U.S. patent application number 15/087943 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for symmetric receiver switch for bipolar pulser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Butterfly Network, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Butterfly Network, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kailiang Chen, Keith G. Fife, Tyler S. Ralston.
Application Number | 20170285150 15/087943 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59929190 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170285150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Kailiang ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
SYMMETRIC RECEIVER SWITCH FOR BIPOLAR PULSER
Abstract
Circuitry for ultrasound devices is described. A multilevel
pulser is described, which can provide bipolar pulses of multiple
levels. The multilevel pulser includes a pulsing circuit and pulser
and feedback circuit. Symmetric switches are also described. The
symmetric switches can be positioned as inputs to ultrasound
receiving circuitry to block signals from the receiving
circuitry.
Inventors: |
Chen; Kailiang; (Guilford,
CT) ; Ralston; Tyler S.; (Clinton, CT) ; Fife;
Keith G.; (Palo Alto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Butterfly Network, Inc. |
Guilford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Butterfly Network, Inc.
Guilford
CT
|
Family ID: |
59929190 |
Appl. No.: |
15/087943 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 7/52047 20130101;
G01S 7/52017 20130101; G01S 7/5202 20130101; G01S 7/5208 20130101;
G01S 7/521 20130101; G01S 7/5205 20130101; G01S 15/8915 20130101;
H03K 17/6874 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01S 7/521 20060101
G01S007/521; H03K 17/687 20060101 H03K017/687 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) die having ultrasonic transducers and an
integrated circuitry formed thereon, the integrated circuit
including a symmetric switch coupled to a first ultrasonic
transducer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the symmetric switch
switchably couples receiving circuitry of the integrated circuit
with the first ultrasonic transducer.
3. An ultrasound device comprising: a capacitive ultrasonic
transducer; a bipolar pulser coupled to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer and configured to provide, from an output terminal, a
bipolar input signal to the capacitive ultrasonic transducer; a
receiving circuit configured to process an electrical signal output
by the capacitive ultrasonic transducer; and a symmetric switch
comprising a first transistor and a second transistor, the
symmetric switch having an input terminal coupled between the
output terminal of the bipolar pulser and the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer and having an output terminal coupled to the receiving
circuit; wherein the first transistor has a first gate, a first
source and a first drain and the second transistor has a second
gate, a second source and a second drain, and wherein the first
gate is connected to the second gate and the first source is
connected to the second source, and wherein the first gate and the
first source are coupled or couplable to a first same electric
potential at a first time, and to a second same electric potential
at a second time.
4. The ultrasound device of claim 3, wherein the receiving circuit
comprises a current-to-voltage converter.
5. The ultrasound device of claim 4, wherein the current-to-voltage
converter comprises a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA).
6. The ultrasound device of claim 3, wherein the first transistor
and the second transistor of the symmetric switch are p-type
metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistors.
7. The ultrasound device of claim 3, wherein the first transistor
and the second transistor of the symmetric switch are n-type
metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistors.
8-10. (canceled)
11. An ultrasound device comprising: a capacitive ultrasonic
transducer; a bipolar pulser coupled to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer and configured to provide, from an output terminal, a
bipolar input signal to the capacitive ultrasonic transducer; a
receiving circuit configured to process an electrical signal output
by the capacitive ultrasonic transducer; and a symmetric switch
comprising a first transistor and a second transistor, the
symmetric switch having an input terminal coupled between the
output terminal of the bipolar pulser and the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer and having an output terminal coupled to the receiving
circuit, wherein the first transistor has a first gate, a first
source and a first drain and the second transistor has a second
gate, a second source and a second drain, and wherein the first
gate is connected to the second gate and the first source is
connected to the second source, and wherein the symmetric switch
further comprises a third transistor having a third drain connected
to the second drain.
12. (canceled)
13. A method of operating an ultrasound device, comprising:
providing a bipolar pulser signal from a bipolar pulser to a first
terminal of a capacitive ultrasonic transducer during a transmit
mode of operation of the ultrasound device; operating a symmetric
switch coupled between the first terminal of the capacitive
ultrasonic transducer and a receiving circuit in an open state
during the transmit mode of operation, the symmetric switch
comprising a first transistor having a first gate, a first source
and a first drain, and a second transistor having a second gate, a
second source and a second drain, with the first gate connected to
the second gate and the first source connected to the second
source; and operating the symmetric switch in a closed state during
a receive mode of operation of the ultrasound device; wherein
operating the symmetric switch in the open state during the
transmit mode of operation comprises coupling the first gate, the
second gate, the first source, and the second source to a first
same electric potential at a first time, coupling the first gate,
the second gate, the first source, and the second source to a
second same electric potential at a second time, and coupling the
first gate, the second gate, the first source, and the second
source back to the first same electric potential at a third
time.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising converting a current
from the capacitive ultrasonic transducer to a voltage during the
receive mode of operation using a current-to-voltage converter of
the receiving circuit.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein converting the current from the
capacitive ultrasonic transducer to the voltage is performed with a
trans-impedance amplifier (TIA).
16. The method of claim 13, wherein operating the symmetric switch
in the closed state during the receive mode of operation of the
ultrasound device comprises receiving an output signal of the
capacitive ultrasonic transducer on the first drain of the first
transistor of the symmetric switch and providing the output signal
to the receiving circuit from the second drain of the second
transistor of the symmetric switch.
17-20. (canceled)
21. The method of claim 13, wherein the first same electric
potential comprises a ground potential and the second same electric
potential comprises a bias voltage of the bipolar pulser.
22. The ultrasound device of claim 3, wherein the first same
electric potential comprises a ground potential and the second same
electric potential comprises a bias voltage of the bipolar pulser.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field
[0001] The present application relates to ultrasound devices for
ultrasound imaging and high intensity focused ultrasound
(HIFU).
Related Art
[0002] Some conventional ultrasound devices include pulsing
circuits configured to provide pulses to an ultrasonic transducer.
Often the ultrasonic transducer operates in transmission and
reception.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Aspects of the present application provide an
ultrasound-on-a-chip device including integrated circuitry having a
pulser with feedback. Symmetric receive switches are also provided
in the ultrasound-on-a-chip device and coupled to an output of the
ultrasonic transducers to facilitate the use of multi-level pulsers
to drive the ultrasonic transducers.
[0004] An aspect of the present application relates to an
ultrasound device comprising a capacitive ultrasonic transducer, a
bipolar pulser coupled to the capacitive ultrasonic transducer and
configured to provide, from an output terminal, a bipolar input
signal to the capacitive ultrasonic transducer, a receiving circuit
configured to process an electrical signal output by the capacitive
ultrasonic transducer, and a symmetric switch comprising a first
transistor and a second transistor. The symmetric switch has an
input terminal coupled between the output terminal of the bipolar
pulser and the capacitive ultrasonic transducer and having an
output terminal coupled to the receiving circuit.
