Pulse Amplitude Controlled Switching Current Source for Ultrasound Beamformer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound beamforming transmit pulse generator circuits face challenges in efficiently generating high-resolution, high-frequency acoustic beams due to the need for digital interfaces with Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and low-voltage to high-voltage signal translation, leading to increased die area and costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Pulse Amplitude Controlled Switching Current Sources (PACS) with complementary P- and N-type MOSFETs, coupled with digital-to-analog converters and gate pulse driver circuits, allows for direct digital logic control of high-voltage waveform generators, eliminating the need for transformers and reducing signal translation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional digital interface with FPGA and low-voltage to high-voltage signal translation is used, then signal control capability is achieved, but die area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the digital interface, signal translation, and waveform generation functions into a single integrated circuit. The beamformer integrates the digital-to-analog converter, voltage amplifier, and transmit pulse generator, eliminating the need for separate FPGA and signal translation circuits, thus reducing die area while maintaining full signal control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated beamformer circuit performs multiple functions within a single device: digital signal reception, amplitude modulation, voltage amplification, and pulse generation. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate components (FPGA, DAC, amplifier, pulse generator), significantly reducing the overall die area and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple control signals are used for high resolution, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control signal functions into a single integrated beamformer circuit. The digital interface directly controls the voltage amplifier and pulse generator within the same chip, eliminating complex external signal translation circuits. This integration maintains high resolution control while simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 enables precise, high-speed control of ultrasound transducer arrays with reduced noise and increased efficiency, allowing for compact, cost-effective integration of high-resolution waveform generators in ultrasound imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
driving a piezoelectric transducer array probe for transmit beamforming and dynamic focusing
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical waveform generating circuit has a pair of Pulse Amplitude Controlled Switching Current Sources (PACS). A gate pulse driver circuit is coupled to an input of each of the pair of PACS for sending gate pulses for driving the pair of PACS. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit is coupled to the gate pulse driver circuit for controlling amplitudes of the gate pulses. A transducer is coupled to the PACS.