Channel Multiplexing for PET Detector Arrays Using Row-Column Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing channel multiplexing methods for PET devices require a large number of electronic channels, leading to high costs and implementation difficulties, and result in poor signal-to-noise ratio due to the need for a wide dynamic range in reading detector signals.
Innovation Solution
A channel multiplexing method that divides detector signals into groups, uses row and column signal transmission lines with controlled signal nodes to differentiate signal positions, and acquires final pulse information from multiple nodes to reduce the number of electronic channels and dynamic range requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If channel multiplexing using resistor network is applied to reduce reading channels, then the number of electronic channels is decreased, but the dynamic range requirement of reading circuit increases due to different equivalent resistances for different detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides detector signals into row signals and column signals, creating separate signal paths that are processed independently. This segmentation allows each path to have optimized impedance characteristics, avoiding the need for a single resistor network to handle all detectors with different equivalent resistances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional single-dimension channel multiplexing into a two-dimensional row-column signal processing architecture. By adding the column dimension, the system can identify detector positions through time differences in multiple directions, reducing the need for individual channels while maintaining detection capability.
2Device complexity
If normal processing circuit with finite dynamic range is used, then the circuit complexity is kept manageable, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates when inputting small signals and saturation occurs when inputting large signals
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting signals into row and column components that are processed separately, the patent reduces the dynamic range requirement for each processing path. The final detector identification is achieved by combining information from both paths, allowing normal processing circuits to operate within their optimal dynamic ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-dynamic-range analog processing with a system that uses time-domain information from multiple fixed-dynamic-range channels. The detector identification is achieved through temporal analysis rather than amplitude analysis, substituting the requirement for wide dynamic range with time-based processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel multiplexing method for reading array detector signals includes: dividing array detectors into M groups, at least two detectors being in each group; array coding the read channel to read M row signals and N column signals, which means when a signal is outputted at the detector in row a, column b, the signals of row a and column b are outputted correspondingly; connecting the readout signals of-the row and the column to different positions of two transmission lines respectively; determining the source row number and column number of the signal on the basis of the time difference between the time of signal reaching two ends of the transmission line, and marking the source detector from which the signal is generated on the basis of two time differences of the row signal and the column signal.