Integrated CMUT Probe Circuitry for Local High-Voltage Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMUT devices require high bias voltages, necessitating external wires and large decoupling capacitors, which increase cost and size, complicating safety regulations and hindering miniaturization and cost-effectiveness in ultrasound applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a DC-DC converter and pulser circuit within the ultrasound probe circuitry, generating high voltage pulses and bias voltage locally, using a three-terminal CMUT design to limit high-voltage requirements and eliminate external capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external wires and large decoupling capacitors are used to provide high bias voltage to CMUT devices, then the CMUT devices can operate with required high bias voltage, but the cost and size of the transducer head increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the DC-DC converter, pulser circuit, and CMUT array into a single monolithic structure on one substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate external wires and large decoupling capacitors, directly resolving the contradiction by providing high bias voltage functionality while minimizing transducer head area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated DC-DC converter as an intermediary component that generates the required high bias voltage locally within the transducer head. This mediator eliminates the need for external high voltage sources and large capacitors, solving the contradiction between reliable CMUT operation and reduced transducer head size.
2Reliability
If external wires and large decoupling capacitors are used to provide high bias voltage to CMUT devices, then the CMUT devices can operate with required high bias voltage, but the cost of the transducer head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (DC-DC converter, pulser circuit, CMUT array) into a single integrated structure that can be manufactured as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be sourced, assembled, and tested, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable CMUT operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated DC-DC converter acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for external high voltage components, reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity. This intermediary solution directly addresses the cost issue by providing high bias voltage functionality through integration rather than through expensive external components.
3Reliability
If external wires are used to transfer bias voltage to the transducer array, then the CMUT devices can receive required bias voltage, but safety regulation approval becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the high voltage generation and delivery functions into the integrated circuit substrate itself, eliminating external high voltage wires. This integration simplifies safety regulation compliance by removing the need for complex external high voltage isolation and wiring arrangements, while still delivering reliable bias voltage to the CMUT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated DC-DC converter serves as an intermediary that generates and delivers high bias voltage internally without requiring external high voltage wiring. This mediator eliminates safety regulation complexities associated with external high voltage connections while ensuring reliable voltage delivery to the CMUT array.
4Reliability
If separate bias voltage generation and transfer components are used, then the required high bias voltage can be provided to CMUT devices, but miniaturization of the ultrasound system is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the DC-DC converter, pulser circuit, and CMUT array into a single compact integrated structure on one substrate. This consolidation eliminates the volume occupied by separate bias voltage generation and transfer components, enabling miniaturization of the ultrasound probe while maintaining reliable high bias voltage provision to the CMUT devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated DC-DC converter acts as a compact intermediary that generates high bias voltage locally within the probe, eliminating the need for external high voltage sources and large capacitors. This mediator enables probe miniaturization by providing all necessary high voltage functionality within the integrated circuit footprint.
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 integration reduces the need for external components, minimizing size and cost, while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and enabling miniaturized, low-cost ultrasound systems.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter for generating a bias voltage for the CMUT cell
Implementation Method 2
ultrasound transmission circuitry including a pulser circuit
Implementation Method 3
capacitive micro-machined ultrasound transducer, CMUT
Implementation Method 4
ultrasound reception circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer, CMUT, device in which integrated probe circuitry includes both the ultrasound transmission and reception circuitry and a DC-DC converter for generating a bias voltage for the CMUT cell. The high voltage pulses of a pulser circuit and a high voltage DC bias voltage are both generated by a single probe circuit, which is local to the CMUT cell.