Programmable Ultrasound Signal Processor for Multi-Pitch Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ultrasound imaging technologies require separate ASIC designs for each type of matrix transducer array with different pitches and numbers of elements, leading to high development costs and time due to the need for multiple acoustic matrix array solutions for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A programmable integrated circuit and redistribution layer are used to connect multiple cells to a single transducer element, allowing the same signal processor design to operate with different pitches and numbers of transducer elements, enabling the reuse of a common ASIC for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ASIC designs are used for each transducer array type, then the signal processing is optimized for specific array configurations, but the development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ASIC design that can process signals from multiple transducer array types with different pitches and element configurations. The ASIC includes a pitch selection circuit that can be configured to match different array pitches, allowing a single ASIC design to serve multiple applications rather than requiring separate ASICs for each array type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses programmable pitch selection circuits and configurable delay elements that can be adjusted based on the specific transducer array being used. By changing the pitch parameter and delay values programmatically, the same ASIC can adapt to different array configurations without requiring physical redesign or remanufacturing.
2Reliability
If separate ASIC designs are used for each transducer array type, then the signal processing is optimized for specific array configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ASIC design that can process signals from multiple transducer array types with different pitches and element configurations. The ASIC includes a pitch selection circuit that can be configured to match different array pitches, allowing a single ASIC design to serve multiple applications rather than requiring separate ASICs for each array type.
3Ease of manufacture
If the ASIC pattern closely matches the acoustic matrix dimensions, then the alignment is simplified, but the ASIC cannot be reused for different array types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses programmable pitch selection circuits and configurable delay elements that can be adjusted based on the specific transducer array being used. By changing the pitch parameter and delay values programmatically, the same ASIC can adapt to different array configurations without requiring physical redesign or remanufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pitch selection circuit as an intermediary layer between the ASIC and the transducer array. This intermediary component allows the ASIC to interface with different array pitches through configurable selection logic, decoupling the fixed ASIC pattern from the variable array configurations.
4Reliability
If multiple ASICs are designed for different applications, then each application gets optimized processing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ASIC design that can process signals from multiple transducer array types with different pitches and element configurations. The ASIC includes a pitch selection circuit that can be configured to match different array pitches, allowing a single ASIC design to serve multiple applications rather than requiring separate ASICs for each array type.
Data Source
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AI summary
Ultrasound imaging uses matrix arrays (100). A common design is used for an integrated circuit (140). The integrated circuit (140) is programmable so that the same design of integrated circuit (140) may be used with different types of arrays (100), such as matrix arrays (100) with different pitches. The design allows for one element (102) to connect with multiple, identical processing circuits (200) of the signal processor (140).