[0005] As aspect of the present application relates to a method of
operating an ultrasound device, comprising providing a bipolar
pulser signal from a bipolar pulser to a first terminal of a
capacitive ultrasonic transducer during a transmit mode of
operation of the ultrasound device, operating a symmetric switch
coupled between the first terminal of the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer and a receiving circuit in an open state during the
transmit mode of operation, and operating the symmetric switch in a
closed state during a receive mode of operation of the ultrasound
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] Various aspects and embodiments of the application will be
described with reference to the following figures. It should be
appreciated that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Items appearing in multiple figures are indicated by the same
reference number in all the figures in which they appear.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound device
including a plurality of pulsing circuits and a plurality of
receiver switches, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the
present application.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a pulsing circuit
coupled to a capacitive ultrasonic transducer, according to a
non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a pulsing circuit
comprising a pulser and a feedback circuit, according to a
non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the acts of a method
to operate a pulsing circuit coupled to a capacitive ultrasonic
transducer, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application.
[0011] FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram illustrating a resistive ladder
configured to generate a plurality of threshold voltages, according
to a non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
[0012] FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram illustrating a dividing circuit
configured to generate a detection signal, according to a
non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates a timing diagram showing an example
signal provided by the pulsing circuit to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application.
[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates a timing diagram showing an apodized
signal provided by the pulsing circuit to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a plurality of
pulsing circuits coupled to a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic
transducers, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application.
[0016] FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound device
operating in transmit mode, according to a non-limiting embodiment
of the present application.
[0017] FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound device
operating in receive mode, according to a non-limiting embodiment
of the present application.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an ultrasound device
comprising a symmetric switch, according to a non-limiting
embodiment of the present application.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a timing diagram showing control signals
configured to drive the symmetric switch of FIG. 9, according to a
non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative
device comprising a symmetric switch, according to a non-limiting
embodiment of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] An ultrasound-on-a-chip device may include ultrasonic
transducers integrated with circuitry on a semiconductor die, also
referred to herein as a "chip." The ultrasound-on-a-chip device may
be employed within an ultrasound probe to perform ultrasound
imaging, therapy (e.g., high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)),
or both. Thus, the circuitry integrated with the ultrasound
transducers may support such functions and assume a form
appropriate for being employed in a probe or other form factor,
such as a stethoscope. The circuitry may include pulsing circuits
which generate electrical pulses used to drive the ultrasonic
transducers of the ultrasound-on-a-chip device to generate
ultrasound signals appropriate for imaging and/or HIFU. The pulsing
circuits may be digital, analog, or mixed analog-digital.
[0022] Aspects of the present application provide bipolar,
multi-level pulsing circuits with feedback. Applicant has
appreciated that ultrasound devices configured to transmit unipolar
pulses exhibit limited dynamic range because the direct current
(DC) component associated with the unipolar pulse may saturate the
receiving circuit, thus deteriorating the contrast of the image
produced. Unipolar pulses are those which only assume voltages
greater than or equal to zero (0), or alternatively, voltages less
than or equal to zero (0). Applicant has appreciated that, by
contrast, the use of bipolar pulses limits the impact of the DC
component and thus provides significantly increased dynamic range
and image contrast compared to ultrasound devices utilizing
unipolar pulses. Thus, aspects of the present application provide
ultrasound devices configured to transmit bipolar pulses. Bipolar
pulses can assume voltages that are greater than, less than, or
equal to zero (0).
[0023] The use of multi-level pulsing circuits with feedback arises
from Applicant's appreciation that the contrast of ultrasound
images may be significantly enhanced by performing time-domain and
space-domain apodization of the pulses transmitted to the target
being imaged. Apodization may reduce the extent of the side-lobes
associated with transmitted pulses, thus increasing the resolution
of the image produced. The generation of temporally and spatially
apodized pulses may be facilitated by the ability to control
signals that can assume multiple values. Multi-level pulses of the
type described herein can assume any value selected from among a
set of selectable values, where the set may comprise at least three
values. The generation of such multi-level pulses may require
complicated pulser designs where multiple supply voltages are
provided. Providing multiple supply voltages may be impractical.
This may be especially true when the ultrasound device is to be
disposed in a handheld ultrasound probe or other compact form, as
additional off-chip supply circuits may be required. Applicant has
appreciated that the use of feedback circuits may facilitate the
generation of multi-level pulses, and the generation of apodized
pulses, without resorting to multiple supply voltages, thus
simplifying the design of the ultrasound device.
[0024] Aspects of the present application provide ultrasound
devices including a symmetric switch coupling an ultrasonic
transducer to receiving circuitry. While the use of bipolar pulsing
circuits may be beneficial for at least the reasons described
above, they can also be detrimental to the ultrasound device's
receiving circuitry. The pulses generated by the transmitting
circuit may inadvertently electrically couple directly to the
receiving circuit, which may not be designed to withstand large
positive and negative voltage spikes. As a consequence, the
ultrasound device may be damaged if proper protection is not
provided. Applicant has appreciated that a suitably positioned
symmetric switch designed to block positive and negative voltage
spikes associated with bipolar pulses may prevent damage to
receiving circuitry, thus protecting the ultrasound device and
facilitating use of bipolar pulsing circuits.
[0025] The CMOS circuitry features described above may facilitate
creation of an ultrasound-on-a-chip device suitable for performing
ultrasound imaging and/or HIFU in a commercially valuable form
factor.
[0026] The aspects and embodiments described above, as well as
additional aspects and embodiments, are described further below.
These aspects and/or embodiments may be used individually, all
together, or in any combination of two or more, as the application
is not limited in this respect.
[0027] As described above, aspects of the present application
provide an ultrasound device having a bipolar, multi-level pulsing
circuit and a symmetric switch coupling the bi-polar, multi-level
pulsing circuit to receive circuitry. FIG. 1 illustrates the
general architecture of an ultrasound device which may include such
features in accordance with aspects of the present application. The
ultrasound device 100 has a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic
transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N, where N is an integer.
Ultrasound device 100 may comprise a plurality of circuitry
channels 102.sub.1 . . . 102.sub.N. Circuitry channels 102.sub.1 .
. . 102.sub.N may be electrically connected to a respective
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N.
Ultrasound device 100 may further comprise analog-to-digital
converter (ADC) 111.
