WO2014203778A1 - 超音波診断装置及び超音波プローブ - Google Patents

超音波診断装置及び超音波プローブ Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014203778A1
WO2014203778A1 PCT/JP2014/065438 JP2014065438W WO2014203778A1 WO 2014203778 A1 WO2014203778 A1 WO 2014203778A1 JP 2014065438 W JP2014065438 W JP 2014065438W WO 2014203778 A1 WO2014203778 A1 WO 2014203778A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
switch
ground
primary winding
connection path
power supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2014/065438
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English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
亀石　渉
芝沼　浩幸
周太 藤原
聡 神山
孝行 椎名
石塚　正明
大広 藤田
輝樹 萩原
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toshiba Corp
Canon Medical Systems Corp
Original Assignee
Toshiba Corp
Toshiba Medical Systems Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toshiba Corp, Toshiba Medical Systems Corp filed Critical Toshiba Corp
Publication of WO2014203778A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014203778A1/ja
Priority to US14/976,666 priority Critical patent/US10123777B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/44—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device
    • A61B8/4483—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
    • A61B8/4494—Constructional features of the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic diagnostic device characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer characterised by the arrangement of the transducer elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52019—Details of transmitters
    • G01S7/5202—Details of transmitters for pulse systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/56—Details of data transmission or power supply
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/0207—Driving circuits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/0207—Driving circuits
    • B06B1/0223—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time
    • B06B1/023—Driving circuits for generating signals continuous in time and stepped in amplitude, e.g. square wave, 2-level signal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B2201/00—Indexing scheme associated with B06B1/0207 for details covered by B06B1/0207 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • B06B2201/20—Application to multi-element transducer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B2201/00—Indexing scheme associated with B06B1/0207 for details covered by B06B1/0207 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • B06B2201/50—Application to a particular transducer type
    • B06B2201/55—Piezoelectric transducer

Definitions

  • Embodiments described herein relate generally to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe.
  • An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves into a subject using an ultrasonic probe having a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, and based on reflected waves (ultrasound echoes) from the subject, Image data, 3D image data, and the like are generated.
  • An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be configured to drive an ultrasonic transducer by a voltage induced in a secondary winding by connecting a power source to the primary winding of the transformer and applying a voltage. With such a configuration, the polarity of the pulse induced in the secondary winding can be reversed by switching the direction of the current applied to the primary winding.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having this configuration outputs a positive voltage signal, a negative voltage signal in which the polarity of the positive voltage signal is inverted, and a three-level voltage signal of a zero voltage signal to the ultrasonic transducer as transmission signals.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having such a configuration controls the frequency characteristics of ultrasonic waves by variously controlling the pulse widths of pulses induced in the secondary winding.
  • an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured to control the frequency characteristics of ultrasonic waves by variously controlling the voltage level of a voltage signal using a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and a linear amplifier.
  • DAC Digital to Analog Converter
  • a high clock frequency is required to control the pulse width in various ways. Further, due to the rise characteristic of the transmission signal, it is difficult to output a transmission signal having a wide pulse width and a transmission signal having a narrow pulse width to the ultrasonic transducer with the same amplitude.
  • the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic probe that can output transmission signals of various voltage levels from a small-scale transmission circuit to an ultrasonic transducer.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transformer, a first power source, a second power source, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and drives the ultrasonic transducer based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding.
  • the first power source generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a first potential different from the reference potential of the ground.
  • the second power supply generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a second potential different from the reference potential and the first potential.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply and the second power supply and the primary winding to one end of the primary winding and connects the first power supply to the other end of the primary winding.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source, a second connection path for connecting the first power source to the other end and connecting the second power source to one end, or the first power source or the second power source and the ground Are switched to the ground connection path that connects the two through the primary winding.
  • the ultrasonic probe of the embodiment includes an ultrasonic transducer, a transformer, a first power supply, a second power supply, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and drives the ultrasonic transducer based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding.
  • the first power source generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a first potential different from the reference potential of the ground.
  • the second power supply generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a second potential different from the reference potential and the first potential.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply and the second power supply and the primary winding to one end of the primary winding and connects the first power supply to the other end of the primary winding.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source, a second connection path for connecting the first power source to the other end and connecting the second power source to one end, or the first power source or the second power source and the ground Are switched to the ground connection path that connects the two through the primary winding.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • a circuit diagram showing composition of a transmitting circuit of an embodiment. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a main body unit 1, an ultrasonic probe 2, a display unit 3, and an operation unit 4.
