Ultrasound Endoscope Impedance Matching Cable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound observation apparatuses face challenges in efficiently matching electric impedance between transducers and driving apparatuses, leading to suboptimal signal transmission and resolution in ultrasound imaging.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a cable with a core wire and insulating layer that varies in thickness or material quality to function as a matching section, and includes matching circuits with capacitors or inductors in the wiring section, with these circuits positioned differently relative to each transducer to optimize impedance matching across the transducer array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If matching circuits are provided for each transducer to improve impedance matching, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The matching circuit is segmented into two functional parts: fixed matching circuits integrated with each transducer element, and a variable matching section implemented through digitally controllable switches (e.g., MEMS switches or transistor-based switches) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise impedance matching for each transducer while maintaining overall system manageability through digital control.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching circuit incorporates dynamically switchable components that can change their electrical characteristics based on operational requirements. The variable matching section uses electronically controlled switches to adjust the impedance matching parameters in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to different transducers and operating conditions without requiring complete redesign of the matching network.
2Measurement precision
If the array surface is configured on a curved surface to reduce inter-center distance, then imaging resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly adopts a curved surface (cylindrical or spherical) for the array surface instead of a flat surface. This curvature allows transducer elements to be arranged in a compact geometry that reduces the inter-center distance between adjacent elements, thereby improving the angular resolution and imaging quality of the ultrasound system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustable parameters in the curved surface geometry, including the radius of curvature and the specific arrangement pattern of transducer elements. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves the desired balance between reduced inter-center distance (improved resolution) and manufacturability, accommodating variations in fabrication precision.
3Reliability
If the insulating layer thickness is varied to match impedance, then impedance matching is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is designed with spatially varying thickness, where different regions of the cable have different insulating layer thicknesses tailored to achieve impedance matching at specific locations. This local variation in quality (thickness) allows precise control of the electrical characteristics of the cable to match the impedance of individual transducers or transducer groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure employs composite construction with multiple layers including conductor, insulating layer, and shielding layer. By varying the thickness and material properties of the insulating layer within this composite structure, the system achieves impedance matching while maintaining overall cable integrity and manufacturability through standardized composite cable fabrication techniques.
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 the inter-center distance of transducers, improves signal transmission efficiency, and enhances imaging resolution and sensitivity by ensuring equal impedance matching between all transducers and the driving apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the cable functions as a matching section that matches electric impedance of each of the transducers between the plurality of transducers and the driving apparatus
Implementation Method 2
provided with an electric circuit including a capacitor or an inductor
Implementation Method 3
provided with an electric circuit including a capacitor or an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound endoscope, having a cable for connecting the ultrasound endoscope to a driving apparatus, includes an insertion section insertable into a subject, a plurality of transducers provided at a distal end portion, an electrode formed in each of the transducers, a wiring section connected to the electrode to electrically connect the electrode and the cable, and matching circuits, at least one of which is provided at an end of or partway in each of the wiring section. The electrode, the wiring section, and the matching circuits are provided in each of the plurality of transducers. The cable includes a core wire and an insulating layer enwrapping the core wire and functions as a matching section that matches electric impedance of each of the transducers between the plurality of transducers and the driving apparatus by varying a thickness or quality of material of the insulating layer.