8-channel ultrasound pulser IC from ST saves cost and size

STMicroelectronics said the cost and size of ultrasound imaging machines can be reduced with its new STHV800 8-channel ultrasound pulser. By using its proprietary SOI-BCD61 process technology ST has combined low-voltage CMOS logic, precise analog circuitry, and robust power stages on the same chip offering high level of integration. The monolithic, high-voltage, high-speed pulse generator with eight independent channels integrates a controller-logic interface circuit, level translators, self-biased high-voltage MOSFET gate drivers, noise-blocking diodes, and high-power P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs for the output stages of each channel. Each channel contains two output stages, one for pulsed wave (PW) and one for continuous wave (CW) operation, together with an integrated Transmit/Receive switch to guarantee effective decoupling during the transmission phase. In addition to being the most highly-integrated 8-channel pulser available on the market, the STHV800’s fast and symmetrical output voltage transitions allow sharp images to be obtained without the need for complex and costly image-processing algorithms, claims ST. This BOM saving and less PCB footprint occupying chip not compromise quality and performance resulting in cost-effective, hand-held echography systems will enable doctors to perform safe, radiation-free checks such as ultrasound prenatal scans...