Matrix Ultrasonic Array Biasing for 3D Beam Shaping and SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging devices with row-column addressing (RCA) face limitations in beam shaping flexibility and signal-to-noise ratio due to complex matrix control electronics and small transducer surface exposure, while fully populated devices offer greater flexibility but at the cost of increased complexity and noise.
Innovation Solution
A device with ultrasonic transducers arranged in a matrix, where each transducer has two electrodes interconnected by row and column, utilizing a control circuit to apply DC bias and variable excitation signals through integrated transmission and reception circuits, eliminating the need for a separate bias circuit and decoupling capacitor, thereby simplifying electronics and enhancing signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fully populated devices are used to provide greater flexibility in beam shaping, then beam shaping flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to M*N transmit/receive channels required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into row and column components. Instead of requiring M*N independent channels for a MxN transducer matrix, the system divides control into M row channels and N column channels, where each channel controls one dimension of the matrix. This segmentation reduces the total number of channels while maintaining the ability to address and control individual transducers through the combination of row and column selections.
2Device complexity
If RCA type devices are used to simplify control electronics, then device complexity is reduced, but beam shaping flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching capability within the RCA architecture using switches that can be controlled to connect transducers to different channels. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adaptively shape beams by selectively activating specific row and column combinations, providing flexibility comparable to fully populated devices while maintaining the simplified M+N channel structure of RCA.
3Reliability
If RCA type devices are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio through transducer interconnection, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but beam shaping flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow transducers to be interconnected in different configurations based on the imaging requirements. During reception, switches can connect transducers to combine signals for improved signal-to-noise ratio, while during transmission, the same switches can reconfigure connections to enable flexible beam shaping. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between signal quality and beam control flexibility.
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 configuration enhances beam shaping flexibility and signal-to-noise ratio by directly integrating polarization within the transmission circuits, reducing complexity and parasitic couplings, leading to improved volume scanning and image reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic control circuit is configured to apply electrical excitation signals to the transducers, so as to cause the emission of ultrasonic waves by the transducers
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducers are reflected by the body to be analyzed, then return to the transducers which convert them again into electrical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging device (100), comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (101) arranged in a matrix of rows (Li) and columns (Cj)), each transducer having a first electrode (E1) and a second electrode (E2), wherein the first electrodes of the transducers of the same line are interconnected and the second electrodes of the transducers of a same column are interconnected.