[0028] The capacitive ultrasonic transducers are sensors in some
embodiments, producing electrical signals representing received
ultrasound signals. The capacitive ultrasonic transducers may also
transmit ultrasound signals in some embodiments. The capacitive
ultrasonic transducers may be capacitive micromachined ultrasonic
transducers (CMUTs) in some embodiments. However, other types of
capacitive ultrasonic transducers may be used in other
embodiments.
[0029] The circuitry channels 102.sub.1 . . . 102.sub.N may include
transmit circuitry, receive circuitry, or both. The transmit
circuitry may include transmit decoders 105.sub.1 . . . 105.sub.N
coupled to respective pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 . . . 103.sub.N.
The pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 . . . 103.sub.N may control the
respective ultrasonic transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N to emit
ultrasound signals.
[0030] Aspects of the present application relate to pulsing
circuits 103.sub.1 . . . 103.sub.N. In some embodiments, pulsing
circuits 103.sub.1 . . . 103.sub.N may be configured to generate
bipolar pulses. In some embodiments, pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 . .
. 103.sub.N may be configured to generate multi-level pulses. As
will be described further below, pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 . . .
103.sub.N may include pulsers plus additional circuitry in some
embodiments. In some embodiments, the pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 .
. . 103.sub.N may include pulsers and feedback circuitry.
[0031] The receive circuitry of the circuitry channels 102.sub.1 .
. . 102.sub.N may receive the electrical signals output from
respective capacitive ultrasonic transducers 101.sub.1 . . .
101.sub.N. In the illustrated example, each circuitry channel
102.sub.1 . . . 102.sub.N includes a respective receive switch
107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N and a receiving circuit 109.sub.1 . . .
109.sub.N. The receive switches 107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N may be
controlled to activate/deactivate readout of an electrical signal
from a given ultrasonic transducer 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N. The
receiving circuits 109.sub.1 . . . 109.sub.N may comprise
current-to-voltage converters. The current-to-voltage converters
may comprise trans-impedance amplifiers (TIAs), and for that reason
the receiving circuits 109.sub.1 . . . 109.sub.N are illustrated as
TIAs, although additional and/or alternative circuitry may
constitute the receiving circuits.
[0032] Aspects of the present application relate to receive
switches 107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N. In some embodiments, receive
switches 107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N may comprise symmetric switches
configured to block voltage spikes exhibiting positive and/or
negative voltages. Receive switches 107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N may
be configured to form an open circuit to electrically decouple the
receiving circuitry from the transmitting circuitry and from the
capacitive ultrasonic transducer during a transmit mode. Receive
switches 107.sub.1 . . . 107.sub.N may be further configured to
form a short circuit to electrically couple the receive circuitry
to the capacitive ultrasonic transducer during a receive mode.
[0033] Ultrasound device 100 may further comprise ADC 111. ADC 111
may be configured to digitize the signals received by capacitive
ultrasonic transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N. The digitization
of the various received signals may be performed in series or in
parallel. While a single ADC is illustrated, and thus is shown as
being shared by multiple circuitry channels, alternative
embodiments provide for one ADC per circuitry channel.
[0034] While FIG. 1 illustrates a number of components as part of a
circuit of an ultrasound device, it should be appreciated that the
various aspects described herein are not limited to the exact
components or configuration of components illustrated.
[0035] The components of FIG. 1 may be located on a single
substrate or on different substrates. When located on a single
substrate, the substrate may be a semiconductor substrate as an
example, such as a silicon substrate, and components may be
monolithically integrated thereon. When the illustrated components
are not on the same substrate, the capacitive ultrasonic
transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N may be on a first substrate
and the remaining illustrated components may be on a second
substrate, as an example. As a further alternative, the ultrasonic
transducers and some of the illustrated circuitry may be on the
same substrate, while other circuitry components may be on a
different substrate. When multiple substrates are used, they may be
semiconductor substrates, such as silicon substrates.
[0036] According to an embodiment, the components of FIG. 1 form
part of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe may be handheld.
In some embodiments, the components of FIG. 1 form part of an
ultrasound patch configured to be worn by a patient.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a pulsing circuit 103 which
may serve as any of the pulsing circuits 103.sub.1 . . . 103.sub.N
of FIG. 1, according to some non-limiting embodiments. In some
embodiments, pulsing circuit 103 may comprise pulser 220 and
feedback circuit 230. Pulsing circuit 103 may have an output
terminal electrically connected to capacitive ultrasonic transducer
101, and may be configured to provide an input signal 240 to
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101. In some embodiments, pulser
220 may be configured to generate bipolar pulses, that may assume
positive and/or negative values in addition to zero. By generating
bipolar pulses, pulser 220 can diminish, or suppress, any DC
component associated with the pulses. As noted previously,
transmitting pulses having DC components may degrade the quality of
the image produced by ultrasound device 100. Accordingly, compared
to the passband component, DC components may attenuate
significantly less while propagating through the medium being
imaged. Consequently, the receiving circuit may receive a signal
having a DC component that is significantly greater than the
passband component. As a result, the receiving circuit may saturate
thus limiting the dynamic range of the image.
[0038] In some embodiments, the feedback circuit may be configured
to control the pulser to generate multi-level pulses. Multi-level
pulses of the type described herein can assume any value selected
from among a set of selectable values, where the set may comprise
at least three values and in at least some embodiments may include
four or more values (e.g., between 3 and 30 values, between 4 and
20 values, between 4 and 10 values, or any number within those
ranges). The use of multi-level pulses may enable the optimization
of the pulse's envelope to maximize a parameter of the ultrasound
image being formed. For example, the envelope of the pulses may be
engineered to maximize image contrast. In particular, by using
time-domain apodization, the resulting frequency content of the
pulses may exhibit a large main-lobe and suppressed side-lobes,
thus increasing imaging resolution. Time-domain apodization
requires pulses exhibiting as many voltage levels as possible to
produce nearly-continuous window functions. However, the generation
of pulses having a large number of levels can require complex
pulsing circuits. Therefore the number of levels should be chosen
to maximize the ability to perform time-domain apodization while
keeping the pulsing circuits relatively simple and compact. In some
embodiments, pulser 220 may be configured to generate multi-level
pulses having between 3 and 30 levels, between 5 and 10 levels, or
between any suitable value or range of values.
[0039] The use of multi-level pulses may also enable space-domain
apodization. To perform space-domain apodization the various
capacitive ultrasonic transducers would have to be driven with
input signals having space-dependent amplitudes. Provision of input
signals having space-dependent amplitudes may be facilitated by
having access to a plurality of reference voltages.
