Delta-Sigma Beamformer with Freeze Control for Ultrasound Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound probe cables with large numbers of transducer elements face challenges due to the need for numerous separate leads, leading to increased cost, bulkiness, and noise issues with non-uniform sampling in delta-sigma modulators during delay-expansion periods.
Innovation Solution
A delta-sigma beamformer system that includes delta-sigma modules with comb filters and accumulators, which perform analog-to-digital conversion and partial beamforming within the probe, reducing the number of channels needed and minimizing noise by integrating signals during non-delay-expansion periods and outputting zeros during delay-expansion periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If analog-to-digital conversion and partial beamforming are performed within the probe using delta-sigma modulators, then the number of channels required to transfer signals is reduced, but noise is generated during delay-expansion periods due to non-uniform sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing analog-to-digital conversion and partial beamforming within the probe before signal transmission, thereby reducing the number of channels required for data transfer from the probe to the system side
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of non-uniform sampling during delay-expansion periods into a beneficial solution by implementing a freeze mechanism that freezes the delay values during these periods, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining the advantages of reduced channel count
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional techniques with delta-sigma modulators are used, then high sampling frequency and low power consumption are achieved, but high levels of noise are produced during delay-expansion periods
Solution Approach 1:
The freeze mechanism is activated in advance during delay-expansion periods to prevent non-uniform sampling, thereby eliminating noise generation while maintaining the low power consumption advantage of delta-sigma modulators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of noise generation during delay-expansion periods into a beneficial outcome by using the freeze mechanism to freeze delay values, thereby maintaining low power consumption without producing noise
Data Source
AI summary
A delta-sigma beamformer includes a beamsummer and a plurality of delta-sigma modules. Each of the delta sigma modules includes a delta-sigma modulator configured to receive analog ultrasound signals from one or more transducer elements and output a delay line including a plurality of samples based on the analog ultrasound signals. Each delta-sigma modulator includes a comb filter connected to the delta-sigma modulator and configured to output a difference between two of the plurality of samples in the delay line. Each delta-sigma modulator includes an accumulator module. Each accumulator module includes an accumulator connected to the comb filter. Each accumulator module is configured to integrate signals received from the comb filter during a non-delay-expansion period and transmit the integrated signals to the beamsummer during the non-delay-expansion period. Each accumulator module is configured to output a zero to the beamsummer during a delay-expansion period.