Switched Capacitor Power Supply for Ultrasound Elasticity Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound systems face challenges in providing stable power for elasticity mode imaging due to power droop over time, leading to erroneous measurements.
Innovation Solution
A switched capacitance power supply system is implemented, where a capacitor is switched on only during elasticity mode imaging to provide power for pushing pulses and switched off during other imaging modes, maintaining agility and preventing power droop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional transmit power supply is used for elasticity mode imaging with long duration pulses, then the pushing pulses can be generated, but the power droops over time causing erroneous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged to a high voltage level before the pushing pulse sequence begins. This preliminary charging action ensures that the capacitor can supply sufficient current throughout the entire long duration pulse without power droop, maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the elasticity mode imaging sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the power supply and the transmit circuitry. It decouples the power supply from the high current demands of the pushing pulses, providing stable voltage during pulse transmission and eliminating the direct power droop issue that would otherwise occur with conventional power supplies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capacitance is always connected to provide power for pushing pulses, then power stability is improved, but the frame rate decreases due to charging time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor connection is made dynamic through the switch, allowing it to be connected only when needed for pushing pulses and disconnected during other imaging modes. This dynamic switching enables the system to maintain power stability during elasticity mode while achieving high frame rates during B-mode and other conventional imaging modes by eliminating unnecessary charging delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is periodically connected and disconnected based on the imaging mode requirements. During elasticity mode imaging, the capacitor is connected and charged for the duration of pushing pulse sequences, then disconnected during B-mode or other conventional imaging modes. This periodic action pattern allows the system to optimize performance for each specific imaging mode without compromising overall productivity.
3Power
If the switch is closed to charge the capacitor, then power for pushing pulses is available, but scanning must be paused reducing frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged to the required voltage level before the pushing pulse sequence is initiated. This preliminary charging action occurs during periods when no imaging is taking place or during transitions between imaging modes, so that when elasticity mode imaging begins, the capacitor is already ready to provide power without requiring any scanning pauses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous scanning operation by decoupling the capacitor charging process from the imaging sequence. The capacitor charges in parallel with ongoing B-mode or other conventional imaging, allowing the useful action of scanning to continue uninterrupted while the capacitor prepares to provide power for subsequent pushing pulses.
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 ensures stable and efficient power supply for elasticity mode imaging, reducing erroneous measurements and maintaining high frame rates by avoiding the need to pause scanning for capacitor charging.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor connects in series with a switch. The capacitor and switch form a switchable path to ground from the connection of the programmable power source to the transmitter.
Data Source
AI summary
The power supply in ultrasound imaging includes a switched capacitance. The capacitance is switched on to provide power during generation of pushing pulses for elasticity imaging and is switched off during other modes of imaging.