[0040] In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may be configured
to facilitate multi-level pulse generation. In particular, feedback
circuit 230 may be configured to provide a plurality of reference
voltages. As noted previously, the use of feedback circuits of the
type described herein may facilitate the design of multi-level
pulsers without resorting to multiple supply voltages. In some
embodiments it may be undesirable to include multiple supply
voltages, which may lead to sizeable ultrasound probes that may be
difficult to fit in a handheld form factor. Contrarily, feedback
circuits of the type described herein may provide compact circuitry
to generate reference voltages and may be easily included in
handheld ultrasound probes.
[0041] The output terminal of feedback circuit 230 may be
electrically coupled to the input terminal of pulser 220. The input
terminal of feedback circuit 230 may be electrically coupled to the
output terminal of pulser 220. The input terminal of feedback
circuit 230 may be configured to receive a detection signal 241
representing input signal 240. In some embodiments, input signal
240 and detection signal 241 are voltages. In some embodiments,
detection signal 241 may be derived from input signal 240. In some
embodiments, detection signal 241 may be proportional to input
signal 240. Feedback circuit 230 may compare detection signal 241
to a threshold voltage. In some embodiments, said threshold voltage
may be selected from among a set of selectable threshold
voltages.
[0042] Based on the outcome of the comparison, feedback circuit 230
may provide a control signal 242 to the input terminal of pulser
220. In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may be configured to
determine whether detection signal 241 is greater than, less than
or equal to a threshold voltage. In some embodiments, feedback
circuit 230 may be configured to determine whether detection signal
241 is within a range of the threshold voltage, such as within 10%
of the threshold voltage, within 5% of the threshold voltage, or
within any suitable range. Based on the value of detection signal
241 relative to the threshold voltage, feedback circuit 230 may
control pulser 220 to hold the present value of input signal 240 or
to vary input signal 240. By way of example and not limitation, if
the value of detection signal 241 is less than the threshold
voltage, feedback circuit 230 may control pulser 220 to increase
the value of input signal 240 until detection signal 241 is equal
to, or within a range of, the threshold voltage. If the value of
detection signal 241 is greater than the threshold voltage,
feedback circuit 230 may control pulser 220 to decrease the value
of input signal 240 until detection signal 241 is equal to, or
within a range of, the threshold voltage.
[0043] In some embodiments, the capacitance associated with
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101 may retain an electric charge
to maintain a constant voltage across its terminals when detection
signal 241 has reached the selected threshold voltage. When
detection signal 241 is less than the threshold voltage, pulser 220
may be controlled to charge the capacitance associated with
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101, thus increasing input signal
240. When detection signal 241 is greater than the threshold
voltage, pulser 220 may be controlled to discharge, or negatively
charge, the capacitance associated with capacitive ultrasonic
transducer 101, thus decreasing input signal 240.
[0044] In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may control pulser
220 asynchronously. Accordingly, control signal 242, input signal
240 and detection signal 241 may be allowed to vary at any moment
in time. In some embodiments, pulsing circuit 100 may be timed by a
clock signal. However, control signal 242 may still be allowed to
vary during periods of time that are not defined by the clock
signal.
[0045] In some embodiments, capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101
may be coupled to bias circuitry (not shown) and may be configured
to receive a bias voltage having an absolute value that is greater
than zero. The bias voltage may have an absolute value that is
between 10V and 100V, between 30V and 80V, or between any suitable
values or range of values. In some embodiments, biasing capacitive
ultrasonic transducers may lead to responses exhibiting increased
degrees of linearity.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a non-limiting detailed implementation of the
pulsing circuit of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, pulser 220 may
comprise two transistors, such as 322 and 324. However pulser 220
is not limited in this respect, and any suitable number of
transistors may be used. The transistors may comprise
metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs),
junction field effect transistors (JFETs), bipolar junction
transistors (BJTs), metal-semiconductor field effect transistors
(MESFETs), insulated gate field effect transistors (IGFETs),
laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors (LDMOS),
or any suitable combination thereof. Pulser 220 may comprise
transistor 322 and transistor 324. Transistor 322 may have one type
of conductivity that is different from the type of conductivity of
transistor 324. For example, transistor 322 may have a conductivity
that is based on drift currents sustained by holes moving under the
effect of an electric field. Transistor 324 may have a conductivity
that is based on drift currents sustained by electrons moving under
the effect of an electric field. In some embodiments, transistor
324 may be an nMOSFET and transistor 322 may be a pMOSFET. The
transistors may be configured such that the drain of nMOS
transistor 324 is connected to the drain of pMOS transistor 324.
The drains may be further connected to a terminal of capacitive
ultrasonic transducer 101. The source of nMOS transistor 324 may be
connected to a supply voltage V.sub.N. In some embodiments, V.sub.N
may be less than zero. V.sub.N may be between -100V and -1V,
between -50V and -20V, or between any suitable values or range of
values. The source of pMOS transistor 322 may be connected to a
supply voltage V.sub.P. In some embodiments, V.sub.P may be greater
than zero. V.sub.P may be between 1V and 100V, between 20V and 50V,
or between any suitable values or range of values. The voltages
provided to the gates of transistors 322 and 324 may be generated
by feedback circuit 230 of FIG. 2.
[0047] In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may comprise
controller 336, dividing circuit 332 and reference generator 334.
In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may further comprise
level shifter 338 and level shifter 340. Dividing circuit 332 may
be configured to receive the voltage corresponding to input signal
240 and to output detection signal 341. Dividing circuit 332 may be
configured to provide a detection signal 341 that is proportional
to input signal 240. Detection signal 341 may be provided to
controller 336 through the input terminal labelled "In".
[0048] Reference generator 334 may be configured to provide a set
of selectable threshold voltages to the terminal labelled "Ref" of
controller 336. In some embodiments, reference generator 334 is
connected to controller 336 through n connectors, and is configured
to provide n threshold voltages through corresponding connectors,
where n may assume any suitable value greater than two. The
threshold voltages may be equal to, greater, or less than zero.
[0049] In some embodiments, feedback circuit 230 may be digitally
controlled, and controller 336 may comprise a digital controller.
Controller 336 may be configured to control pulser 220 to hold,
increase or decrease the voltage corresponding to input signal 240
based on a comparison of detection signal 341 with a threshold
voltage, selected from among the n threshold voltages. Controller
336 may select a threshold voltage from the n threshold voltages
provided by reference generator 334. The threshold voltage may be
digitally selected through signal sel_threshold. Signal
sel_threshold may comprise m bits, where m is such that n is equal
to, or less than, 2.sup.m. Each bit combination may select one
threshold voltage from the n threshold voltages. By way of example
and not limitation, a sel_threshold sequence equal to 000 may
select the least of 8 threshold voltages, and a sel_threshold
sequence equal to 111 may select the largest of 8 threshold
voltages. Furthermore, signal sel_threshold may be varied
asynchronously.