  • the main unit 1 includes a transmission circuit 10, a transmission control unit 11, a reception circuit 12, a reception delay unit 13, an addition unit 14, a signal processing unit 15, an image generation unit 16, a display control unit 17, And a system control unit 18.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided for each ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • 2 and 3 are circuit diagrams showing the configuration of the transmission circuit 10 of this embodiment.
  • the terminal TE in FIG. 2 and the terminal TE in FIG. 3 are connected.
  • the transmission circuit 10 includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2.
  • the plus side of the primary winding L1 and the secondary winding L2 is defined as the winding start side of each winding.
  • the minus side of the primary winding L1 and the secondary winding L2 is the winding end side of each winding.
  • the positive end of the primary winding L1 is one end, and the negative end of the primary winding L1 is the other end.
  • the transformer TR drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 by outputting a transmission signal based on the voltage generated in the secondary winding L2 to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the first power supply V1 generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a first potential different from the reference potential of the ground.
  • the first power supply V1 is a positive voltage power supply that generates a potential difference from the reference potential by having a first potential higher than the reference potential.
  • the first power supply V1 discharges current.
  • the second power supply V2 generates a potential difference from the reference potential at a second potential different from the reference potential and the first potential.
  • the second power supply V2 is a negative voltage power supply that generates a potential difference from the reference potential by having a second potential lower than the reference potential.
  • the second power supply V2 absorbs current.
  • the resistor R1 is provided in parallel with the primary winding L1
  • the resistor R2 is provided in parallel with the secondary winding L2. May be.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1, and connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 to connect the primary winding.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source V2 to the other end of the line L1 a second connection path for connecting the first power source V1 to the other end and the second power source V2 for one end, one end and the other A voltage is applied to the secondary winding L2 by switching to a short-circuit path that short-circuits the end or a ground connection path that connects the first power supply V1 or the second power supply V2 and the ground via the primary winding L1. Change to generate.
  • the ground connection path includes the first power supply V1, the first end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, and the first ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground.
  • the switching unit includes a pair of first potential side switches, a pair of second potential side switches, and a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the first potential side switch can turn on / off the connection between each end of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the switch S1 and the switch S2 in this embodiment correspond to a first potential side switch.
  • the second potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the second potential side switch can turn on / off the connection between each end of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the switch S3 and the switch S4 correspond to a second potential side switch.
  • the ground side switch is a switch provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground.
  • the switch S5 in this embodiment corresponds to a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch (switch S1, switch S2) is a field effect transistor (MOSFET: Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-) whose current is forward from the first power supply V1 side to the primary winding L1 side when turned on. It is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the second potential side switch (switch S3, switch S4) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the primary winding L1 side to the second power supply V2 side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the ground side switch (switch S5) is provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the first ground connection path.
  • the ground-side switch is a field effect transistor in which current flows in the forward direction from the other end side of the primary winding L1 to the ground side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET. Note that in this specification, a case where the first potential side switch, the second potential side switch, and the ground side switch are MOSFETs will be described. However, the first potential side switch, the second potential side switch, and the ground side switch may be switching elements such as bipolar transistors and insulated gate bipolar transistors.
  • the first power supply V1 is connected to the source of the switch S1, and one end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S1.
  • the first power source V1 is connected to the source of the switch S2, and the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S2.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S3, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S3.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S4, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S4.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S5, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S5.
  • Each gate of the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, and the switch S5 is connected to the transmission control unit 11.
  • the switching unit receives a control signal from the transmission control unit 11 and individually turns on and off these switches, thereby connecting at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • the path is switched to the first connection path, the second connection path, the short-circuit path, or the first ground path.
  • the voltage level of the transmission signal sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20 will be described for each connection path.
  • An example in which the voltage of the first power supply V1 is “V11”, the voltage of the second power supply V2 is “V21”, and the absolute value of “V11” is larger than the absolute value of “V21” will be described.
  • the transformer TR an example in which a voltage k times the voltage of the primary winding L1 is generated in the secondary winding L2 will be described.
  • the secondary winding L2 When the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S5 and switches the connection path to the first connection path, the secondary winding L2 has “k X (V11 ⁇ V21) ”is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S5, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S4 and switches the connection path to the first ground path
  • the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “k ⁇ V11” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S5 and switches the connection path to the short circuit path
  • the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero.
