Forward-Biased Reverse Diode Pair for MRI RF Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diode circuits in imaging applications, such as MRI, face challenges with RF distortion and susceptibility to breakdown under high voltages, limiting their robustness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a forward-biased reverse diode pair (FB-RDP) that combines the benefits of forward-biased and reverse diode pairs, providing negligible RF distortion, high RF voltage tolerance, and reduced susceptibility to breakdown, while allowing for robust circuit construction using readily available components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an unbiased reverse diode pair is used, then high voltage RF wave tolerance is improved, but RF distortion and resistance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage toleranceVSAvoidRF distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the reverse diode pair from an unbiased state to a forward-biased state using DC current. This parameter change (applying forward bias) fundamentally alters the diode's electrical characteristics, reducing its resistance to RF waves and minimizing distortion while preserving high voltage tolerance capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a forward-biased single diode is used, then RF distortion is reduced and voltage handling is improved, but susceptibility to breakdown when unbiased increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF distortionVSAvoidbreakdown susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using a pair of reverse diodes instead of a single diode. This redundant configuration provides a backup path: when one diode becomes susceptible to breakdown, the other diode in the reverse pair can compensate, preventing circuit failure and enhancing overall reliability while maintaining the benefits of forward biasing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a forward-biased reverse diode pair is implemented, then circuit robustness and voltage tolerance are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit robustnessVSAvoidcircuit construction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a forward-biased reverse diode pair configuration that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides high voltage tolerance, minimizes RF distortion, reduces breakdown susceptibility, and enhances overall circuit robustness. This multi-functional approach justifies the increased complexity by delivering comprehensive performance improvements across multiple critical parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The FB-RDP methodology enhances the robustness of diode circuits, reduces RF distortion, and increases the tolerance to high voltages, leading to improved performance and durability, with demonstrated improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and reduced scan times in MRI applications.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a forward-biased reverse diode pair (FB-RDP) which has negligible RF distortion, very high RF voltage tolerance, low resistance to RF

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForward biasing: Diode

Implementation Method 2

The diode's resistance is inversely proportional to Q. The charge, q, introduced by RF during a half cycle is q=IRF/πf

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

When a diode is forward-biased with current IF, the I-region has a stored charge of Q=IDCτ, where τ is the recombination time or carrier lifetime

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge storage: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

Q=IDCτ, where τ is the recombination time or carrier lifetime

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRecombination:

Implementation Method 5

a forward-biased (FB) diode has negligible distortion of RF waves and can handle very high voltage RF waves without diode breakdown

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReverse breakdown: Avalanche Breakdown

Data Source

PatentUS9472685B2Methods of circuit construction to improve diode performance
Publication Date: 2016.10.18 KAGGIE JOSHUA D
  • US9472685B2 patent drawing
  • US9472685B2 patent drawing
  • US9472685B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is a method by which diodes are connecting in a circuit such that they are more robust. The method involves placing two diodes of opposite directions in parallel and applying a DC bias such that a forward diode may then handle higher than normal voltages and a reverse diode provides a failsafe in the event of a reverse bias.