Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated MAX14813 Ultrasound Transmitter
Analog Devices Inc. MAX14813 Ultrasound Transmitter is a high-density high-voltage ultrasound transmitter (pulser) in a wafer-level package (WLP). The device is aimed to address ultrasound imaging applications in which PCB space is a concern. The device features eight 3-level channels operating from two independent pairs of HV supplies. Each channel can transmit up to 170VPKPK with up to 2.1A current capability. The current capacity can be programmed down to 0.35A with four steps of programmability. It also features an integrated 1A active clamp (Return to Zero). Additionally, the MAX14813 can be configured as a quad 5-levels (2.1A) pulser plus quad active T/R switches.
The MAX14813 features embedded digital resources (SRAM and state machine) that can support transmit beamforming. This feature results in a dramatic saving of the number of interconnects and FPGA I/Os. The embedded digital resources are programmed through a high-speed serial interface. The MAX14813 Ultrasound Transmitter also supports sophisticated transmit techniques like pulse width modulation for burst shaping and apodization for beam shaping. Alternatively, an external digital source (FPGA or similar) can control the device conventionally through dedicated CMOS logic inputs.
The MAX14813 features independent active T/R switches. The T/R switches can be externally configured to support Receive Multiplexing in which a fewer number of receive than transmit channels are used. The package is available in a 6.33mm x 6.65mm WLP with a 12 x 13 ball grid array.
Features
- Optimized for compact and portable applications
- High density, eight channels, 3 levels pulser in a 6.33mm x 6.65mm WLP
- Integrated low-power, low-noise, active T/R switches
- The direct-drive architecture eliminates external floating power supply (FPS) and HV signal capacitors
- Embedded beamforming eliminates transmit FPGA, simplifies PCB layout, and eases synchronization
- Flexibility
- Support receive multiplexing
- Can use internal/external beamforming resources
- Can operate as octal 3 levels or quad 5 levels
- Embedded digital resources for beamforming
- 8K samples (per channel) pulse wavetable SRAM stores up to 1024 unique patterns
- Line number memory stores beamforming line information for up to 1.5K lines (3 levels) or 3K lines (5 levels)
- 128 line type registers stores setting information for all the channels
- State machine for delay beamforming with 5ns time resolution
- Programmable number of cycles and pattern time base (pulse width)
- High performance (designed to enhance image quality)
- Excellent second harmonic distortion and pulse inversion performances
- Low propagation delay of 12ns (typ) ensures excellent phase noise for Doppler modes and excellent part-to-part matching
- Fast rising-falling edges enable fine-resolution PWM or acoustic power control
- Low power
- Low quiescent power dissipation (4.1mW/channel in octal mode)
- Programmable current capability down to 0.35A for CWD and low-voltage modes
- Robustness
- Thermal warning at 110°C
- Thermal shutdown at 150°C
Applications
- Ultrasound medical imaging
- Ultrasound industrial applications (NDT)
Associated Development Tool
Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated MAX14813EVKIT Evaluation Kit
Evaluates the MAX14813, a high-voltage, high-frequency, three-level octal/five-level quad pulser.
Simplified Block Diagram