[0050] In some embodiments, dividing circuit 332 may provide a
detection signal 341 that is proportional to input signal 240 by a
scaling factor. In such embodiments, reference generator 334 may be
configured to provide a set of threshold voltages that are scaled
to input signal 240 by the same scaling factor. Consequently,
detection signal 341 may be directly compared to the selected
threshold voltage without having to further scale one of the two
signals.
[0051] In some embodiments, signal p/n may be used to control the
status of transistors 322 and 324. In some embodiments, p/n may be
a single bit signal. Signal p/n may be set to "p" to activate
transistor 322, or to "n" to activate transistor 324. However any
suitable number of bits configured to control the status of
transistors 322 and 324 may also be used. The value of the single
bit may cause either transistor 322 or transistor 324 to turn into
a conductive state, whether in linear or saturation mode. In such
embodiment, only one transistor at a time may be set to a
conductive state.
[0052] Based on the value of sel_threshold and p/n, controller 336
may output control signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N, through the
output terminals labelled "N_control" and "P_control". Together,
control signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N, may represent control
signal 242 illustrated in FIG. 2. Signal 242.sub.P may comprise a
single bit, in some embodiments, configured to control the state of
pMOS transistor 322. Signal 242.sub.N may comprise a single bit, in
some embodiments, configured to control the state of nMOS
transistor 324. The two transistors may be allowed to be in a
cutoff state at the same time.
[0053] In some embodiments, control signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N
may directly drive the gates of transistors 322 and 324
respectively. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, control
signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N may be coupled to the input
terminals of level shifter 338 and level shifter 340, respectively.
The output terminals of level shifter 338 and level shifter 340 may
be coupled to the gates of transistors 322 and 324 respectively.
Level shifters 338 and level shifter 340 may be configured to adapt
the voltages generated by controller 336 to voltages compatible to
transistors 322 and 324 to drive the transistors into their cutoff
or conductive state, based on signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N.
[0054] When detection signal 341 is less than the selected
threshold voltage, controller 336 may be configured to output
control signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N with values suitable to
turn pMOS transistor 322 into a conductive state and nMOS 324
transistor into a cutoff state. In this case, an electric current
flowing from voltage supply V.sub.P to capacitive ultrasonic
transducer 101 may charge capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101
until detection signal 341 reaches the selected threshold voltage,
or a predetermined range of the selected threshold voltage.
[0055] When detection signal 341 is greater than the selected
threshold voltage, controller 336 may be configured to output
control signals 242.sub.P and 242.sub.N with values suitable to
turn nMOS transistor 324 into a conductive state and pMOS
transistor 322 into a cutoff state. In this case, an electric
current flowing from capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101 to
voltage supply V.sub.N may discharge, or negatively charge,
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101 until detection signal 341
reaches the selected threshold voltage, or a predetermined range of
the selected threshold voltage.
[0056] When detection signal 241 is equal or within a predetermined
range of the selected threshold voltage, pMOS transistor 322 and
nMOS transistor 324 may be controlled through signals 242.sub.P and
242.sub.N to both turn into a cutoff state. In this case, no
electric current would flow to or from capacitive ultrasonic
transducer 101. Consequently, capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101
may retain an electric charge, thus holding the target voltage
corresponding to the selected threshold voltage across its
terminals.
[0057] Because, as described above, in at least some embodiments it
may be desirable for the ultrasound transducers 101 to hold their
charge, in such embodiments the ultrasound transducers may be
capacitive. By contrast, the use of resistive ultrasound
transducers may not operate properly in such situations.
[0058] While controller 336 may be configured to control pulser 220
based on the signals p/n and sel_threshold in the non-limiting
embodiment described in connection with FIG. 3, pulsing circuit 103
is not limited in this respect. Accordingly, any signal, or
combination of signals, configured to control pulser 220 to hold,
increase or decrease input signal 240 until a threshold voltage, or
a range of the threshold voltage, is reached, may also be
employed.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates a method to operate a pulsing circuit to
drive a capacitive ultrasonic device, according to some
non-limiting embodiments. The method of FIG. 4 may be performed in
connection with the pulsing circuit of FIG. 2 or the pulsing
circuit of FIG. 3. Method 400 starts at act 402, where a threshold
voltage may be selected from among a set of n selectable threshold
voltages, where n may assume any suitable value greater than two.
In some embodiments the threshold voltage may be selected through a
digital signal having m bits, where n is equal to, or less than,
2.sup.m.
[0060] Method 400 continues to act 404, where an input signal, such
as input signal 240, may be provided by pulser 220 to capacitive
ultrasonic transducer 101. According to one aspect of the present
application, pulser 220 may be configured to provide a bipolar
input signal, which may exhibit positive and/or negative voltages.
Bipolar input signals of the type described herein may lead to echo
signals that do not saturate the receiving circuit of the
ultrasound device.
[0061] According to another aspect of the present application,
pulser 220 may be configured to provide a multi-level pulse, which
may exhibit values selected from among multiple selectable values.
Pulsing circuits capable of generating multi-level pulses may
facilitate time-domain and space-domain apodization, which may lead
to enhanced image contrast. The generation of multi-level pulses of
the type described herein may be facilitated by feedback circuits
designed to provide a threshold voltage selected from a set of
threshold voltages, without resorting to additional voltage supply
circuits that may render handheld ultrasound probes more
sizeable.
[0062] At act 406, a detection signal, such as detection signal
341, may be derived from input signal 240. Detection signal 341 may
represent input signal 240. Accordingly, detection signal 341 may
be equal, or proportional, to input signal 240.
[0063] At act 408, detection signal 341 may be compared to the
threshold voltage selected at act 402. In some embodiments
detection signal 341 is proportional to input signal 240 by a
scaling factor. In such embodiments, the threshold voltage may be
scaled to input signal 240 by the same scaling factor. As a result
of the comparison, detection signal 341 may be equal to, greater
than, or less than the threshold voltage.
[0064] At act 410, based on the result of the comparison performed
at act 408, a control signal 242 may be provided to pulser 220 to
control input signal 240. The control signal may be provided by
feedback circuit 230. Feedback circuit 230 may be controlled
digitally. At act 412, if detection signal 341 is less than the
selected threshold voltage, control signal 242 may control pulser
220 to increase the voltage corresponding to input signal 240. In
some embodiments, control signal 242 may turn pMOS transistor 322
into a conductive state to charge the capacitance associated to
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101.
