Ultrasound Beam Former Components

What is the primary function of the pulser in the beam former?

What determines the pulse repetition frequency, pulse repetition period, and pulse amplitude?

What is the effect of reducing the acoustic output on the received echo amplitude?

How is the output level of the pulser sometimes displayed on the screen?

What is the purpose of pulse delays in phased array transducers?

What is the output of a pulse delay?

What is the function of the transmission channel in a phased array transducer?

What is the purpose of the amplifier in the reception channel?

Beam Former

The beam former is the origin of the ultrasound signal and consists of several components, including a pulser, pulse delays, transmit/receive (T/R) switch, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, echo delays, and a summer.

Pulser (Transmitter)

The pulser generates the voltages that drive the transducer, with the amplitude and intensity of the ultrasound pulse produced by the transducer directly proportional to the voltage amplitude produced by the pulser.
The pulser determines the pulse repetition frequency, pulse repetition period, and pulse amplitude.
The output level of the pulser can be shown on the display as a percentage or decibels relative to the maximum (100% or 0 dB) output.

Pulse Delays

The pulse delays have a single input from the pulser and multiple outputs to the transducer elements.
The pulse delays are crucial in phased array transducers, allowing for electronic beam steering and focusing, enabling real-time adjustments to the beam's direction and focus without moving the transducer physically.
In transmission, each channel consists of an independent delay and transducer element combination, with multiple channels emanating from the pulser.
In reception, each channel consists of an independent element, amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, and delay.

This quiz covers the components of a beam former in ultrasound technology, including the pulser, pulse delays, and amplifiers. It describes the functions of each component and how they contribute to the overall ultrasound signal.