Ultrasonic Probe Power Switching for Voltage Droop Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, the generation of high peak value driving pulse strings for shear wave elastography and drug delivery systems often results in voltage droops due to the requirement of high applied voltages, leading to variability and reproducibility issues in measurements and drug distribution.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus incorporates a power switching function, where a sequence controller selectively switches between multiple power sources to apply voltage to pulsers, reducing the period of voltage usage and allowing inactive power sources to restore voltage, thereby minimizing voltage droops and maintaining stable pulse outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage is applied to generate high peak value driving pulse strings for shear wave elastography and drug delivery systems, then the driving capability is improved, but voltage droops occur leading to measurement variability and reduced reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into multiple independent power sources (first power source, second power source, etc.), each capable of independently applying voltage to the pulser. This segmentation allows the system to switch between power sources, preventing voltage droops that would otherwise occur during continuous high-voltage application, thereby maintaining measurement reproducibility while preserving driving capability.
2Reliability
If high voltage is continuously applied to maintain stable pulse outputs, then measurement consistency is improved, but heat generation increases and power source size must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between multiple power sources, where each power source is activated for a specific period and then switched to another. This periodic action allows each power source to rest and cool down during intervals when it is not in use, reducing cumulative heat generation while maintaining consistent pulse outputs through the switching mechanism.
3Device complexity
If a single power source is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage droops occur during high peak value pulse generation
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into multiple independent power sources (first power source, second power source, etc.), each capable of independently applying voltage to the pulser. This segmentation allows the system to switch between power sources, preventing voltage droops that would otherwise occur during continuous high-voltage application, thereby maintaining measurement reproducibility while preserving driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between multiple power sources based on the required pulse characteristics. By dynamically selecting which power source to use, the system can maintain optimal voltage levels for high peak value pulse generation without experiencing the voltage droops that would occur with a single continuously-loaded power source.
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 approach reduces voltage droops, enhances measurement sensitivity, and allows for stable transmission of high peak value driving pulse strings, improving the reproducibility of shear wave elastography and drug delivery systems while downsizing the power source and reducing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of piezoelectric transducers which generate ultrasonic waves in response to supplied driving signals
Implementation Method 2
a sequence controller which switches a plurality of power sources in accordance with at least one pulser used for generation of the driving signal in one transmission mode period
Data Source
AI summary
In general, according to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a plurality of power supplies implemented by circuitry, at least one pulser, and a controller implemented by circuitry. The ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers which generate ultrasonic waves in response to supplied driving signals. The pulser outputs the driving signal based on an applied voltage applied from any one of the plurality of power supplies. The controller switches the plurality of power supplies in accordance with the at least one pulser used for generation of the driving signal in one transmission mode period.