[0065] At act 412, if detection signal 341 is greater than the
selected threshold voltage, control signal 242 may control pulser
220 to decrease the voltage corresponding to input signal 240. In
some embodiments, control signal 242 may turn nMOS transistor 324
into a conductive state to discharge, or negatively charge, the
capacitance associated to capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101.
[0066] In either case, method 400 may return back to act 406 and
method 400 may repeat until detection signal 341 is equal or within
a predefined range of the selected threshold voltage.
[0067] At act 412, if detection signal 341 is found to be equal or
within a predefined range of the selected threshold voltage,
control signal 242 may control pulser 220 to hold the current value
of input signal 240. In some embodiments, control signal 242 may
turn nMOS transistor 324 and pMOS transistor 322 into a cutoff
state to allow the capacitance associated with capacitive
ultrasonic transducer 101 to retain the current electric charge.
The predefined range may be defined as 10% within the selected
threshold voltage, 5% within the selected threshold voltage, or
within any suitable range.
[0068] Once input signal 240 has reached the voltage corresponding
to the threshold voltage, another threshold voltage may be selected
from among the n selectable threshold voltages at act 414. If
another threshold voltage is selected at act 414, method 400 may
repeat from act 404 for the newly selected threshold voltage. The
selection of the new threshold voltage may be performed
asynchronously. Otherwise, if no new threshold voltage is selected,
method 400 may end at act 416.
[0069] FIG. 5A illustrates the circuit diagram of the reference
generator of FIG. 3, according to some non-limiting embodiments.
Reference generator 334 may comprise a resistive ladder, configured
to generate n threshold voltages ref.sub.1 . . . ref.sub.n, where n
may assume any value greater than two. The resistive ladder may
comprise n+1 resistors 534.sub.1 . . . 534.sub.n+1 connected in
series, in some embodiments. Resistor 534.sub.1 may be coupled to
supply voltage V.sub.H. Supply voltage V.sub.H may be equal to
supply voltage V.sub.P, shown in FIG. 3. Resistor 534.sub.n+1 may
be coupled to supply voltage V.sub.L. Supply voltage V.sub.L may
equal supply voltage V.sub.N, shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments,
the n+1 resistors may all have equal resistances to divide the
voltage range corresponding to V.sub.H-V.sub.L into n equal
segments. In other embodiments, resistors 534.sub.2 . . .
534.sub.n+1 may have resistances equal to R, while resistor
534.sub.1 may have a resistance equal to xR, where x may assume any
value between 0.01 and 100. However, other values are also
possible. In such embodiments, a scaled voltage range proportional
to V.sub.H-V.sub.L may be divided into n equal segments.
[0070] FIG. 5B illustrates the circuit diagram of the dividing
circuit of FIG. 3, according to some non-limiting embodiments. The
dividing circuit may comprise a capacitive divider, configured to
generate a detection signal 341 that is proportional to input
signal 240. The capacitive divider may comprise capacitor 532 and
capacitor 533. Capacitor 532 may have one terminal coupled to the
output of pulser 220 and one terminal coupled to an input of
controller 336. In some embodiments, capacitor 532 may be
configured to receive input signal 240 generated from by pulser
220. Capacitor 533 may have one terminal coupled to the same input
of controller 336 and one terminal coupled to supply voltage
V.sub.C. In some embodiments, capacitor 336 may be configured to
receive a scaled version of input signal 240. In some embodiments,
supply voltage V.sub.C may be equal to supply voltage V.sub.N shown
in FIG. 3. The capacitance of capacitors 532 and 533 may be
configured to scale detection signal 341 by the same scaling factor
by which the threshold voltages of FIG. 5A are scaled. In such
embodiments, detection signal 341 may be directly compared to a
threshold voltage selected from among the n threshold voltage
without having to scale any of the two signals first.
[0071] FIG. 6A illustrates a timing diagram showing an example
signal provided by the pulsing circuit to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application. In particular, timing diagram 600 illustrates an
exemplary target signal 602 and an exemplary input signal 240. In
the non-limiting embodiment presented in connection with FIG. 6A, a
threshold voltage may be selected from among seven threshold
voltages. Target signal 602 represents the signal to be followed by
input signal 240. When input signal 240 is equal to target signal
602, for example at t.sub.1, then detection signal 341 is equal to
the current threshold voltage. In this case, feedback circuit 230
may control pulser 220 to keep input voltage 240 constant at the
current value. When input voltage 240 is less than target voltage
602, for example at t.sub.2, feedback circuit 230 may control
pulser 220 to increase input voltage 240 until the current target
voltage is reached. When input voltage 240 is greater than target
voltage 602, for example at t.sub.3, feedback circuit 230 may
control pulser 220 to decrease input voltage 240 until the current
target voltage is reached. In some embodiments, target signal 602
may be varied asynchronously. Consequently the duration of each
segment of target voltage 602 may be set independently from the
duration of the other segments.
[0072] In some embodiments, pulsing circuit 103 may be configured
to generate an input signal 240 having a DC component that is
greater than zero. The extent of the DC component may be chosen to
bias the receiving circuit without letting it reach saturation.
[0073] In some embodiments, input signal 240 may overshoot target
signal 602 (not shown). To mitigate the occurrence of such an
overshoot, feedback circuit 230 may be configured to skew the
threshold voltage. In some embodiments, the threshold voltage may
be skewed by adding (or subtracting) a voltage offset to the
threshold voltage. For example, if the desired output voltage is x
volts, the threshold voltage may be set to y volts, such that the
difference between x and y is equal to the overshooting voltage. In
some embodiments, the threshold voltage may be skewed through a
non-uniform resistive ladder.
[0074] FIG. 6B illustrates a timing diagram showing an apodized
signal provided by the pulsing circuit to the capacitive ultrasonic
transducer, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application. In particular, timing diagram 620 illustrates an
apodized target signal 604 and an apodized input signal 240.
Feedback circuit 230 may be configured to perform time-domain
apodization of input signal 240 based on a Gaussian window, a
Hamming window, a flat top window, a cosine window, or any suitable
window function. Multi-level pulses of the type described herein
provide a sufficient degree of granularity to faithfully generate
continuous window functions.
