Configurable Ultrasonic Transducer Control Circuit for Multi-Type Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging systems are complex and costly, particularly due to the need for specific electronic circuits designed for each type of ultrasonic transducer, which limits their affordability for general public applications.
Innovation Solution
A configurable electronic circuit for ultrasonic transducers that can adapt to different types and technologies of transducers, featuring a polarization switch, DC-DC voltage converter, voltage pulse generators, reception circuit with impedance adaptation, and analog-digital conversion, allowing for flexible operation across various transducer types and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific electronic circuits are designed for each type of ultrasonic transducer, then the transducer control is optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control circuit that can interface with multiple types of ultrasonic transducers (piezoelectric, capacitive, electromagnetic) through a single standardized interface. The circuit includes configurable parameters such as excitation voltage levels, pulse duration, and impedance matching that can be adjusted via software or registers, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different transducer technologies without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each type.
2Reliability
If specific electronic circuits are designed for each type of ultrasonic transducer, then the transducer control is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed as a single standardized interface that can accommodate multiple transducer types, eliminating the need to manufacture separate circuit boards and components for each transducer type. This reduces component inventory requirements, simplifies assembly processes, and lowers per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining optimized control for each transducer type through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit includes programmable parameters such as excitation voltage levels, pulse width, frequency, and impedance values that can be modified through software configuration or register settings. This allows the same hardware circuit to be optimized for different transducer characteristics without requiring physical hardware changes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If specific electronic circuits are designed for each type of ultrasonic transducer, then the transducer control is optimized, but the system scalability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interface design allows new transducer types to be integrated into the system simply by configuring the existing circuit parameters, rather than requiring development of new hardware circuits. This enhances system scalability and adaptability, allowing the platform to evolve and support emerging transducer technologies without redesigning the core control architecture.
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
Enables cost-effective production and use across multiple applications by eliminating the need for specific circuits for each transducer type, reducing development costs and enhancing scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a configurable polarization switch to connect the first terminal to either of the first and second polarization nodes depending on the type of transducers to be controlled
Implementation Method 2
the circuit for supplying a DC bias voltage includes a DC-DC voltage converter configurable to modify the level of the bias voltage it delivers
Implementation Method 3
the control circuit comprises a plurality of voltage pulse generators, each of the second terminals being connected to one of the voltage pulse generators
Implementation Method 4
causing them to emit ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 5
a receiving circuit including an input node, a receiving amplifier whose input is connected to the input node
Implementation Method 6
an analog-to-digital converter whose input is connected to the output of the receiving amplifier
Implementation Method 7
the receiving circuit includes an impedance matching circuit configurable according to the type of transducers to be controlled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a control circuit (100) for ultrasonic transducers (TD1, TDn) that is configurable according to the type of transducers to be controlled, this circuit comprising a first terminal (b) intended to be connected to a first electrode (E1) of each of the transducers (TD1, TDn), and a polarisation switch (SWp) which can be configured for connecting the first terminal (b) to one or the other of first (P1) and second (P2) polarisation nodes according to the type of transducers to be controlled.