Ultrasonic Probe Impedance Controller Leak Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medical ultrasonic probes face issues with leak current when using both high voltage and low voltage transmission circuits together, due to the low output impedance of the high voltage transmission circuit, which affects the buffer and impairs signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an impedance controller connected to the input and output terminals of the buffer within the high voltage transmission circuit, which reduces leak current by ensuring input and output potentials are the same, and using a current source and buffer to drive transducers based on set signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high voltage transmission circuit and a low voltage transmission circuit are used together to capture both tomographic images and doppler images, then the functionality and imaging quality are improved, but leak current occurs in the buffer due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the buffer circuit by introducing a switching mechanism that adjusts the buffer's impedance state based on the operating mode (tomographic or doppler imaging). This parameter change allows the buffer to adapt to different voltage levels and prevent leak current while maintaining both imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching circuit as an intermediary component between the high voltage and low voltage transmission circuits. This switching mechanism acts as a mediator that isolates the buffer from impedance mismatch issues by selectively connecting appropriate circuit paths, thereby preventing leak current while preserving dual imaging functionality
2Measurement precision
If the size of transducers and amplifier circuits is reduced to improve spatial resolution, then image quality is improved, but the circuit design becomes more challenging due to combined high and low voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal transmission circuit that can operate in both high voltage mode (for tomographic imaging) and low voltage mode (for doppler imaging) by incorporating a switching mechanism. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to handle both imaging types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high spatial resolution through compact transducer and amplifier design
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 effectively reduces leak current in the buffer, allowing for reliable operation of both high voltage and low voltage transmission circuits together, enhancing the performance of ultrasonic probes in capturing tomographic and doppler images.
Implementation Method 1
Each transducer of an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic waves is applied with a relatively high voltage
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus receives an echo signal of ultrasonic waves transmitted to an object under examination
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe are provided which are capable of reducing a leak current even in combined use of a low voltage transmission circuit and a high voltage transmission circuit including a buffer. The ultrasonic probe includes: a high voltage transmission circuit for transmitting a relatively high voltage; a low voltage transmission circuit for transmitting a relatively low voltage; and a transducer for selectively receiving a voltage transmitted from the high voltage transmission circuit and the low voltage transmission circuit. The high voltage transmission circuit includes: a current source for varying a current generated thereby and a current drawn thereby based on a set signal; a buffer for driving the transducer in accordance with the currents generated and drawn by the current source; and an impedance controller connected to an input terminal and an output terminal of the buffer.