Single-Substrate Ultrasound Circuitry With Delay Mesh Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic scanners have discrete transducers and control electronics, leading to costly and non-scalable manufacturing processes, and require multiple waveform generators for each ultrasound element, making them inefficient and difficult to integrate on a single substrate.
Innovation Solution
The integration of waveform generators, delay mesh circuitry, and ultrasound transducers on a single semiconductor substrate, where the delay mesh circuitry produces time-delayed versions of waveforms to be sent to multiple transducers, reducing the need for multiple waveform generators and enabling a compact, efficient ultrasonic imaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete transducers and control electronics are used in conventional ultrasonic scanners, then the system can be manufactured using traditional processes, but the manufacturing cost increases and scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates transducers, waveform generators, delay mesh circuitry, and control electronics onto a single substrate, combining multiple discrete components into one unified device. This merging enables scalable manufacturing through semiconductor fabrication processes while reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps required for assembly and wiring of discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate design incorporates multiple functions including transducer elements, waveform generation, delay control, and signal processing in one integrated platform. This multi-functionality allows the same substrate to serve as both the mechanical support structure and the electronic control system, eliminating the need for separate housing and wiring of discrete components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple waveform generators are used for each ultrasound element, then each transducer can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveform generation function into discrete, independently controllable units on the substrate. Each transducer element has its own waveform generator and delay control circuitry integrated directly beneath it, allowing independent control of each element while maintaining a simple overall architecture. This segmentation enables precise beamforming and focusing without requiring complex external wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical structure where waveform generators and delay mesh circuitry are nested directly beneath the transducer array on the same substrate. This nesting places the control electronics in immediate proximity to the transducer elements they control, reducing interconnection complexity and enabling integrated manufacturing while preserving independent control capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If discrete transducers with individual wiring are used, then each element can be precisely positioned, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transducer elements, their support structure, and the electronic control circuitry into a single integrated substrate. This eliminates the need for separate positioning and wiring of discrete transducers, as all components are fabricated simultaneously using semiconductor manufacturing processes that inherently provide precise positioning without manual assembly.
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 allows for a space- and power-efficient ultrasonic imaging system with fewer waveform generators, facilitating the integration of a substantial portion of the ultrasonic imaging system on a single chip, enhancing scalability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The delay mesh circuitry may receive an input signal corresponding to a waveform generated by a waveform generator, produce a plurality of time-delayed versions of the input signal, and provide the resulting signals to multiple ultrasonic transducers.
Implementation Method 2
The transducers are often piezoelectric.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to ultrasound device circuitry as may form part of a single substrate ultrasound device having integrated ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasound device circuitry may facilitate the generation of ultrasound waveforms in a manner that is power- and data-efficient.