  • the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero.
  • a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S2 and the switch S3, turns off the switch S1, the switch S4, and the switch S5 and switches the connection path to the second connection path
  • the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first connection path.
  • the transmission circuit 10 can output a transmission signal having a voltage of four levels to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided between the field effect transistor (switch S5) of the first ground connection path and the other end of the primary winding L1, and has a direction from the other end of the primary winding L1 to the ground. You may further have the diode D5 made into the forward direction. Thereby, the diode D5 protects the switch S5 from a reverse voltage.
  • one end of the secondary winding L2 and the receiving circuit 12 are connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • a connection portion of wiring connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20, one end of the secondary winding L2, and the receiving circuit 12 is defined as a connection point P1.
  • the other end of the secondary winding L2 is connected to the ground.
  • a diode switch composed of a diode D1 and a diode D2 is provided between one end of the secondary winding L2 and the connection point P1. The diode D1 and the diode D2 are provided so that one anode terminal and the other cathode terminal are connected to the same wiring.
  • the diode D1 and the diode D2 are turned on when the amplitude of the received signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and the signal is allowed to pass therethrough.
  • the amplitude of the transmission signal sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20 is larger than the amplitude of the echo signal output from the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the threshold value of the diode D1 and the diode D2 is a value between the amplitude of the transmission signal and the amplitude of the echo signal. Thereby, the transmission signal passes through the diode switch and is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20. The echo signal is cut off by the diode switch and sent to the receiving circuit 12.
  • a limiter (not shown) may be provided between the connection point P1 and the receiving circuit 12.
  • the limiter restricts the passage of a signal having a predetermined amplitude or more. In other words, the limiter passes a signal having a amplitude smaller than a predetermined amplitude. Thereby, the limiter prevents the transmission signal from being sent to the reception circuit 12.
  • the transmission control unit 11 individually outputs control signals to the gate G1 of the switch S1, the gate G2 of the switch S2, the gate G3 of the switch S3, the gate G4 of the switch S4, and the gate G5 of the switch S5 of the switching unit,
  • the switches S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 are individually turned on / off.
  • the receiving circuit 12 is provided for each ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the receiving circuit 12 has a preamplifier circuit and an A / D converter (not shown).
  • the preamplifier circuit amplifies the echo signal received from the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the A / D converter converts the amplified echo signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the reception delay unit 13.
  • the reception delay unit 13 gives a delay time necessary for determining reception directivity to the digital signal received from the reception circuit 12, and outputs it to the addition unit 14.
  • the adder 14 adds digital signals given delay times. By this addition, the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized. The adder 14 outputs the added digital signal to the signal processor 15 as a received signal.
  • the signal processing unit 15 includes a B mode processing unit.
  • the B mode processing unit receives the received signal from the adding unit 14 and visualizes the amplitude of the received signal. For example, the B-mode processing unit performs band-pass filter processing on the received signal, detects the envelope of the signal, and performs compression processing by logarithmic conversion on the detected data.
  • the signal processing unit 15 may include a Doppler processing unit.
  • the Doppler processing unit obtains a Doppler shift frequency component by phase detection of the received signal, and generates a Doppler frequency distribution representing the blood flow velocity by performing FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing.
  • FFT Fast Fourier Transform
  • the signal processing unit 15 may include a CFM (Color Flow Mapping) processing unit.
  • the CFM processing unit visualizes blood flow information.
  • the blood flow information includes information such as speed, distribution, or power.
  • the signal processing unit 15 outputs the received signal (ultrasonic raster data) subjected to the signal processing to the image generation unit 16.
  • the image generation unit 16 receives a reception signal (ultrasonic raster data) subjected to signal processing from the signal processing unit 15 and generates ultrasonic image data.
  • the image generation unit 16 includes, for example, a DSC (Digital Scan Converter).
  • the image generation unit 16 converts the received signal after the signal processing represented by the signal line of the scanning line into image data represented by an orthogonal coordinate system (scan conversion processing).
  • the image generation unit 16 performs scan conversion processing on the reception signal that has been subjected to signal processing by the B-mode processing unit, and generates B-mode image data representing the morphology of the tissue of the subject.
  • the image generation unit 16 outputs the ultrasonic image data to the display control unit 17.
  • the display control unit 17 receives the ultrasonic image data from the image generation unit 16 and causes the display unit 3 to display an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data.
