Systems and methods for ultrasound phase adjustment

Abstract

The system adjusts the phase of an ultrasound channel by removing sample clock voltage pulses from a rectangular electrical waveform that drives the transducer. Each channel's transducer applies or acts as a band-pass filter in the conversion of the electrical waveform to mechanical motion, generating an ultrasound sine wave. Removing clock voltage pulses from the electrical waveform can shift the phase of the ultrasound by an amount less than a sample clock period. The system focuses and directs the ultrasound during shooting at a specific angle by applying phase delays to successive channels. Removing sample clock voltage pulses allows the system to shoot at smaller angles and create a greater scan density and focal point density of imaging data and reduces the power. Partial sample clock voltage pulses may also be removed. If needed, the system can increase the power by adjusting the power supply voltages. The system can utilize a lower frequency clock generator lowering the power utilization.