CMUT Array with Per-Pixel Switches for Integrated Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging and therapy systems require separate systems, leading to increased time in diagnosis and treatment due to lack of real-time spatial and anatomical information, and existing combined systems face issues with complexity and excessive power dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A transducer configuration using capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) with per-pixel switches that allow for both imaging and therapy modes, where on-chip electronics handle imaging and off-chip pulsers provide high voltages for therapy, reducing power dissipation and enabling simultaneous imaging and therapy capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a composite imaging array with dedicated imaging and therapy parts is used, then both imaging and therapy capabilities are provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single transducer array that can operate in both imaging and therapy modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated arrays. The same physical transducer elements are used for both purposes by switching their operational mode, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the operational mode of transducer elements between imaging and therapy functions. The per-pixel switches enable individual or grouped transducer elements to be reconfigured on-demand, allowing the system to adapt its functionality rather than requiring fixed dedicated structures for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full monolithic integration of transducer array and electronics is employed, then both imaging and therapy are provided in a single system, but on-chip power dissipation becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic control architecture into on-chip low-voltage imaging electronics and off-chip high-voltage therapy pulsers. The imaging electronics remain integrated on the chip for low-power operation, while therapy pulsers are placed off-chip to handle high-voltage requirements, thus maintaining integration benefits while avoiding excessive on-chip power dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
Per-pixel switches act as intermediary components that connect transducer elements to either on-chip imaging electronics or off-chip therapy pulsers. These switches enable seamless mode switching and serve as the interface between the low-power integrated imaging system and the high-power external therapy system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If piezoelectric transducers are used for therapy, then therapeutic application is achieved, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the transducer system by using CMUTs instead of piezoelectric transducers. CMUTs operate with different electrical and mechanical characteristics that result in significantly lower heat generation during therapy operation, while still achieving the required therapeutic ultrasound output.
4Measurement precision
If high-frequency transducers (5-15 MHz) are used for imaging, then imaging resolution is improved, but penetration performance for therapy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational frequency and mode of transducer elements based on the required function. For imaging, high-frequency operation (5-15 MHz) provides superior resolution. For therapy, the same transducer elements can be operated at lower frequencies or with different excitation patterns to achieve adequate penetration depth, with the system adapting its parameters in real-time.
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 approach allows for efficient and simultaneous ultrasound imaging and therapy, reducing uncertainties in treatment and improving diagnosis and treatment speed by using the same transducer array for both modalities, with reduced power dissipation and increased imaging resolution.
Implementation Method 1
it is important that the transducer elements be capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUTs), as opposed to piezoelectric transducers
Implementation Method 2
One way to compensate for the low Q is to use series inductors and tune them to achieve as high a Q possible
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasound imaging and therapy with the same array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided. The electronics includes a per-pixel switch for each transducer element. The switches provide an imaging mode driven completely by on-chip electronics and a therapy mode where off-chip pulsers provide relatively high voltages to the transducer elements.