PULSE AMPLIFIER FOR DRIVING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS

摘要

Embodiments of the invention include improved radiofrequency (RF) pulse amplifier systems that incorporate an energy array comprising multiple capacitors connected in parallel. The energy array extends the maximum length of pulses and the maximum achievable peak power output of the amplifier when compared to similar systems. Embodiments also include systems comprising the amplifier configured to drive a load, wherein the load may include one or more ultrasound (e.g., piezoelectric) transducers Related methods of using the amplifier are also provided.

主权项

1. An apparatus for generating pulses to drive an ultrasound transducer array, the apparatus comprising:
an amplifier; an energy array coupled to the amplifier and to a charge power source, the energy array including:
a first energy module having a first capacitance and a first resonant frequency; anda second energy module having a second capacitance and a second resonant frequency,wherein the first energy module and the second energy module are connected in parallel with one another, wherein the first capacitance is greater than the second capacitance, and wherein the second resonant frequency is 2 to 20 times the first resonant frequency, and wherein the energy array is configured to:
store energy from the charge power source to start a pulse generation cycle in response to a first control signal from a control device; andtransfer stored energy to generate a pulse for driving the ultrasound transducer array at a driving frequency in response to a second control signal from the control device, wherein the generated pulse has a pulse voltage level of at least 1 Vpp and has a pulse duration time that is in a range of pulse duration times from 0.001 ms to an upper pulse duration time.