Phase Delay Ultrasound Module Reduces IO Routing Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of driving multiple ultrasound transducers in phased arrays increases the complexity of routing control signals, limiting the deployment contexts of ultrasound modules, especially in space-constrained head-mounted devices.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound module with a phase delay module co-located with the transducers, which generates phase-differentiated drive signals, reducing the number of IO lines required and enabling efficient beam steering with minimal routing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ultrasound transducers are deployed in a phased array for beam steering, then beam forming capability is improved, but the complexity of routing control signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer elements into a single integrated ultrasound module with a shared control interface. The module includes an array of piezoelectric transducer elements that can be individually addressed through a unified control circuit, reducing the number of separate control signals and routing complexity while maintaining phased array beam steering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary component that manages the driving signals for multiple transducer elements. This control circuit receives a single control signal and generates the necessary phase-differentiated drive signals for individual transducers, acting as a mediator that reduces routing complexity while enabling beam steering.
2Measurement precision
If more ultrasound transducers are included in the system, then sensing and imaging capability is improved, but the number of IO lines required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transducer elements into a single module package that requires only one IO line for control. The integrated module contains an array of piezoelectric elements that can be individually activated through time-multiplexed or parallel drive signals generated within the module, reducing the IO line count from multiple lines to a single control line.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound module is designed with multi-functionality, allowing a single module to perform both sensing and imaging operations with multiple transducer elements. The module can dynamically configure its transducer array for different beam steering directions and focusing patterns, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for multiple dedicated IO lines for different operations.
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 solution allows for effective ultrasound beam steering with a significant reduction in IO line routing, enhancing the usability of ultrasound modules in compact head-mounted devices while maintaining beam forming capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the array of piezoelectric transducer elements in response to receiving the phase-differentiated drive signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound activation signal is received from ultrasound driving logic. A phase delay module of an ultrasound module generates phase-differentiated drive signals. The phase-differentiated drive signals are driven onto an array of ultrasound transducers to generate a steered ultrasound beam.