Multi-Channel RF Transmit Power Segmentation for Stable Peak Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel RF transmit systems in magnetic resonance examination systems face inefficiencies due to unequal RF power requirements across channels, leading to over-specification of DC power supply, resulting in cost-ineffective designs and potential performance dependencies between amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The system segments the DC power supply into independent segments, allowing redistribution of stored energy to match actual RF demands, using a switching matrix and solid-state switches to dynamically allocate power between capacitor banks and amplifiers, with a controller managing power distribution based on sensor data and a self-learning database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single shared DC power supply is used for all RF amplifiers, then cost is reduced, but voltage stability deteriorates when one amplifier draws high power
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power supply is divided into multiple independent power supply units, each dedicated to serving one or more specific RF amplifiers. This segmentation ensures that high power demand from one amplifier does not cause voltage drops affecting other amplifiers, while still being more cost-effective than complete individual supply chains for each amplifier.
2Reliability
If DC power supply is over-specified to meet peak demands of all amplifiers, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power supply unit is sized and configured to meet the specific power requirements of its assigned RF amplifier(s). This localized matching of power supply capacity to actual demand ensures reliable power availability without the need for an excessively large centralized power supply that would be costly and inefficient.
3Power
If capacitor banks are used to store energy for short-term high duty cycle pulses, then power delivery capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitor banks are pre-charged during periods when RF amplifiers are not delivering peak power, storing energy in advance. When high duty cycle pulses are required, the pre-charged capacitor banks immediately discharge to supplement the DC power supply, enabling peak power delivery without requiring a continuously oversized power supply system.
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 approach enables efficient and cost-effective power distribution across RF channels, optimizing the DC power supply chain by directing available energy where needed, reducing waste and enhancing system performance while maintaining patient safety limits.
Implementation Method 1
capacitor banks, and connected to the power supply device (2). The capacitor banks (6, 7, 8) temporarily store the incoming power from the power supply device (2), and discharge the stored power, when necessary, to the amplifiers (4, 5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A multi-channel RF transmit system (1) especially for use in a magnetic resonance examination system comprising, a plurality of RF channels (18, 19) wherein each of the RF channels (18, 19) has an RF amplifier. The multi-channel RF transmit system (1) further comprises a power supply device (2) configured to supply power to the amplifiers (4, 5), a first capacitor bank (6), wherein the first capacitor bank (6) is connected to the power supply device (2) and connected to a first RF amplifier (4), a second capacitor bank (7), wherein the second capacitor bank (7) is connected to the power supply device (2) and connected to a second RF amplifier (5) and a third capacitor bank (8) also connected to the power supply device (2). The third capacitor bank (8) is connected to a DC switch (9), wherein the DC switch (9) is configured to switch the power supplied by the third capacitor bank (8) to the first amplifier (4) or the second amplifier (5). Therefore, a multi-channel RF transmit system (1) is disclosed where parts of the total available capabilities of discrete stored energy can be directed to one or the other RF amplifier channel (18, 19) leading to a more effective and cost saving design of the DC power supply chain.