  • the system control unit 18 controls each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
  • the system control unit 18 includes, for example, a storage device and a processing device.
  • the storage device stores a computer program for executing the function of each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
  • the processing device implements the above functions by executing these computer programs.
  • the ultrasonic probe 2 sends ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected waves from the subject.
  • the ultrasonic probe 2 includes a one-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 are arranged in a row in the scanning direction, or a two-dimensional array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 are two-dimensionally arranged. Is used.
  • a mechanical one-dimensional array probe that swings a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 20 arranged in a line in the scanning direction in a swinging direction orthogonal to the scanning direction may be used.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 20 includes a piezoelectric element and a pair of electrodes that sandwich the piezoelectric element.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 20 receives a transmission signal from the transmission circuit 10 and generates an ultrasonic wave by applying a voltage based on the received transmission signal.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 20 receives a reflected wave from the subject and outputs an echo signal to the receiving circuit 12.
  • the display unit 3 displays an ultrasonic image.
  • the display unit 3 includes a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
  • the display unit 3 is not necessarily provided as an integral part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and may be configured to display an ultrasonic image controlled by the display control unit 17 via a general interface.
  • the operation unit 4 In response to an operation by the user, the operation unit 4 inputs a signal and information corresponding to the content of the operation to each unit of the apparatus.
  • the operation unit 4 is configured by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like. Further, the operation unit 4 is not necessarily provided as an integral part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and may be configured to input signals and information to each part of the apparatus via a general interface.
  • FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the transmission circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment. This timing chart represents the relationship between the on / off state of each switch and the voltage level of the transmission signal.
  • the switching unit From time T1 to time T2, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S5 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the first connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T2 to time T3, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S5 and turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S4 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. As a result, the connection path is switched to the first ground path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T3 to time T4, the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S5 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the short circuit path. At this time, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T4 to time T5, the switching unit turns on the switches S2 and S3 and turns off the switches S1, S4, and S5 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source V2 to the other end of the line L1 a second connection path for connecting the first power source V1 to the other end and the second power source V2 for one end, one end and the other A voltage is applied to the secondary winding L2 by switching to a short-circuit path that short-circuits the end or a ground connection path that connects the first power supply V1 or the second power supply V2 and the ground via the primary winding L1. Change to generate.
  • the ground connection path includes the first power supply V1, the first end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, and the first ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment outputs transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 constituted by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can output transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1, and connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 to connect the primary winding.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source V2 to the other end of the line L1 a second connection path for connecting the first power source V1 to the other end and the second power source V2 for one end, one end and the other A voltage is applied to the secondary winding L2 by switching to a short-circuit path that short-circuits the end or a ground connection path that connects the first power supply V1 or the second power supply V2 and the ground via the primary winding L1. Change to generate.
  • the ground connection path includes the first power supply V1, the other end of the primary winding L1, one end of the primary winding L1, and a second ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground.
  • the switching unit includes a pair of first potential side switches, a pair of second potential side switches, and a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the switch S1 and the switch S2 in this modification correspond to a first potential side switch.
  • the second potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the switches S3 and S4 in this modification correspond to the second potential side switch.
  • the ground side switch is a switch provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground.
  • the switch S6 in this modification corresponds to a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch (switch S1, switch S2) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the first power supply V1 side to the primary winding L1 side when it is turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the second potential side switch (switch S3, switch S4) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the primary winding L1 side to the second power supply V2 side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the ground side switch (switch S6) is provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the second ground connection path.
  • the ground-side switch is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from one end side of the primary winding L1 to the ground side when it is turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the first power supply V1 is connected to the source of the switch S1, and one end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S1.
  • the first power source V1 is connected to the source of the switch S2, and the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S2.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S3, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S3.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S4, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S4.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S6, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S6.
  • the switching unit When the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S6 and switches the connection path to the first connection path, the secondary winding L2 has “k X (V11 ⁇ V21) ”is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20. Further, when the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S6 and switches the connection path to the short circuit path, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero. In addition, the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V11” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S2 and the switch S3, turns off the switch S1, the switch S4, and the switch S6 and switches the connection path to the second connection path, the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first connection path.
  • the transmission circuit 10 can output a transmission signal having a voltage of four levels to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided between the field effect transistor (switch S6) of the second ground connection path and one end of the primary winding L1, and the direction from one end of the primary winding L1 to the ground is forward.
