Acoustic Transducer Array Switching to Reduce ASIC Circuit Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of acoustic transducer elements in an array leads to a corresponding increase in the number of external signal processing circuits, increasing complexity and cost in the application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
Innovation Solution
An acoustic transducer design that incorporates a switch and an acoustic transducer unit within each element, sharing a single control signal line and external signal processing circuit, utilizing MEMS switches to control connection and disconnection, thereby reducing the number of external signal processing circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of acoustic transducer elements is increased, then the ultrasonic testing capability is improved, but the number of external signal processing circuits increases, leading to increased ASIC complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the switch directly into the acoustic transducer element structure, merging the switching function with the transducer unit. This allows multiple transducer elements to share common signal processing circuits through the integrated switches, reducing the overall number of external signal processing circuits and ASIC complexity while maintaining the capability to handle multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch within each transducer element enables a single external signal processing circuit to serve multiple transducer elements by controlling the switch states. This multi-functional approach allows one circuit to handle signals from multiple elements sequentially or in parallel, reducing the total number of circuits needed as the array size increases.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of acoustic transducer elements is increased, then the ultrasonic testing capability is improved, but the cost of the ASIC increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the switch function into the transducer element and enabling shared signal processing circuits, the patent reduces the total component count in the ASIC. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while supporting larger arrays of transducer elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch architecture enables external signal processing circuits to be reused across multiple transducer elements, reducing the number of unique circuit components needed in the ASIC. This universality decreases manufacturing complexity and cost as the transducer array size increases.
3Device complexity
If external signal processing circuits are reduced, then ASIC complexity is decreased, but control signal distribution to multiple elements becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing function by integrating a switch into each transducer element. This segmentation allows independent control of each element through its local switch while sharing common external circuits, simplifying signal distribution as the array size increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch acts as an intermediary between the common external signal processing circuit and the transducer element. It enables efficient signal distribution by selectively connecting elements to shared circuits, maintaining ease of operation while reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively decreases the number of external signal processing circuits, reducing complexity and cost in the ASIC while maintaining communication speed and improving response rates.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing MEMS switches to control connection and disconnection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an acoustic transducer, including: a base substrate and a plurality of acoustic transducer elements located on the base substrate. The acoustic transducer element includes: a switch and an acoustic transducer unit. A first terminal of the switch is electrically connected to a control signal line, and a second terminal of the switch is electrically connected to the acoustic transducer unit located in the same acoustic transducer element as the switch. The switch is configured to control connection and disconnection between the acoustic transducer unit located in the same acoustic transducer element as the switch and the control signal line. An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for manufacturing the acoustic transducer.