Abstract:
An ultrasonic piezoelectric transducer device includes a transducer array consisting of an array of vibrating elements, and a base to which the array of vibrating elements in the transducer array are attached. The base include integrated electrical interconnects for carrying driving signals and sensed signals between the vibrating elements and an external control circuit. The base can be an ASIC wafer that includes integrated circuitry for controlling the driving and processing the sensed signals. The interconnects and control circuits in the base fit substantially within an area below the array of multiple vibrating elements.
Abstract:
A transducer is optimally driven at or near its resonant frequency by a driver system that adapts to variations and/or changes to the resonant frequency of the transducer due to variations in piezo materials, manufacturing, assembly, component tolerances, and/or operational conditions. The system may include an output controller, a phase track controller, a frequency generator, a drive, circuitry to determine a phase angle between the transducer voltage and transducer current, and circuitry to obtain transducer admittance from the transducer voltage and transducer current.
Abstract:
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wide field of view ultrasound imaging probe (12) includes two flat matrix array subassemblies (40,42) positioned at an angle to each other within the probe (12). Information from each array subassembly (40,42) is combined for producing data corresponding to a wide-angle field of view image.
Abstract:
The invention is directed towards improved structures for use with micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (MUTs), and methods for fabricating the improved structures. In one embodiment, a MUT on a substrate includes an acoustic cavity formed within the substrate at a location below the MUT. The cavity is filled with an acoustic attenuation material to absorb acoustic waves in the substrate, and to reduce parasitic capacitance. In another embodiment, the cavity is formed below a plurality of MUTs, and filled with an attenuation material. In still another embodiment, an attenuation material substantially encapsulates a plurality of MUTs on a dielectric layer. In yet other embodiments, at least one monolithic semiconductor circuit is formed in the substrate that may be operatively coupled to the MUTs to perform signal processing and/or control operations.
Abstract:
A method for determining the voltage current phase relationship of a piezoelectric phacoemulsification handpiece includes the steps of obtaining an AC voltage signal corresponding to the operating AC voltage of a piezoelectric handpiece and obtaining an AC current signal corresponding to the operating AC current of the piezoelectric handpiece. From said AC current signal, onset of a current cycle is determined and after onset of the current cycle, a voltage (VI) corresponding to a time necessary for the AC current signal to reach a maximum value is produced. Also, after onset of the current cycles, a voltage (Vv) corresponding to a time necessary for the AC voltage signal to reach a maximum value is produced. Using an A/D converter, a digital output (Dv) corresponding to (Vv) is produced and a digital output (DI) corresponding to (VI) is produced. Comparing (Dv) and (DI) determines the phase relationship between the voltage and current of the piezoelectric phacoemulsification handpiece.
Abstract:
A system and method for tuning and controlling ultrasonic handpieces by incorporating a broad-spectrum signal as at least a component of the signal used to drive the handpiece. The response of the handpiece to this broad-spectrum signal is measured and the frequency or amplitude or both of the drive signal are adjusted in order to maintain the desired level of handpiece performance. The operation of the systems and the performance of the methods described enable the handpiece to be operated in a most effective manner over a more widely varying range of mechanical load and thermal conditions than was possible through the use of prior control systems and methods.