers, eliminating the need for separate current sources while maintaining adequate power delivery for high-quality imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic switching to allocate shared current sources to different transducers based on operational requirements. This dynamic allocation ensures that when a transducer needs drive current, an adequate current source is available, while the same current source can serve other transducers at different times, optimizing power availability without increasing probe size
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasound probe, an element circuit thereof, and an ultrasound diagnostic device, whereby high image quality is possible and reduced size and lower cost are made possible. Provided is an ultrasound probe, comprising: a 2-D array transducer wherein a plurality of transducers are arrayed two-dimensionally; and a 2-D array IC in which are formed, upon an IC substrate, drive circuits which are disposed upon each of the transducers of the 2-D array transducer to drive each of the transducers at different timings with a prescribed delay quantity, and common current sources which supply drive current to the transducers of the 2-D array transducer. The number n of the common current sources which are formed upon the IC substrate is fewer than the number N of the drive circuits which are formed upon the IC substrate.