MRI Gradient Coil Power Circuit With Selectable Voltage Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power components for high-field MRI systems are unsuitable for low-field MRI due to high noise levels, which degrade image quality and are inefficient, making them costly and impractical for low-field systems that require low-noise, efficient power solutions.
Innovation Solution
A power component system with a linear amplifier that can be powered by multiple supply terminals of different voltages, allowing for efficient operation by selecting the appropriate voltage based on the output voltage, reducing noise and power consumption, and including a switching power converter that operates above the Larmor frequency to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional power components are used in low-field MRI systems, then high power output can be achieved, but noise levels increase and image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The power component is divided into multiple independent voltage supply terminals (first voltage terminal, second voltage terminal, third voltage terminal) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary voltage levels for each operating condition, reducing overall noise while maintaining required power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which voltage terminals to activate based on real-time operating conditions. The controller adjusts the power component's configuration to match the linear amplifier's output voltage requirements, optimizing the balance between power delivery and noise reduction.
2Power
If high voltage is always supplied to the linear amplifier, then sufficient power can be provided, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power component dynamically adjusts which voltage terminals are active based on the linear amplifier's output voltage. When the amplifier operates at lower voltages, only lower voltage terminals are activated, reducing power consumption and improving efficiency while maintaining sufficient power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter supplied to the linear amplifier based on operating conditions. By matching the supply voltage to the actual output voltage requirements, the system avoids unnecessary power consumption while ensuring adequate power delivery for the required output level.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple voltage terminals are used, then power efficiency can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power component is designed with multiple voltage terminals that serve multiple functions: they can individually supply different voltage levels, be selectively activated based on needs, and work together to provide optimized power efficiency across various operating conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity.
4Power
If the linear amplifier operates at high output voltage continuously, then sufficient drive capability is maintained, but heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply voltage to match the actual output voltage requirements of the linear amplifier. By reducing the supply voltage when high output power is not needed, the voltage drop across the amplifier decreases, thereby reducing heat dissipation while maintaining adequate drive capability for the required output level.
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 solution provides low-noise, efficient power to magnetic coils in low-field MRI systems, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing costs by optimizing power usage and minimizing heat dissipation, making low-field MRI more viable and accessible.
Implementation Method 1
a linear amplifier configured to provide a current to the at least one gradient coil to produce a magnetic field in accordance with a pulse sequence
Implementation Method 2
including a switching power converter that operates above the Larmor frequency to minimize interference
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to provide power for operating at least one gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system. According to some aspects, the apparatus comprises a plurality of power terminals configured to supply different voltages of a first polarity, and a linear amplifier configured to provide at least one output to power the at least one gradient coil to produce a magnetic field in accordance with a pulse sequence, the linear amplifier configured to be powered by one or more of the plurality of power terminals, wherein the one or more of the plurality of power terminals powering the linear amplifier is selected based, at least in part, on the at least one output.