Wireless MRI RF Coil Clock Signal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses using wireless RF coils, the strong RF pulses radiated by the MRI apparatus interfere with the clock signal transmitted wirelessly to the RF coil, leading to desynchronization and increased clock signal jitter.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus includes a reception coil with a clock receptor and a phase synchronizer, controlled by second processing circuitry, which switches operating states of the phase synchronizer in accordance with the radiation timing of RF pulses to maintain clock signal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless type RF coil is adopted to make the RF coil attached to the subject wireless, then the ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but the clock signal transmitted wirelessly is affected by strong RF pulses, causing desynchronization and increased jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the clock signal transmission from the RF pulse transmission by using different wireless communication channels. The control device transmits clock signals through a communication unit while RF pulses are transmitted through the RF coil, dividing the transmission functions to avoid interference between them
Solution Approach 2:
A communication unit acts as an intermediary between the control device and the wireless RF coil, specifically for clock signal transmission. This intermediary channel is distinct from the RF pulse transmission path, providing isolation and protecting the clock signal from RF pulse interference while maintaining wireless operation
2Reliability
If the phase synchronizer continuously performs phase synchronization to maintain clock signal stability, then the reliability is improved, but the RF pulses continue to affect the clock signal causing desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The phase synchronizer operates periodically rather than continuously, performing phase synchronization only during periods when RF pulses are not being transmitted. The control device determines RF pulse transmission timing and activates the phase synchronizer accordingly, creating a periodic operation pattern that avoids RF pulse interference while maintaining clock signal stability during critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs phase synchronization in advance during periods when RF pulses are not transmitted, preparing the clock signal synchronization before the next RF pulse transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures the phase synchronizer is ready to maintain stability without being exposed to harmful RF pulse interference
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 solution effectively reduces the influence of RF pulses on the clock signal in the wireless RF coil, ensuring stable phase synchronization and improving the quality of MR images captured by the wireless RF coil.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission coil that radiates RF pulses to a subject
Implementation Method 2
a reception coil that receives magnetic resonance signals from the subject
Implementation Method 3
a phase synchronizer that performs phase synchronization with the clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes a transmission coil, a reception coil, and first processing circuitry. The transmission coil radiates RF pulses to a subject. The reception coil receives magnetic resonance signals from the subject. The first processing circuitry controls the transmission coil and the reception coil. The reception coil includes a clock receptor, a phase synchronizer, and second processing circuitry. The clock receptor receives a clock signal wirelessly transmitted by the first processing circuitry. The phase synchronizer performs phase synchronization with the clock signal. The second processing circuitry controls the phase synchronizer. The second processing circuitry switches operating states of the phase synchronizer in accordance with a radiation timing of the RF pulses.