MR Receiver Assembly with On-Board Calibration Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of magnetic resonance (MR) systems is complex and time-consuming, particularly when components of the reception path are replaced, leading to potential image artifacts due to gain and phase mismatches in the k-space.
Innovation Solution
A receiver assembly with a memory module that stores previously established calibration factors, allowing for external calibration outside the MR system, which can be easily accessed and applied during installation or replacement, ensuring artifact-free image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed within the MR system using distributed test transmission signals, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and system downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration function is extracted from the MR system and performed externally using a standalone calibration device. The calibration device generates test transmission signals and measures reception path characteristics independently, then stores calibration data in a database. This separates the calibration process from the MR system operation, eliminating the need for system downtime while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A calibration device acts as an intermediary between the reception paths and the MR system. It provides calibration data through a database interface that the MR system can access without requiring the system to be offline. The intermediary transfers calibration information efficiently, reducing calibration time while preserving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If calibration is performed after every component replacement in the reception chain, then image quality and artifact reduction are improved, but operational productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Calibration data is pre-measured and stored in a database for each possible component configuration of the reception chain. When components are replaced, the system automatically retrieves the pre-prepared calibration data corresponding to the new configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming recalibration and maintaining both image quality and operational productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The MR system automatically performs calibration by retrieving stored calibration data from the database based on the current component configuration. The system self-calibrates without requiring manual intervention or system downtime, thus maintaining high operational efficiency while ensuring reliable image quality through accurate calibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switchable gain amplifiers are used to handle high signal dynamic response, then signal processing capability is improved, but phase and amplitude mismatches causing image artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device measures the actual phase and amplitude characteristics of the reception paths including the effects of switchable gain amplifiers. These measured characteristics are stored as calibration data and used by the MR system to compensate for mismatches. The feedback loop ensures that phase and amplitude accuracy is maintained despite the use of gain switching for signal dynamic range adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver assembly of a magnetic resonance (MR) system for generating MR recordings of an examination object includes a plurality of reception channels for receiving and amplifying MR signals from reception coils of the MR system connected therewith. A calibration data memory for storing calibration data for the plurality of reception channels is arranged on the receiver assembly. The receiver assembly includes a data link for transmitting the calibration data to the MR system.