Ultrasound T/R Switch With RTZ Path for Near-Field SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic imaging systems face challenges in achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) due to timing and switching artifacts related to the transmit-receive switch, which affects the availability of near field data and image clarity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a combined transmit-receive and return-to-zero (RTZ) path in the ultrasound system, utilizing a transistor with specific current and control terminals, and a controller to provide control signals for different operational modes, enables efficient switching between transmit and receive modes while minimizing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional transmit-receive switch is used, then the system can switch between transmit and receive modes, but timing and switching artifacts are introduced that reduce SNR and affect near field data availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching function into two separate paths: a transmit-receive path and a return-to-zero path. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path, enabling the transmit-receive path to focus on signal transmission while the return-to-zero path handles artifact reduction, thereby improving SNR without compromising switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The return-to-zero path acts as an intermediary mechanism that prepares the transmit line by discharging residual energy before the receive phase begins. This intermediary action prevents switching artifacts from contaminating the receive signal, effectively reducing harmful factors while maintaining reliable SNR
2Loss of time
If the switching speed is increased to support near field imaging, then near field data availability improves, but switching artifacts and output transients increase
Solution Approach 1:
The return-to-zero path performs preliminary action by discharging residual energy from the transmit line before the receive phase starts. This preliminary discharge prevents output transients during fast switching, enabling high-speed operation for near field imaging without introducing harmful artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the switching function into distinct transmit-receive and return-to-zero paths, the system can optimize switching speed independently of artifact generation. The return-to-zero path handles transient suppression while the transmit-receive path maintains fast switching capability for near field data acquisition
3Object-generated harmful factors
If separate transmit-receive and return-to-zero paths are implemented, then switching artifacts are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit-receive switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles both the transmit-receive switching and the return-to-zero operation through integrated control logic. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate dedicated circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving artifact reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the transmit-receive switching function with the return-to-zero function in a unified circuit architecture. By merging these functions into a single integrated switch design with coordinated control paths, the system achieves artifact reduction without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound system includes a transmit-receive switch. The transmit-receive switch includes a combined transmit-receive and return-to-zero (RTZ) path. The combined transmit-receive and RTZ path includes a transistor with a first current terminal, a second current terminal, and a control terminal. The second current terminal of the transistor is coupled to a ground node via a first switch and is coupled to a receive node via a second switch. The ultrasound system also includes a receiver front-end circuit coupled to the receive node.