Ultrasonic Transducer Driving Circuit for Variable Pulse Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic transducer driving circuits require duplicate circuitry for each channel to generate pulses of different widths, leading to increased complexity and cost, especially in 3D sonographic imaging applications with numerous channels.
Innovation Solution
A driving circuit with independent threshold voltage lines and high voltage comparators for each channel, allowing output voltage variation without relying on supply voltage references, thus avoiding issues with filter capacitances and reducing circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate circuitry is used for each channel to generate pulses of different widths, then the transducer can be driven with variable pulse widths, but the circuit complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pulse width control function into a single shared circuit that generates control signals for multiple channels. Instead of each channel having its own duplicate circuitry, a centralized control circuit produces control signals that are distributed to multiple channels, allowing variable pulse widths without replicating the entire control circuit for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple channels simultaneously. A single control circuit generates control signals that can modulate the pulse width for multiple transducer channels, making the circuit universal rather than dedicated to a single channel. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate circuitry is used for each channel, then each channel can be independently controlled, but the cost increases especially in 3D sonographic imaging with numerous channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control circuit that can independently control multiple channels through shared components. The control circuit generates individual control signals for each channel while using common circuit elements, thereby reducing component count and manufacturing cost while preserving independent channel control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into a centralized control unit that generates control signals and distributed channel interfaces that receive and act on these signals. This segmentation allows the expensive control logic to be implemented once in the centralized unit rather than replicated in each channel, reducing overall cost while maintaining independent control of each channel through the distributed architecture.
3Ease of operation
If supply voltage references are used for output voltage variation, then the output voltage can be controlled, but issues with filter capacitances arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control signals as an intermediary mechanism between the supply voltage and the output voltage. Instead of directly varying the supply voltage references (which would interact problematically with filter capacitances), the control signals modulate the output voltage through a controlled switching mechanism. This intermediary approach decouples the voltage control function from the problematic capacitance interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct voltage reference adjustment (analog/electrical system with capacitance interactions) with a digital control signal approach. The control signals, generated by a digital control circuit, switch and modulate the output voltage without requiring continuous adjustment of supply voltage references, thereby eliminating the problematic interactions with filter capacitances while maintaining precise output voltage control.
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
The solution enables efficient generation of ultrasonic pulses with varying widths without duplicating circuitry, reducing complexity and cost, and is suitable for high-channel-count applications like 3D sonographic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The same probe is able to receive the return or echo signal... An ultrasonic transducer usually comprises a piezoelectric crystal being suitably biased in order to cause its deformation and the generation of an ultrasound signal or pulse
Implementation Method 2
The same probe is able to receive the return or echo signal... which transmits and receives an ultrasound signal
Data Source
AI summary
A driving circuit has output terminal connected to an ultrasonic transducer and provides an output voltage. The driving circuit includes an output transistor coupled between a voltage reference and the output terminal, a high voltage comparator coupled to said output terminal and to a threshold voltage reference), a start-up circuit controlled by a setting signal; and a switching ON/OFF circuit having an input coupled to the start-up circuit an input coupled to the comparator, and an output coupled to a control terminal of the output transistor. The start-up circuit provides an ON signal to the switching on/off circuit and the comparator provides an OFF signal to the switching on/off circuit which switches off the output transistor. The high voltage comparator generates the switching off signal in response to the output voltage reaching a desired supply voltage value which depends on the value of the first threshold voltage reference.