Ultrasonic Transducer 2D Array Grounding Circuit Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic transducers with a two-dimensional array structure face challenges due to ground loop interference and electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) signal interference, which are exacerbated by the complex wiring arrangement and inability to have a common grounding layer in traditional designs.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic transducer features a 2D ultrasonic transducer unit array with a circuit layer that includes two types of bridging units electrically isolated from each other, allowing for the integration of wires on one side and enabling a common grounding layer on the other side, ensuring all ultrasonic transducer units share the same ground reference potential, thereby reducing ground loop and EMS signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a two-dimensional array structure is adopted to enable scanning waves in different dimensions, then imaging capability is improved, but ground loop interference and EMS signal interference increase due to complex wiring arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidground loop interference and EMS signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ultrasonic generating units into multiple independent series strings along different directions. Each series string is electrically isolated from others, allowing independent grounding. This segmentation eliminates the complex interconnecting wiring that causes ground loop and EMS interference while preserving the 2D array's imaging capability through coordinated operation of independent string groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a common grounding layer as an intermediary element that provides a uniform reference potential for all ultrasonic generating units. This grounding layer acts as a mediator between the series strings and the substrate, ensuring all units share the same ground reference without requiring complex interconnecting wiring, thus eliminating ground loop and EMS signal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrodes are arranged in rows and columns crosswise to form a 2D array, then scanning capability in different directions is improved, but wiring complexity increases making it impossible to set a common grounding layer directly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning capabilityVSAvoidwiring arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 2D array into multiple independent series strings arranged along different directions. Each series string can be independently grounded through separate grounding electrodes, eliminating the need for a single complex grounding layer that would be required if all units were interconnected. This segmentation reduces wiring complexity while maintaining multi-directional scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar grounding approach to a three-dimensional grounding structure by placing grounding electrodes at different locations (around the array perimeter and within the array interior). This spatial redistribution of grounding points eliminates the wiring complexity barrier to implementing a common grounding layer while preserving the 2D array's scanning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If ultrasonic generating units are connected through a common grounding layer, then ground reference potential is standardized, but this is impossible in traditional 2D array designs due to space constraints and wiring complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground reference potential consistencyVSAvoidgrounding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the grounding function into multiple independent grounding electrodes distributed throughout the array structure. Each series string has its own grounding electrode, ensuring consistent ground reference potential for all units without requiring a single complex grounding layer. This segmentation achieves reliable ground reference consistency while simplifying the overall grounding structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local grounding electrodes at specific locations within the 2D array rather than relying on a single common grounding layer. Each local grounding electrode provides a dedicated ground reference for its associated series string, ensuring consistent ground potential while allowing flexible placement that avoids wiring complexity issues. This local quality approach achieves reliable grounding without the constraints of traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly reduces ground loop interference and EMS signal interference, allowing for more reliable and efficient operation of the ultrasonic transducer by ensuring all units have a consistent ground reference potential.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric material layer, wherein the piezoelectric material layer is disposed on the acoustic impedance matching layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

receiving and calculating the amplitude change of the wave that is generated by reflecting one-dimensional signal generated by the ultrasonic generating units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240216952A1Ultrasonic transducer, fabrication method thereof and ultrasonic probe applying the same
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 QISDA CORP
  • US20240216952A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216952A1 patent drawing
  • US20240216952A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An ultrasonic transducer includes an ultrasonic transducer unit array and a circuit layer. The ultrasonic transducer unit array includes: a plurality of first array units and a plurality of second array units. At least two adjacent ones of the first array units are arranged along a first direction to form a first series string; at least two adjacent ones of the second array units are arranged along a second direction to form a second series string; the first series string and the second series string are intersected; and the first direction and the second direction form a non-180° angle. The circuit layer includes a first bridging unit connected in series with the first array units; and a second bridging unit connected in series with the second array units. The second bridging unit and the first bridging unit are not directly electrically connected to each other.