  • the diode D6 may be further included. Thereby, the diode D6 protects the switch S6 from a reverse voltage.
  • the transmission control unit 11 individually outputs control signals to the gate G1 of the switch S1, the gate G2 of the switch S2, the gate G3 of the switch S3, the gate G4 of the switch S4, and the gate G6 of the switch S6 of the switching unit,
  • the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, and the switch S6 are individually turned on / off.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the transmission circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this modification. This timing chart represents the relationship between the on / off state of each switch and the voltage level of the transmission signal.
  • the switching unit From time T6 to time T7, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S6 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the first connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T7 to time T8, the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S6 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the short circuit path. At this time, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T8 to time T9, the switching unit turns on the switch S2 and the switch S6 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S3, and the switch S4 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T9 to time T10, the switching unit turns on the switch S2 and the switch S3 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S4, and the switch S6 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this modification includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • the ground connection path includes the first power supply V1, the other end of the primary winding L1, the one end of the primary winding L1, and the second ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals having various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 configured by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1, and connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 to connect the primary winding.
  • the ground connection path includes a third ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground, one end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, and the second power supply V2.
  • the switching unit includes a pair of first potential side switches, a pair of second potential side switches, and a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the switch S1 and the switch S2 in this modification correspond to a first potential side switch.
  • the second potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the switches S3 and S4 in this modification correspond to the second potential side switch.
  • the ground side switch is a switch provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground.
  • the switch S7 in this modification corresponds to a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch (switch S1, switch S2) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the first power supply V1 side to the primary winding L1 side when it is turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the second potential side switch (switch S3, switch S4) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the primary winding L1 side to the second power supply V2 side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the ground side switch (switch S7) is provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the third ground connection path.
  • the ground side switch is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from the ground side to one end side of the primary winding L1 when turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the first power supply V1 is connected to the source of the switch S1, and one end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S1.
  • the first power source V1 is connected to the source of the switch S2, and the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S2.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S3, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S3.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S4, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S4.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S7, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S7.
  • the switching unit When the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S6 and switches the connection path to the first connection path, the secondary winding L2 has “k X (V11 ⁇ V21) ”is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S4 and the switch S7, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S3 and switches the connection path to the third ground connection path, Generates a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V21”, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S7 and switches the connection path to the short circuit path, the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. Yes, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20. Further, when the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S7 and switches the connection path to the short circuit path, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero. In addition, the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first connection path.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided between the field effect transistor (switch S7) in the third ground connection path and one end of the primary winding L1, and forwards from the ground to one end of the primary winding L1.
  • the diode D7 may be further included. Thereby, the diode D7 protects the switch S7 from a reverse voltage.
  • the transmission controller 11 individually outputs control signals to the gate G1 of the switch S1, the gate G2 of the switch S2, the gate G3 of the switch S3, the gate G4 of the switch S4, and the gate G7 of the switch S7 of the switching unit,
  • the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, and the switch S7 are individually turned on / off.
  • FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the transmission circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this modification. This timing chart represents the relationship between the on / off state of each switch and the voltage level of the transmission signal.
  • the switching unit From time T11 to time T12, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S7 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the first connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T12 to time T13, the switching unit turns on the switch S4 and the switch S7 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S3 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the third ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T13 to time T14, the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S7 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the short circuit path. At this time, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T14 to time T15, the switching unit turns on the switches S2 and S3 and turns off the switches S1, S4, and S7 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this modification includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • the ground connection path includes a third ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the ground, one end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, and the second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals having various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 configured by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1, and connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 to connect the primary winding.
  • the ground connection path includes a fourth ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground, the other end of the primary winding L1, the one end of the primary winding L1, and the second power supply V2.
  • the switching unit includes a pair of first potential side switches, a pair of second potential side switches, and a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the switch S1 and the switch S2 in this modification correspond to a first potential side switch.
  • the second potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the switches S3 and S4 in this modification correspond to the second potential side switch.
  • the ground side switch is a switch provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground.
  • the switch S8 in this modification corresponds to a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch (switch S1, switch S2) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the first power supply V1 side to the primary winding L1 side when it is turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the second potential side switch (switch S3, switch S4) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the primary winding L1 side to the second power supply V2 side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the ground side switch (switch S8) is provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the fourth ground connection path.
  • the ground side switch is a field effect transistor in which a current flows in a forward direction from the ground side to the other end side of the primary winding L1 when turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the first power supply V1 is connected to the source of the switch S1, and one end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S1.
