Development of a Hybrid Custom / Commercial Multi-Channel, High-Frequency Transmit Pulser and Beamformer System

The progressive development of a custom series of microultrasound transmit circuits is presented, with bipolar operation in both single-pulse and extended pulse operation. We have developed a series of low-cost, expandable channel-count circuits to drive microultrasound transducer arrays at frequencies up to 50 MHz and voltages up to 80 Vpp. This includes both bench-top supply and electrical mains powered system development with expandable channel count and also includes integration with the multi-channel FI Toolbox commercial product (Diagnostic Sonar, Livingston, UK). A series of discrete focusing delay chips with variable delay steps allows them to be programmed either serially or in parallel. In turn, this allows the system to be operated in isolation or in conjunction with commercial generic hardware platforms.