Pulser type LSIs power wireless ultrasound probes
At this week’s ECR 2002 in Austria, Socionext will present the viewphii 64-LSI (large scale integration) devices which are used in the viewphii-US series of wireless ultrasound probes. The probes are for the next generation ultrasound diagnostic systems, said the company.
Socionext has used its experience in the development of signal processing and image processing semiconductors to develop the viewphii series. The technology will enable compact, low power consumption, cableless medical devices.
The viewphii-US is a handheld ultrasound diagnostic system. The design is compact and lightweight and has a low power consumption (1W typical using B mode), to ensure continuous operation over an extended period of time, said Socionext.
The probe combines image quality and functionality with wireless technology for ease of use. It is suitable for a number of clinical applications, advised Socionext.
The ‘pulser LSIs’ simultaneously drive the 64 elements in the ultrasound transducer and incorporate an analogue switch function for transmitting the received signals from the sensors to the LSI. An ultrasound imaging LSI amplifies the received input signals from the pulser LSI and performs A/D conversion, beamforming (delay-and-sum), and generates the ultrasound image while handling the overall system control.
Imaging modes are B mode, M mode, colour Doppler, power Doppler, pulse Doppler and harmonic imaging (PI or filter).
This ability to implement 64-channel wireless ultrasound probe system using just two types of LSIs allows for further device miniaturisation while maintaining very low power consumption, said the company. The probe also has harmonic imaging and spatial compound imaging functionality, which delivers high resolution images combined with improved base performance.
The LSIs offer up to 96 Tx channels and up to 192 channels when using two pulser LSIs, with 64 Rx channels. There are three levels of voltage pulse – ±15 to ± 40V.
Samples of the viewphii 64-LSI are scheduled for August 2022, with mass production and shipment beginning in December.
Socionext supplies SoCs for customers manufacturing automotive, data centre, networking and smart devices.
Socionext Inc. is headquartered in Yokohama, and has offices in Japan, Asia, the United States and Europe.