  • the first power source V1 is connected to the source of the switch S2, and the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S2.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S3, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S3.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S4, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S4.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S8, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S8.
  • the switching unit When the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S8 and switches the connection path to the first connection path, the secondary winding L2 has “k X (V11 ⁇ V21) ”is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20. Also, when the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S8 and switches the connection path to the short circuit path, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero. In addition, the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switch turns to the secondary winding L2. Generates a voltage of “k ⁇ V21”, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20. Further, when the switching unit turns on the switch S2 and the switch S3, turns off the switch S1, the switch S4, and the switch S8 and switches the connection path to the second connection path, the secondary winding L2 includes A voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first connection path.
  • the transmission circuit 10 can output a transmission signal having a voltage of four levels to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided between the field effect transistor (switch S8) in the fourth ground connection path and the other end of the primary winding L1, and has a direction from the ground to the other end of the primary winding L1. You may further have the diode D8 made into the forward direction. Thereby, the switch S8 is protected from the reverse voltage.
  • the transmission control unit 11 individually outputs control signals to the gate G1 of the switch S1, the gate G2 of the switch S2, the gate G3 of the switch S3, the gate G4 of the switch S4, and the gate G8 of the switch S8 of the switching unit,
  • the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, and the switch S8 are individually turned on / off.
  • FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the transmission circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this modification. This timing chart represents the relationship between the on / off state of each switch and the voltage level of the transmission signal.
  • the switching unit From time T16 to time T17, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, and the switch S8 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the first connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T17 to time T18, the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S8 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the short circuit path. At this time, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T18 to time T19, the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S8 and turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, and the switch S4 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the fourth ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T19 to time T20, the switching unit turns on the switches S2 and S3 and turns off the switches S1, S4, and S8 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this modification includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • the ground connection path includes a fourth ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the ground, the other end of the primary winding L1, the one end of the primary winding L1, and the second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals having various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 configured by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • ground connection paths are the first ground connection path, the second ground connection path, the third ground connection path, and the fourth. Any combination of the ground connection paths may be included.
  • the ground connection path includes a first ground connection path, a second ground connection path, a third ground connection path, and a fourth ground connection path. To do.
  • the configuration of the switching unit and the transmission control unit 11 of the transmission circuit 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment, and the first embodiment. This is different from Modification 2 and Modification 3 of the first embodiment.
  • 3 and 11 are circuit diagrams showing the configuration of the transmission circuit 10 of this embodiment. The terminal TE in FIG. 3 and the terminal TE in FIG. 9 are connected.
  • the switching unit connects a connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1, and connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 to connect the primary winding.
  • the ground connection path includes the first power supply V1, the first end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, the first ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground, the first power supply V1, the other end of the primary winding L1, one end of the primary winding L1, a second ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the ground, the ground, one end of the primary winding L1, and the primary winding
  • the other end of the line L1 the third ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the second power supply V2, the ground, the other end of the primary winding L1, the one end of the primary winding L1, the second A fourth ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the order of the power source V2.
  • the switching unit includes a pair of first potential side switches, a pair of second potential side switches, and a ground side switch.
  • the first potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the first power supply V1.
  • the switch S1 and the switch S2 in this embodiment correspond to a first potential side switch.
  • the second potential side switch is a switch provided between both ends of the primary winding L1 and the second power source V2.
  • the switch S3 and the switch S4 correspond to a second potential side switch.
  • the ground side switches are switches S5 and S8 provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground, and switches S6 and S7 provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground. including. Note that the switch S5 and the switch S8 are provided in parallel to the primary winding L1. Further, the switch S6 and the switch S7 are provided in parallel with the primary winding L1.
  • the first potential side switch (switch S1, switch S2) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the first power supply V1 side to the primary winding L1 side when it is turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the second potential side switch (switch S3, switch S4) is a field effect transistor in which the current is forward from the primary winding L1 side to the second power supply V2 side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the switch S5 is provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the first ground connection path.
  • the switch S5 is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from the other end side of the primary winding L1 to the ground side when turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the switch S6 is provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the second ground connection path.
  • the switch S6 is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from one end side of the primary winding L1 to the ground side when it is turned on, and is a so-called N-type MOSFET.
  • the switch S7 is provided between one end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the third ground connection path.
