Serial USTA Architecture for TA Preamplifier Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-modality ultrasound and thermoacoustic (USTA) systems face challenges in achieving efficient and compact designs due to discrepancies in signal sensitivity, dynamic range, and frequency bandwidth requirements between ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities, leading to high power consumption and heat dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
A serial architecture is introduced that allows for efficient engagement and exclusion of components specific to each modality, enabling fast energy-saving modes and reducing heat dissipation by sharing analog and digital signal paths, with the TA preamplifier used only in TA mode and disconnected in US mode, and vice versa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-modality USTA systems use separate stand-alone data acquisition units for ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities, then each modality can operate with its optimal signal sensitivity and dynamic range, but the system size, power consumption, and heat dissipation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasound and thermoacoustic data acquisition units into a single integrated unit with shared components including transducer elements, transmission lines, preamplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters. This merging reduces power consumption by eliminating redundant components while maintaining modality-specific performance through selective activation of required components for each imaging mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal components that serve both ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities. The transducer elements, transmission lines, preamplifiers, and ADCs are configured to handle both modalities' signal requirements. The system achieves multi-functionality by selectively engaging specific components for each modality, allowing one set of hardware to perform multiple imaging functions.
2Reliability
If dual-modality USTA systems use separate stand-alone data acquisition units for ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities, then each modality can operate with its optimal dynamic range, but the system complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate data acquisition units into a single integrated unit where ultrasound and thermoacoustic signals share common hardware pathways. The transducer array, transmission lines, preamplifier stages, and ADCs are unified into one system architecture, reducing component count and interconnections while preserving modality-specific signal handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic component engagement where the system selectively activates or bypasses specific components based on the active modality. Switches and control logic dynamically reconfigure the signal path to engage only the necessary components for the current imaging mode, reducing effective system complexity during operation while maintaining full capability for both modalities.
3Reliability
If dual-modality USTA systems use separate stand-alone data acquisition units for ultrasound and thermoacoustic modalities, then each modality can operate with its optimal frequency bandwidth, but the system size and compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates separate data acquisition units into a single compact integrated unit. The transducer elements, transmission lines, preamplifiers, and ADCs are merged into one physical package, dramatically reducing the overall system volume. The shared architecture eliminates the need for duplicate hardware, enabling a compact dual-modality system that maintains optimal frequency bandwidth for both ultrasound and thermoacoustic imaging.
4Speed
If TA preamplifier is continuously powered to maintain readiness, then fast activation is achieved, but power consumption and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand activation of the TA preamplifier rather than continuous operation. The preamplifier is powered up only when thermoacoustic imaging is required and powered down during ultrasound-only operation or idle periods. This periodic activation pattern maintains the ability to perform TA imaging when needed while dramatically reducing average power consumption and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic power management where the TA preamplifier's power state is continuously adjusted based on operational requirements. Control logic dynamically transitions the preamplifier between active and low-power states, optimizing the balance between activation speed and power consumption by keeping the preamplifier ready only when TA imaging is anticipated or required.
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 maintains optimal performance for each modality, reduces component count and size, and enables the integration of TA preamplifiers within the transducer array housing, significantly lowering power consumption and allowing for rapid activation/deactivation cycles.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoacoustics is a physical phenomenon that is manifested by conversion of electromagnetic energy absorbed by matter into broadband US waves (TA waves)
Implementation Method 2
Pulsed electromagnetic excitation, with individual pulse duration on the order of 1-1000 ns, is frequently used in biomedical thermoacoustics, due to its high potency for generation of a measurable TA effect in biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is the electronic architecture, including component arrangement and use of switches, and power saving method for use in a dual mode USTA instrumentation. In an embodiment, the instrument architecture includes US and TA analog components, including a transducer, TA preamplifier, pulser, switches, and AFE (or ADC with programmable amplifier) arranged in a way which allows efficient usage of the same transducer elements, electronic components, wiring, and AFE channels in both US and TA modalities. The operation with fast power control over the TA preamplifier is described, which allows turning off the TA preamplifier power between TA measurements cycles with or without US measurement between TA measurements. TA preamplifier energy saving allows such designs to reduce TA preamplifier power consumption many times, which enables TA preamplifier integration inside transducer housing or probe housing, and/or the use of the TA preamplifier in portable battery-operated or hand-held devices.