Gradient Power Amplifier Debugging via Load Inductance Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

MR imaging devices face challenges in maintaining the quality and precision of gradient magnetic fields due to variations in gradient power amplifier performance, particularly in adapting to different load inductances, which affects imaging quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for debugging gradient power amplifiers using a control unit with closed-loop and feedforward control sub-units, which include proportional integral (PI) or proportional integral differential (PID) controllers, to identify and adjust load inductance and impedance parameters, ensuring optimal performance across a range of inductance values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gradient power amplifier uses fixed control parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different load inductances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different load inductancesVSAvoiddebugging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The debugging system automatically identifies load inductance parameters and adjusts control parameters without manual intervention. The system self-calibrates by retrieving characteristic outputs, computing load inductance, and adjusting control parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for manual debugging while achieving adaptability to different load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on the identified load inductance parameter L. By changing control parameters according to the computed load characteristics, the system adapts to different load inductances while maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual debugging methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and time consumption worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of output currentVSAvoiddebugging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical debugging with an automated electronic debugging system. The control unit automatically retrieves characteristic outputs, computes load inductance parameters, and adjusts control parameters through electronic control, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing debugging time while improving precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The debugging system uses feedback from characteristic outputs to automatically adjust control parameters. By retrieving the characteristic output representing the difference between input and output signals, computing the load inductance, and using this information to adjust control parameters, the system achieves precise automatic calibration without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the gradient power amplifier operates without parameter adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of gradient magnetic field performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance of gradient magnetic fieldVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic debugging and parameter optimization before actual operation. By automatically identifying load inductance and adjusting control parameters in advance, the system ensures reliable gradient magnetic field performance without requiring manual intervention during operation, maintaining both reliability and ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10863919B2Method and system for gradient power amplifier debugging

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE

AI summary

The present application discloses a gradient power amplifier debugging method and system. The method may comprise initializing a control unit of the gradient power amplifier debugging system; retrieving a characteristic output of the control unit; computing a load inductance parameter L according to the characteristic output; and adjusting the control parameter of the control unit according to the load inductance parameter L. The control unit may comprise a close-loop control sub-unit, or a feedforward control sub-unit. The characteristic output may be representative of the difference between an output signal and an input signal of the gradient power amplifier debugging system. The control parameter may comprise a proportional coefficient, an integral coefficient, or a cutoff frequency of the filter.