  • the switch S7 is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from the ground side to one end side of the primary winding L1 when it is turned on, and is a so-called P-type MOSFET.
  • the switch S8 is provided between the other end of the primary winding L1 and the ground in the fourth ground connection path.
  • the switch S8 is a so-called P-type MOSFET that is a field effect transistor in which a current is forward from the ground side to the other end side of the primary winding L1 when turned on.
  • the first power supply V1 is connected to the source of the switch S1, and one end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S1.
  • the first power source V1 is connected to the source of the switch S2, and the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S2.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S3, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S3.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S4, and the second power source V2 is connected to the source of the switch S4.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S5, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S5.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S6, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S6.
  • One end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S7, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S7.
  • the other end of the primary winding L1 is connected to the drain of the switch S8, and the ground is connected to the source of the switch S8.
  • the switching unit When the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S5, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8, and switches the connection path to the first connection path.
  • a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit switches the connection path to the first ground path by setting the switch S1 and the switch S5 to the ON state and the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8 to the OFF state.
  • a voltage of “k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit switches the connection path to the third ground connection path by setting the switch S4 and the switch S7 to the on state and the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S5, the switch S6, and the switch S8 to the off state.
  • a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S4, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S5, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8, and switches the connection path to the short circuit path, 1
  • the voltage of the secondary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero.
  • a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit turns on the switch S3 and the switch S8, turns off the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S4, the switch S5, the switch S6, and the switch S7, and switches the connection path to the fourth ground connection path.
  • a voltage of “k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the third ground connection path.
  • the switching unit switches the connection path to the second ground connection path with the switch S2 and the switch S6 turned on and the switch S1, the switch S3, the switch S4, the switch S5, the switch S7, and the switch S8 turned off.
  • a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first ground connection path.
  • the switching unit switches the connection path to the second connection path by setting the switch S2 and the switch S3 to the on state and the switch S1, the switch S4, the switch S5, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8 to the off state.
  • a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the transmission signal is a signal whose polarity is inverted with respect to the transmission signal when the connection path is the first connection path.
  • the transmission circuit 10 is provided between the field effect transistor (switch S5) of the first ground connection path and the other end of the primary winding L1, and has a direction from the other end of the primary winding L1 to the ground.
  • the forward direction is a diode D5, a field effect transistor (switch S6) in the second ground connection path, and one end of the primary winding L1, and the direction from one end of the primary winding L1 to the ground is the forward direction.
  • the diode D6, the field effect transistor (switch S7) in the third ground connection path, and one end of the primary winding L1 are provided as a forward direction from the ground to one end of the primary winding L1.
  • the forward direction is the direction from the ground to the other end of the primary winding L1 provided between the diode D7 and the field effect transistor (switch S8) of the fourth ground connection path and the other end of the primary winding L1.
  • You It may further include a diode D8.
  • the diode D5, the diode D6, the diode D7, and the diode D8 protect the switch S5, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8 from the reverse voltage.
  • the transmission control unit 11 includes a gate G1 of the switch S1, a gate G2 of the switch S2, a gate G3 of the switch S3, a gate G4 of the switch S4, a gate G5 of the switch S5, a gate G6 of the switch S6, and a gate G7 of the switch S7.
  • a control signal is individually output to each of the gates G8 of the switch S8, and the switch S1, the switch S2, the switch S3, the switch S4, the switch S5, the switch S6, the switch S7, and the switch S8 are individually turned on / off.
  • FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the transmission circuit 10 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to this modification. This timing chart represents the relationship between the on / off state of each switch and the voltage level of the transmission signal.
  • the switching unit From time T21 to time T22, the switching unit turns on the switches S1 and S4 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, The switch S8 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the first connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T22 to time T23, the switching unit turns on the switch S1 and the switch S5 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, The switch S8 is turned off. As a result, the connection path is switched to the first ground path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T23 to time T24, the switching unit turns on the switches S4 and S7 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S1, S2, S3, S5, S6, The switch S8 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the third ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T24 to time T25, the switching unit turns on the switches S3 and S4 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S1, S2, S5, S6, S7, The switch S8 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the short circuit path. At this time, the voltage of the primary winding L1 is zero, and the voltage of the secondary winding L2 is zero. As a result, a transmission signal having a voltage level of zero voltage is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T25 to time T26, the switching unit turns on the switches S3 and S8 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S1, S2, S4, S5, S6, The switch S7 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the fourth ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “k ⁇ V21” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T26 to time T27, the switching unit turns on the switches S2 and S6 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S1, S3, S4, S5, S7, The switch S8 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second ground connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ V11” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the switching unit From time T27 to time T28, the switching unit turns on the switches S2 and S3 based on the control signal from the transmission control unit 11, and switches S1, S4, S5, S6, S7, The switch S8 is turned off. Thereby, the connection path is switched to the second connection path. At this time, a voltage of “ ⁇ k ⁇ (V11 ⁇ V21)” is generated in the secondary winding L2, and a transmission signal of this voltage level is sent to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • the ground connection path includes a first ground connection path in which the current is forward with respect to the first power source V1, one end of the primary winding L1, the other end of the primary winding L1, and the order of the ground.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 configured by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2. Thereby, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can output transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment.
