Magnetic Resonance Digital Module Network Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance systems face limitations in flexibility and expansion capabilities due to centralized control systems, which can lead to bottlenecks and inefficiencies in synchronizing components and transferring high data rates, especially with rapid technological advancements.
Innovation Solution
The system decentralizes digital modules, using multiple networks for synchronization, control commands, and mass data transfer, including a synchronization network, an isochronous control command network, and a mass data network with optical PCI Express interfaces, allowing for flexible and scalable expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized control system is used to synchronize components and process data, then system coordination is achieved, but system flexibility and expansion capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple distributed digital modules, each capable of independent operation. These modules are segmented across different physical locations and can be independently expanded without affecting the entire system, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a networked architecture that adds a communication dimension to the control system. By connecting digital modules through networks (PCI Express, Ethernet), the system transitions from a single-point centralized control to a multi-point distributed control structure, enabling expansion in multiple directions without increasing central control complexity.
2Productivity
If high data rates are transferred through centralized control pathways, then data throughput is improved, but latency and bottlenecks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transfer function from the centralized control pathway and creates dedicated high-speed data pathways between digital modules. This separation allows data transfer to occur independently of control signaling, removing bottlenecks and reducing latency by eliminating the need for data to route through the central control computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network infrastructure (PCI Express switches, Ethernet switches) as intermediaries between digital modules. These intermediaries provide high-speed data transfer pathways that bypass the central control computer, acting as mediators that enable direct communication between modules and significantly reduce transfer latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital modules are integrated into the control computer, then system coordination is simplified, but system flexibility and cost-effective expansion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs digital modules with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow them to function both as standalone units and as part of the distributed network. This multi-functionality enables modules to be easily added, removed, or reconfigured without requiring changes to the core control system, thus improving expansion capability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance system has a number of components including a basic magnetic field generation unit, gradient coils as well as a radio-frequency coil arrangement. The components are respectively controllable according to a control sequence via at least one digital module and at least one analog module. The analog modules are arranged external to a control computer that controls the digital modules. The digital modules are likewise arranged external to the control computer and are associated with the analog module or modules controlled via the control computer. The digital modules are networked via the following networks for communication of the digital modules among one another and/or with the control computer: a synchronous first network to synchronize the digital modules, an isochronous or semi-isochronous second network, a third network, wherein the digital modules are connected with the control computer via serial peripheral component interfaces and a signal transmission between the peripheral component interface of the respective digital module and the associated peripheral component interface of the control computer thereby occurs on optical paths.