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The influence of front-end hardware on digital ultrasonic imaging
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The influence of front-end hardware on digital ultrasonic imaging

M. E Schafer and P. A Lewin
IEEE transactions on sonics and ultrasonics, v 31(4), pp 295-306
Jul 1984

Abstract

Exact sciences and technology Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications) Ultrasonics, quantum acoustics, and physical effects of sound Acoustics Physics
Digital ultrasonic imaging systems are critically dependent upon transducers and “front-end’’ electronics, for the generation of insonifying pulses, the detection of reflected echoes, and the conversion of data to digital form. The impulse response, frequency and spatial characteristics of the transducer, and the electrical characteristics of the analog-to-digital interface are important factors in image reconstruction and enhancement, on a par with signal processing techniques. Selected theoretical and practical aspects of front-end hardware, and their influence on image quality arc reviewed. The theoretical basis of transducer design is briefly reviewed, including methods for prediction of transducer performance, acoustic field distribution, and element configuration: the limitations of each method are carefully discussed. Next, the design of the interface electronics is examined, demonstrating the requirements for sampling rate, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, impedance matching, etc. The design and construction of a phased array transducer system is used to illustrate the practical aspects of transducer and interface design, including the trade-offs involved. Finally, future trends in ultrasonic transducer design are discussed, including new piezoelectric materials (e.g., rare earth piezoceramics and piezoelectric polymers and composites), as well as the impact of new integrated circuit techniques.

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Web of Science research areas
Acoustics
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
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