MRI Data Encoding With Larmor-Null SERDES Over Coax
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges with analog data transfer due to the need for baluns, increasing costs and heat issues with fiber optic cables, and data artifacts from RF coil frequencies, which hinder operator usability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of digital data encoding using a SERDES data stream with a notch filter centered at the Larmor frequency minimizes noise artifacts, allowing for reliable data transmission over coaxial cables without the need for baluns and reducing heat generation, thereby improving usability and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic cables are used for digital data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but heat generation increases due to opto-electric conversion circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fiber optic cables with opto-electric conversion circuitry with coaxial cables that directly transmit digital signals. This substitution eliminates the need for opto-electric conversion, thereby resolving the heat generation problem while maintaining data transfer reliability through digital encoding and spectral null alignment with RF coil frequencies.
2Ease of manufacture
If coax cables are used for digital data transfer, then cost is reduced, but data artifacts are produced due to interference from RF coil frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the digital data stream by aligning the null frequencies of the encoding scheme with the RF coil frequencies. This parameter alignment causes the data stream to have minimal spectral content at RF coil frequencies, thereby eliminating data artifacts while using cost-effective coaxial cables for transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If baluns are used in coaxial cable systems, then analog data transfer is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the balun components from the system by implementing direct digital data encoding and transmission over coaxial cables. The digital encoding scheme with spectral nulls at RF coil frequencies enables the system to function without baluns, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining data transfer capability.
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
This approach enables efficient and cost-effective data transfer in MRI systems by minimizing noise artifacts and eliminating the need for baluns and fiber optic connections, enhancing operator usability and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The null frequency of the encoding is aligned with the Larmor frequency and a notch filter centered at the Larmor frequency minimizes noise artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes data acquisition circuitry configured to generate magnetic resonance data; a digital encoder connected to receive the magnetic resonance data and configured to digitally encode the magnetic resonance data using an encoding scheme having a spectral null approximately at the Larmor frequency; and an electric data transmission line connected to transmit the digitally encoded magnetic resonance data.