Energy-Efficient High-Voltage Pulsers for Ultrasound Transducers

Jaesuk Choi, Sangyeon Youn, Jae Youn Hwang, Sohmyung Ha, Chul Kim, Minkyu Je

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This brief reviews high-voltage pulsers for ultrasound imaging systems with a focus on energy efficiency. Most ultrasound imaging systems have been developed with the aim of achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio for good image quality. As miniaturization and portability of the systems are pursued recently, high energy efficiency is of great need. In the ultrasonic imaging systems, the most power-hungry block is typically the pulser that drives the ultrasound transducer at a high voltage. To better understand the pulser's operation and power consumption, an equivalent circuit model of the transducer is introduced. Based on the model, we investigate the fundamentals of pulser driving methods and review the conventional class-D pulser as well as state-of-the-art pulsers with dynamic power loss reduction techniques. Their operation principles, strengths, and limitations are analyzed and discussed in depth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number9270589
Pages (from-to)19-23
Number of pages5
JournalIEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

Keywords

  • DC-DC converter
  • Medical ultrasound imaging
  • charge redistribution
  • class-D
  • dynamic power consumption
  • energy efficiency
  • equivalent circuit
  • high-voltage pulser
  • miniaturization
  • multi-level pulse-shaping
  • parasitic capacitance
  • ultrasound transducer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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