CMUT 2D Array Electrode Segmentation for Low-Channel 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully-wired 2D arrays of ultrasound transducers for 3D imaging are cost-prohibitive due to large channel counts, and existing CMUT architectures are not amenable to low-channel-count imaging schemes, limiting their efficiency and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A 2D array of CMUTs with top and bottom electrodes connected in orthogonal strips, allowing for N transmit channels and N receive channels, enabling efficient 3D imaging with control electronics managing bias and modulation voltages to generate images using invertible matrix patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fully-wired 2D array of N×N transducers is used for 3D imaging, then complete 3D imaging coverage is achieved, but the channel count increases to N² causing system complexity and cost to increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode connections into two separate orthogonal sets: row electrodes (N elements) and column electrodes (N elements). Instead of fully wiring all N² elements individually, the system divides the 2D array into row and column segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation reduces the channel count from N² to 2N while maintaining the ability to address individual elements through the combination of row and column selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension organization by arranging electrodes in orthogonal directions (rows and columns). By organizing the N² elements in a 2D spatial grid with two independent orthogonal electrode sets, the system transforms the connection topology from a fully-wired N² configuration to a structured N×N grid accessible via 2N channels. This dimensional organization enables efficient addressing schemes that reduce the required channel count.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional CMUT architectures with common ground-plane are used, then fabrication is simplified, but electrical addressing of bottom electrodes is impossible limiting low-channel-count schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ground-plane function from the bottom electrodes, allowing bottom electrodes to be independently addressable rather than serving as a common ground. This segmentation enables both top and bottom electrodes to function as signal electrodes that can be independently controlled and addressed, making the architecture compatible with low-channel-count imaging schemes while maintaining fabrication simplicity through standard CMUT processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes both top and bottom electrodes multi-functional: they can serve as signal electrodes for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals, and they can be independently addressed through the orthogonal electrode strips. This universality allows the same electrode structure to perform multiple functions (signaling in both directions, independent addressing) without requiring additional components or complex fabrication steps.
3Device complexity
If N transmit channels and N receive channels are used with orthogonal electrode strips, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but the architecture must support two-way focusing without mechanical scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronic control of the orthogonal electrode strips. Instead of physically moving transducers or focusing mechanisms, the system uses electronic switching and signal processing to achieve dynamic focusing in both transmit and receive directions. The orthogonal row and column electrode strips can be independently activated and phased to create electronic focus points without any mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focusing capabilities through electronic control of the orthogonal electrode strips. The system can dynamically change focus depth and position by adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals applied to different row and column combinations. This dynamic electronic focusing replaces static mechanical focusing systems and enables real-time adaptation to different imaging depths and targets.
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 configuration reduces system complexity and cost while enabling 3D imaging with improved sensitivity and flexibility, allowing for two-way focusing without mechanical scanning and maintaining patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs), which offer some potential advantages over piezoelectric transducers
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasound imaging using 2D arrays of ultrasonic transducers is useful in obtaining three dimensional images of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ultrasonically imaging an object includes providing a 2D array of bias-sensitive ultrasound transducer elements. Each ultrasound transducer element has first and second electrodes on first and second sides of the ultrasound transducer connected in plural first and second electrode strips. The plural first electrode strips are oriented at an angle to the plural second electrode strips. A biasing pattern is applied to a plurality of the second electrode strips and generating a series of transmit events in one or more first electrode strips. Return pulses are detected by measuring received signals from biased second electrode strips. For the series of transmit events, the second electrode strips are biased according to sequential biasing patterns of voltages that correspond to rows or columns of an invertible matrix. The measured received signals are processed to generate an image of the object.