Active Diode Block for Ultrasonic Channel Charge Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic scanning systems face issues with charge injection phenomena at switch-on/switch-off of blocks in the ultrasonic channel, leading to artefacts in image processing, voltage drop, signal attenuation, and distortion, particularly when using linear drivers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an active diode block that can switch between a resistive state during transmit and receive phases, effectively masking spurious signals and reducing distortion, and using low-voltage components with low consumption to minimize glitches and harmonic distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional switching blocks are used in the ultrasonic channel, then the system can operate with standard components, but charge injection phenomena occur at switch-on/switch-off causing artefacts in image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an active diode block as an intermediary component between the switching blocks and the signal path. This diode block acts as a mediator that masks spurious signals and prevents charge injection artefacts from reaching the signal processing path, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while allowing the switching blocks to function normally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful switching transients and charge injection effects into beneficial masking action. By using the active diode block, the spurious signals generated during switching are redirected and masked, transforming what would be harmful artefacts into a controlled signal that protects the main signal path from contamination.
2Power
If linear drivers are used for ultrasonic transmission, then sufficient drive capability is achieved, but voltage drop and signal distortion occur during transmit and receive phases
Solution Approach 1:
The active diode block serves as an intermediary that separates the high-power drive path from the sensitive signal reception path. During transmit phase, it masks voltage drop phenomena; during receive phase, it prevents distortion by blocking reverse leakage currents, thereby maintaining signal fidelity while allowing linear drivers to provide sufficient power.
3Power
If high-voltage components are used to ensure adequate drive level, then transmission power is sufficient, but consumption increases and glitches are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The active diode block acts as an intermediary that enables the use of lower-voltage components while maintaining adequate transmission power. It masks the effects of voltage drops and reduces glitches, allowing the system to operate with low-voltage components that consume less power while still achieving the required drive level for ultrasonic transmission.
4Adaptability or versatility
If switching blocks are powered up and down frequently for transmit/receive phase transitions, then phase switching is enabled, but charge injection and signal artefacts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The active diode block is positioned as an intermediary that remains in place during phase transitions, providing continuous protection against charge injection. It masks the spurious signals generated when switching blocks are powered up and down, enabling frequent phase transitions without generating artefacts in the received signal.
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 solution significantly reduces and virtually eliminates negative effects during power-up/down of ultrasonic channel blocks, avoids voltage drop and distortion, and maintains low signal consumption, ensuring high-quality signal processing without artefacts.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of an active diode block that can switch between a resistive state during transmit and receive phases, effectively masking spurious signals and reducing distortion
Implementation Method 2
electrically stimulating a transducer (for example an ultrasound generator made of piezoelectric material)
Implementation Method 3
the channel receives the echo of the transmitted wave from the transducer transferring it to the receiver circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for an ultrasonic channel has a first and a second terminal between which extend a resistive and diode signal paths including a pair of diodes with opposing polarities, for example in anti-parallel. Switching circuitry is coupled with the resistive and diode signal paths and is switchable between first and second states. In the first state, the first and the second terminals are coupled with one another via the resistive signal path. In the second state, the first and the second terminals are coupled with one another via the diode signal path. The switching circuitry includes first and second transistor discharge circuits coupled between first and second drive lines and current paths of these transistors, and coupled to control terminals of these transistors. The control terminals are coupled to the first or second drive line and are non-conductive and conductive in first and second operating states, respectively.