SCALABLE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHODS
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Abstract
A plurality of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips with different functions is provided. Each of the ASICs performs one or more functions along an ultrasound data path. The chips include communications protocols or processes for allowing scaling. For example, ASICs for backend processing include data exchange ports for communicating between other ASICs of the same type. As another example, receive beamformer ASICs cascade for beamformation. By providing ASICs implementing many or most of the ultrasound data path functions, with scalability, the same ASICs may be used for different system designs. A family of systems from high end to low-end using the same types of ASICs, but in different configurations, is provided.
28 Citations
41 Claims
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1-21. -21. (canceled)
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22. A method for scalable manufacturing of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems, the method comprising:
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providing a first set of application specific integrated circuit chips having ultrasound functions; assembling a second set of the application specific integrated circuit chips from the first set for a first type of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system; and assembling a third set of the application specific integrated circuit chips from the first set for a second type of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system, the first type of medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system different than the second type; wherein the third set includes at least two types of application specific integrated circuit chips also included in the second set. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification