Ultrasonic Transceiver Circuit Miniaturization via Integrated Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses have large circuit sizes due to separate transmission and reception circuits, which limits the miniaturization of the ultrasonic transmission/reception unit and does not adequately address the demand for multi-channel transducer configurations.

Innovation Solution

The use of a semiconductor circuit element with at least three terminals, connected to transducer elements, transmission signal generating circuits, and amplification capabilities, controlled by a unit to perform both transmission and reception functions, reducing the need for separate circuits and minimizing the overall circuit size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate transmission and reception circuits are used, then electrical protection of the receiving circuit is achieved, but the circuit size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical protection of receiving circuitVSAvoidcircuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmission circuit and reception circuit into a single integrated circuit that performs both functions. The circuit includes a transmission signal generating unit, a switch, and a reception signal amplifying unit all integrated in one chip, eliminating the need for separate circuits and reducing overall circuit size while maintaining electrical protection through the switch mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: generating transmission signals, switching between transmission and reception modes, and amplifying reception signals. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for transmission and reception operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If transmission/reception separating circuit is added, then electrical protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical protectionVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmission and reception functions into a single integrated circuit, reducing the number of separate components needed. The circuit includes a transmission signal generating unit, a switch for mode selection, and a reception signal amplifying unit all within one integration, simplifying the overall structure compared to separate circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If conventional switch-based power connection method is used, then parts count is reduced, but multi-channel transducer demand is not satisfied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparts countVSAvoidmulti-channel transducer support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit is designed with multi-channel capability, allowing a single circuit to handle multiple transducer elements. The circuit includes multiple transmission signal generating units and reception signal amplifying units that can be configured to support multi-channel transducer arrangements, enabling the circuit to adapt to different channel configurations without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for a significant reduction in the circuit size of the ultrasonic transmission/reception unit, enabling more compact designs and supporting multi-channel transducer configurations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a semiconductor circuit element which has at least three terminals including a first terminal connected to a plurality of transducer elements that constitute an ultrasonic probe, a second terminal connected to a transmission signal generating circuit and a third terminal serving as an output terminal of an amplifier of a reception signal from the transducer element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS9157990B2Ultrasonic transmitting/receiving circuit and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An ultrasonic transmitting/receiving circuit equipped with: a semiconductor circuit element which comprises at least three terminals including a first terminal connected to a plurality of transducer elements that constitute an ultrasonic probe, a second terminal connected to a transmission signal generating circuit, and a third terminal serving as an output terminal of an amplifier of a reception signal from the transducer element, and which has a function of amplifying a signal inputted from one terminal by the other terminal and outputting the amplified signal between at least two terminals among the above-said three terminals; and a control unit which performs control so as to cause the semiconductor circuit element to perform a first function of functioning as a switch for inputting a transmission signal to the transducer element and a second function of amplifying the reception signal received from the transducer element.