[0075] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a plurality of
pulsing circuits coupled to a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic
transducers, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
application. In some embodiments, capacitive ultrasonic transducers
101.sub.1, 101.sub.2, 101.sub.3 . . . 101.sub.N may be disposed to
form a 1D array. In other embodiments, capacitive ultrasonic
transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N may be disposed to form a 2D
array. Capacitive ultrasonic transducers 101.sub.1 . . . 101.sub.N
may be coupled to the output terminal of a respective pulser among
pulsers 220.sub.1, 220.sub.2, 220.sub.3 . . . 220.sub.N. Feedback
circuits 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2, 230.sub.3, . . . 230.sub.N may be
coupled to the input terminal and to the output terminal of a
respective pulser among pulsers 220.sub.1 . . . 220.sub.N. In some
embodiments, feedback circuits 230.sub.1 . . . 230.sub.N may be
separate circuits. In other embodiments, feedback circuits
230.sub.1 . . . 230.sub.N may be part of a single circuit,
configured to control pulsers 220.sub.1 . . . 220.sub.N. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, feedback circuits 230.sub.1 . . . 230.sub.N
may control pulsers 220.sub.1 . . . 220.sub.N to generate input
signal 740.sub.1, 740.sub.2, 740.sub.3, . . . 740.sub.N that
exhibit amplitudes that are space-dependent. In some embodiments
the feedback circuits may control the pulsers to perform
space-domain apodization of the input signals. By way of example
and not limitation, input signals 740.sub.1 . . . 740.sub.N may
exhibit amplitudes that are larger at the center of the array and
decay, following a predefined profile, towards the edge of the
array. The space-domain apodization function may be a Gaussian
window, a Hamming window, a flat top window, a cosine window, or
any suitable window function. Space-domain apodization may be
performed over one spatial dimension or two spatial dimensions. By
performing space-domain apodization, the aperture of the array may
be effectively varied, thus providing means to optimize the spatial
profile of the emitted ultrasound wave. In some embodiments, the
spatial profile may be optimized to minimize spatial side-lobes.
Ultrasound devices capable of emitting spatial profiles that have
minimal, or suppressed, side-lobes exhibit enhanced spatial
resolution and hence increased image contrast.
[0076] In some embodiments, capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101
may be connected to transmit and receive circuitry. During
transmission, the bipolar input signal generated by the pulsing
circuit may inadvertently couple to the receiving circuit. The
receiving circuit may comprise, in some embodiments, components
that are not designed to withstand large positive and negative
voltage spikes of the type generated with pulser 220. Accordingly,
coupling bipolar pulses directly into the receiving circuit may
have the effect of damaging one or more components.
[0077] According to aspects of the present application, a symmetric
switch configured to decouple the receiving circuit from the
transmitting circuit while the bipolar pulses are being generated
is provided. As used herein, a symmetric switch is a
transistor-based switch which has input and output terminals of the
same type. For example, the input and output terminals of the
switch may both be sources, both drains, both emitters, both
collectors, or other terminal types. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are block
diagrams illustrating an ultrasound device operating in transmit
mode and receive mode respectively, according to a non-limiting
embodiment of the present application. Symmetric switch 107 may
have an input terminal connected to the output terminal of pulsing
circuits 103. In some embodiments, the input terminal of symmetric
switch 107 may be connected to the output terminal of pulser 220 of
pulsing circuit 103. The input terminal of symmetric switch 107 may
be further connected to a terminal of capacitive ultrasonic
transducer 101. In some embodiments, the input terminal of
symmetric switch 107 may be coupled between the output terminal of
pulser 220 and a terminal of capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101.
Symmetric switch may also have an output terminal coupled to the
input terminal of receiving circuit 109. In some embodiments,
receiving circuit 109 comprises a current-to-voltage converter
configured to convert the current generated by capacitive
ultrasonic transducer 101 in response to receiving an echo signal.
In some embodiments, the current-to-voltage converter may comprise
a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA).
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in transmit mode (TX mode),
symmetric switch 107 may be configured to provide high impedance to
decouple the pulse generated by pulsing circuit 103 from receiving
circuit 109. In some embodiments, symmetric switch 107 may be
configured to operate as an open circuit during transmit mode.
Arrow 801 may represent the signal path corresponding to input
signal 240 during transmit mode.
[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, in receive mode (RX mode),
symmetric switch 107 may be configured to provide low impedance to
couple the pulse generated by capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101
in response to receiving an echo signal (or other received signal)
to receiving circuit 109. In some embodiments, symmetric switch 107
may be configured to short-circuit receiving circuit 109 to
capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101 during receive mode. In some
embodiments, pulsing circuit 103 may be configured to be in a
high-impedance state during receive mode. Arrow 821 may represent
the signal path corresponding to the received signal during receive
mode.
[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram 900 of an ultrasound
device comprising a symmetric switch, according to a non-limiting
embodiment of the present application. Symmetric switch 907 may be
configured to block positive and negative voltages associated with
the bipolar pulses generated by pulsing circuit 103, thus
preventing damage to receiving circuit 109.
[0081] In some embodiments, symmetric switch 907 may comprise two
transistors 910 and 912. However, symmetric switch 907 may include
any suitable number of transistors configured to block bipolar
pulses during transmit mode. Transistors 910 and 912 may be of any
type, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors
(MOSFETs) including nMOS or pMOS, junction field effect transistors
(JFETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), metal-semiconductor
field effect transistors (MESFETs), insulated gate field effect
transistors (IGFETs), laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor
transistors (LDMOS), or any suitable combination thereof. In some
embodiments, both transistors 910 and 912 are nMOS. The gate of
transistor 910 may be short-circuited to the gate of transistor
912. In some embodiments, a second terminal, other than the gate,
of transistor 910 may be short-circuited to a second terminal,
other than the gate, of transistor 912. By way of example and not
limitation, the source of transistor 910 may be short-circuited to
the source of transistor 912. The third terminal of transistor 912,
for example, the drain, may be coupled between the output terminal
of pulsing circuit 103 and a terminal of capacitive ultrasonic
transducer 101. The third terminal of transistor 910, for example,
the drain, may be coupled to the input terminal of receiving
circuit 109. In some embodiments, the drain of transistor 910 may
be short-circuited to the input terminal of receiving circuit 109.
In some embodiments, the body terminal of transistor 910 may be
short-circuited to the source of transistor 910 and the body
terminal of transistor 912 may be short-circuited to the source of
transistor 912.
[0082] In some embodiments, switching circuit 908 may be used to
block bipolar pulses during transmit mode. Switching circuit 908
may comprise symmetric switch 907 and transistor 915. Transistor
915 may be any suitable type of transistor. By way of example and
not limitation, transistor 915 may be an nMOS. Transistor 915 may
be configured to have the drain short-circuited to the input
terminal of receiving circuit 109. The source of transistor 915 may
be short-circuited to a ground terminal. The body terminal of
transistor 915 may be short-circuited to its source.
[0083] In some embodiments, the symmetric switch may comprise pMOS
transistors. FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram 1100 of an
ultrasonic device comprising a symmetric switch, where the
symmetric switch comprises two pMOS transistors 1110 and 1112,
according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
While FIG. 11 illustrates a symmetric switch comprising two pMOS
transistors, any other suitable number of pMOS transistors may be
used.