  • the arrangement of the transmission circuit 10 and the transmission control unit 11 is different.
  • the transmission circuit 10 and the transmission control unit 11 are arranged in the ultrasonic probe 2a of this embodiment.
  • the transmission circuit 10 and the transmission control unit 11 may be arranged at any location among the probe head of the ultrasonic probe 2a, the connector connected to the main body 1a, and the cable connecting the probe head and the connector.
  • the transmission control unit 11 operates according to a control signal from the main body 1a of this embodiment.
  • the operations of the transmission circuit 10 and the transmission control unit 11 include the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment, the second modification of the first embodiment, the third modification of the first embodiment, Any operation of the second embodiment can be used.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic probe of at least one embodiment described above includes a transformer TR, a first power supply V1, a second power supply V2, and a switching unit.
  • the transformer TR includes a primary winding L1 and a secondary winding L2, and drives the ultrasonic transducer 20 based on a voltage generated in the secondary winding L2.
  • the switching unit connects the first power supply V1 to one end of the primary winding L1 through the connection path between at least one of the first power supply V1 and the second power supply V2 and the primary winding L1.
  • a first connection path for connecting the second power source V2 to the other end of the line L1 a second connection path for connecting the first power source V1 to the other end and the second power source V2 for one end, one end and the other A voltage is applied to the secondary winding L2 by switching to a short-circuit path that short-circuits the end or a ground connection path that connects the first power supply V1 or the second power supply V2 and the ground via the primary winding L1. Change to generate.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus outputs transmission signals having various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 configured by one first power supply V1 and one second power supply V2. Thereby, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can output transmission signals of various voltage levels from the transmission circuit 10 of a small scale to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may receive an ultrasonic wave and output an echo signal while the transmission signal at the end of the transmission signal remains in the subsequent stage of the secondary winding.
  • the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic probe can reduce interference between the residual component of the transmission signal and the reception signal, for example, by lowering the voltage level of the reception signal of the transmission signal. it can.
  • the transmission circuit can output transmission signals of various voltage levels, it is possible to transmit ultrasonic waves to a plurality of focal points simultaneously in parallel.
  • the transmission circuit synthesizes a transmission signal to one focal point and a transmission signal to the other focal point based on the transmission delay time for each focal point.
  • the signal is output to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the waveform of this transmission signal is usually a stepped signal. Since the embodiment of the present invention can transmit various voltage levels, the ultrasonic wave can be transmitted to a plurality of focal points by outputting such a transmission signal that can output a combined transmission signal for each ultrasonic transducer. Focused in parallel. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus or ultrasonic probe of at least one embodiment described above can transmit ultrasonic waves to a plurality of focal points simultaneously in parallel.

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CN107405131A (zh) * 2015-03-25 2017-11-28 株式会社日立制作所 超声波探头、超声波诊断装置以及超声波探头的测试方法

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EP3480621B1 (en) * 2017-11-01 2022-05-11 Samsung Medison Co., Ltd. Ultrasound apparatus and control method thereof
US11759822B2 (en) * 2020-01-21 2023-09-19 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Devices, systems and processes for improving frequency measurements during reverberation periods for ultra-sonic transducers
JP7467189B2 (ja) * 2020-03-24 2024-04-15 キヤノンメディカルシステムズ株式会社 送信回路及び超音波診断装置

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WO2010103747A1 (ja) * 2009-03-12 2010-09-16 パナソニック株式会社 超音波診断装置
JP2011234848A (ja) * 2010-05-10 2011-11-24 Toshiba Corp 超音波振動子駆動回路及び超音波診断装置
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JP6038735B2 (ja) 2016-12-07

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