Ultrasonic Probe Amplifier Circuit With Dynamic Current and Amplitude Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic probe amplifier circuits are large in size and consume high power, preventing them from achieving high resolution and efficient operation in ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

Innovation Solution

The proposed amplifier circuit includes a first current source unit, a second current source unit, amplitude control units, and a buffer unit to adjust current output and draw based on setting signals, allowing for variable amplitude and transition time control of drive signals, thereby reducing circuit size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a conventional amplifier circuit is used to drive the ultrasonic oscillator, then the signal can be amplified, but the circuit size becomes large and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplification capabilityVSAvoidamplifier circuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier circuit is segmented into multiple independent current source units (first current source unit, second current source unit, third current source unit, fourth current source unit), each capable of operating independently to drive the ultrasonic oscillator. This segmentation allows the circuit to achieve signal amplification through coordinated operation of smaller units rather than requiring a single large amplifier, thereby reducing overall circuit size while maintaining amplification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of current sources through setting signals that adjust the output current of each current source unit based on required drive conditions. The amplitude control units dynamically adjust the power source voltage supplied to current source units, enabling the circuit to adapt its amplification level to different operating requirements, achieving efficient signal amplification with reduced circuit size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If a conventional amplifier circuit is used to drive the ultrasonic oscillator, then the signal can be amplified, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal amplification capabilityVSAvoidamplifier circuit power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplifier circuit dynamically adjusts power consumption by controlling the output current of each current source unit according to the actual drive requirements. The amplitude control units adjust power source voltage based on setting signals, enabling the circuit to operate at lower power levels when full amplification is not needed, while maintaining the capability for high-power amplification when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the current source units by adjusting their output current levels and power source voltages based on drive conditions. This parameter control allows the amplifier to achieve signal amplification at variable power levels, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining amplification capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the amplifier circuit size is reduced to achieve high resolution, then the ultrasonic probe resolution improves, but it becomes difficult to maintain adequate signal amplification and control capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasonic probe resolutionVSAvoidsignal amplification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the amplifier into multiple small current source units, the patent achieves both compact circuit size (enabling high resolution) and adequate amplification capability. Each current source unit contributes to the overall amplification when operating in coordination, allowing the reduced-size circuit to maintain sufficient power output for driving the ultrasonic oscillator effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The current source units serve multiple functions: they provide signal amplification, enable amplitude control through setting signals, and can be individually adjusted to optimize performance. This multi-functionality allows the compact circuit to achieve both high resolution and adequate amplification capability without requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10448923B2Amplifier circuit and ultrasonic probe

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Amplification of a signal by a small circuit size and reduction of a power are achieved.A current controlling current source unit 53 changes an outputting current based on a transition time setting signal tp. A current controlling current source unit 54 changes a drawing current based on a transition time setting signal tn. An amplitude control unit 55 changes a power source voltage supplied to the current controlling current source unit 53 and changes amplitude of a voltage generated by a current outputted from the current controlling current source unit 53, based on amplitude setting signal ap. An amplitude control unit 56 changes a power source voltage supplied to the current controlling current source unit 54 and changes amplitude of a voltage generated by the current drawn by the current controlling current source unit 54, based on amplitude setting signal an. The buffer unit 57 drives a load in accordance with the current outputted from the current controlling current source unit 53 and the current drawn from the current controlling current source unit 54.