[0084] Symmetric switch 1107 may be configured such that the gate
of transistor 1110 may be short-circuited to the gate of transistor
1112. In some embodiments, a second terminal, other than the gate,
of transistor 1110 may be short-circuited to a second terminal,
other than the gate, of transistor 1112. By way of example and not
limitation, the drain of transistor 1110 may be short-circuited to
the drain of transistor 1112. The third terminal of transistor
1112, for example, the source, may be coupled between the output
terminal of pulsing circuit 103 and a terminal of capacitive
ultrasonic transducer 101. The third terminal of transistor 1110,
for example, the source, may be coupled to the input terminal of
receiving circuit 109. In some embodiments, the source of
transistor 1110 may be short-circuited to the input terminal of
receiving circuit 109. In some embodiments, the body terminal of
transistor 1110 may be short-circuited to the source of transistor
1110 and the body terminal of transistor 1112 may be
short-circuited to the source of transistor 1112. In some
embodiments, switching circuit 1108 may comprise symmetric switch
1107 and transistor 915.
[0085] Switching circuit 908 may be controlled by any suitable type
and number of control signals configured to block bipolar pulses
generated by pulsing circuit 103 during transmit mode and further
configured to couple capacitive ultrasonic transducer 101 to
receiving circuit 109 during receive mode. By way of example and
not limitation, FIG. 10 illustrates a timing diagram 1000 showing
control signals configured to drive the symmetric switch of FIG. 9,
according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present application.
Control signal 1002 may control the gates of transistors 910 and
912 via terminal G. Control signal 1004 may control the sources of
transistors 910 and 912 via terminal S. Control signal 1006 may
control the gate of transistor 915 via terminal G.sub.2. In some
embodiments, receiving circuit 109 may be turned on and off with
control signal 1008. For example, control 1008 may enable/disable
the voltage supply of receiving circuit 109.
[0086] Before t.sub.0, switching circuit 908 may be configured to
operate in receive mode. During this period, control signal 1002
may be greater than control signal 1004. In some embodiments, both
control signals 1002 and 1004 may be greater than zero. In this
way, both transistors may have a gate-source voltage greater than
zero and hence may be configured to conduct electric currents.
Control signal 1006 may be zero or below the threshold voltage of
transistor 915 to maintain transistor 915 in a cutoff state. In
some embodiments, control signal 1008 may be set to a value that
enables receiving circuit 109.
[0087] Between t.sub.0 and t.sub.1 control signal 1008 may be set
to a value that disables receiving circuit 109.
[0088] Between t.sub.1 and t.sub.2 control signal 1002 may be set
to a value equal to control signal 1004. Consequently, transistors
910 and 912 may turn into their cutoff mode. In some embodiments,
control signal 1006 may be set to a value above the threshold
voltage of transistor 915. Consequently, the input terminal of
receiving circuit 109 may be forced to a voltage equal to zero.
[0089] Between t.sub.2 and t.sub.3 control signals 1002 and 1004
may be set to a negative voltage. In some embodiments, control
signals 1002 and 1004 may be set to a negative voltage
simultaneously. In some embodiments the negative voltage may be
equal to V.sub.N shown in FIG. 3.
[0090] Between t.sub.3 and t.sub.4 control signals 1002 and 1004
may be set to zero or to the bias voltage of pulsing circuit 103.
In some embodiments, control signals 1002 and 1004 may be set to
zero or to the bias voltage of pulsing circuit 103
simultaneously.
[0091] Between t.sub.4 and t.sub.5 control signal 1002 may be set
to a voltage such that the gate-source voltages of transistors 910
and 912 are above threshold. In some embodiments, control signal
1006 may be set to a value below the threshold voltage of
transistor 915, so that the voltage associated with the input
terminal of receive circuit 109 may fluctuate freely.
[0092] After t.sub.5 control signal 1008 may be set to a value that
enables receiving circuit 109.
[0093] In some embodiments, the receive mode may be defined by the
time periods before t.sub.0 and after t.sub.5 and the transmit mode
may be defined by the time period between t.sub.0 and t.sub.5. In
other embodiments, the receive mode may be defined by the time
periods before t.sub.1 and after t.sub.4 and the transmit mode may
be defined by the time period between t.sub.1 and t.sub.4. In some
embodiments, t.sub.0 may be equal to t.sub.1. In some embodiments,
t.sub.1 may be equal to t.sub.2. In some embodiments, t.sub.3 may
be equal to t.sub.4. In some embodiments, t.sub.4 may be equal to
t.sub.5.
[0094] The aspects of the present application may provide one or
more benefits, some of which have been previously described. Now
described are some non-limiting examples of such benefits. It
should be appreciated that not all aspects and embodiments
necessarily provide all of the benefits now described. Further, it
should be appreciated that aspects of the present application may
provide additional benefits to those now described.
[0095] Aspects of the present application provide pulsing circuits
configured to generate bipolar pulses that may be received without
resulting in the saturation of the receiving circuit. However
receiving circuits may comprise components not designed to
withstand the large positive and negative voltage spikes associated
with the bipolar pulses.
[0096] Aspects of the present application provide symmetric
switches configured to decouple the receiving circuit from the
transmitting circuit, during a transmit mode, thus preventing
damage to the receiving circuit caused by bipolar pulses.
[0097] The generation of time-domain and space-domain apodized
pulses requires the ability to control multi-level pulses. Aspects
of the present application provide feedback circuits configured to
provide time-domain and space-domain apodization without resorting
to additional supply voltages. Accordingly, incorporating
additional supply voltages to the ultrasound devices may result in
sizeable handheld ultrasound probes.
[0098] Having thus described several aspects and embodiments of the
technology of this application, it is to be appreciated that
various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily
occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such alterations,
modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the technology described in the application. It
is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are
presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the
appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may
be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. In addition,
any combination of two or more features, systems, articles,
materials, and/or methods described herein, if such features,
systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually
inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0099] Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or
more methods. The acts performed as part of the method may be
ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be
constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than
illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously,
even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative
embodiments.
[0100] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0101] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0102] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
[0103] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
[0104] The terms "approximately" and "about" may be used to mean
within .+-.20% of a target value in some embodiments, within
.+-.10% of a target value in some embodiments, within .+-.5% of a
target value in some embodiments, and yet within .+-.2% of a target
value in some embodiments. The terms "approximately" and "about"
may include the target value.
[0105] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. The transitional phrases "consisting
of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed
transitional phrases, respectively.
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