Multi-Level Transmitter Cells for Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in driving a large number of small ultrasound transducers in a two-dimensional array configuration with minimal power expenditure and in a small footprint, while also being unable to produce multiple voltage levels efficiently, which limits image quality and is impractical for portable systems due to power consumption and cable thickness issues.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a plurality of acoustical sub-elements and multi-level transmitter cells, each comprising a waveform decoder, transmitter controller, and output stage, which can produce signals with at least two voltage levels, is used to efficiently transmit ultrasonic signals to the transducers, reducing power consumption and enabling multiple voltage levels for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of transducer elements are used to improve image quality, then the number of channels increases, but power consumption and cable thickness increase making the system impractical for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter system is segmented into multiple independent transmitter cells, each driving a subset of transducer elements. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple low-power transmitters instead of one high-power transmitter, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to drive large numbers of elements for high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures which transmitter cells are active and which transducer elements they drive, allowing flexible adaptation of power consumption to the actual imaging requirements. This dynamic configuration enables the system to use only the necessary number of channels for each imaging task, optimizing the balance between image quality and power consumption
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bipolar transmitters are used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot produce multiple voltage levels efficiently, limiting waveform complexity and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bipolar transmitter cells are merged to collectively produce multi-level waveforms. Each individual cell remains simple and bipolar, but by coordinating the output of multiple cells, the system achieves complex multi-level waveforms that improve image quality while maintaining the simplicity and ease of manufacture of individual bipolar transmitter cells
3Productivity
If discrete electronics are integrated at the board level to address increased channel count, then the system can drive more channels, but the cable becomes too thick and heavy for ergonomic and portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter system is divided into multiple independent transmitter cells that can be distributed along the cable or integrated into the probe assembly. This segmentation allows the use of thinner individual cable connections while maintaining the total channel count capability, as each segment handles only a subset of the total channels, making the system ergonomic and suitable for portable use
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 allows for efficient power usage and the ability to produce complex waveforms, enhancing image quality while being ergonomically viable for both portable and clinical ultrasound systems by reducing the need for extensive cable connections and minimizing power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer elements are connected to high-voltage transmitters or pulsers in the system. The transmitters or pulsers send waveforms to the transducer elements, which in turn convert the electrical waveforms into acoustic waves.
Implementation Method 2
By properly controlling the waveforms, a focused sound beam is generated. The signal level of the electrical waveforms can be several hundred volts in order to generate the desired level of acoustic energy.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging probe having multi-level transmitter cells. The imaging probe includes a plurality of acoustical sub-elements for transmitting and receiving acoustic energy for imaging. Each of the multi-level transmitter cells is arranged along a respective transmitter cell path between a switching matrix and one of the acoustical sub-elements. The multi-level transmitter cells in the probe are capable of producing signals having multiple voltage levels.