Synchronized Switching Power Supply for Ultrasound Imaging

The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the switching power supply clock to operate at integer multiples of the ultrasound transmit pulse repetition frequency. This creates periodic, coherent interference patterns that can be filtered out during signal processing, while maintaining the efficient switching operation. The synchronized timing ensures that switching occurs at predictable intervals aligned with the imaging sequence.

The patent converts the harmful switching noise into a beneficial coherent interference pattern. By synchronizing the switching frequency to be an integer multiple of the pulse repetition frequency, the noise becomes periodic and predictable, allowing it to be treated as coherent signal that can be removed through standard filtering techniques while preserving the useful echo signals.

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shielding approach with an electrical/software-based solution. Instead of using bulky metallic shields to block electromagnetic interference, the invention uses synchronized timing and digital signal processing to eliminate interference. This substitutes physical barrier methods with intelligent control and processing methods.

The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching power supply by synchronizing its clock frequency to integer multiples of the pulse repetition frequency. This parameter adjustment transforms the switching noise from random incoherent interference into periodic coherent interference that can be filtered, eliminating the need for physical shielding.

The patent maintains the efficient switching power supply operation by introducing periodic synchronization. The switching clock is timed to occur at integer multiples of the pulse repetition frequency, creating periodic interference patterns that resemble coherent signals and can be processed accordingly, thereby retaining the energy efficiency benefits of switching regulation.

The patent introduces signal processing algorithms as an intermediary between the switching power supply and the echo signal reception. This intermediary layer filters out the synchronized switching noise while preserving the useful medical imaging signals, allowing the system to use efficient switching power supplies without suffering from their traditional noise problems.