Ultrasonic array

Abstract

In an exemplary embodiment, the transducer elements are arranged in rows and columns, the transducer elements bein contacted at both sides by oppositely disposed contact surfaces, and switches being associated with the contacts of the one contact surface as well as with the contacts of the other contact surface for the purpose of adjustment of preselectable transmitting and/or receiving surface of transducer elements during a transmitting/receiving cycle, in particular, for the purpose of dynamic focusing. It is an object of the disclosure to construct an ultrasonic array which can function with an optimally low outlay of switches and which if desired also permits a transition to continuously varied apertures. In accordance with the disclosure, this object is achieved in that transducer elements, with their one contact surface in the direction of the rows, and with their other contact surface in direction of the columns, are contacted together into groups, and that there is maximally associated, with each row group, an individual common row group switch, and that there is maximally associated, with each column group, an individual common column group switch. A transfer to continuously variable aperture is possible in the simplest manner if continuously variable switching elemets, such as controllable resistances, or the like, are utilized as transmitting and/or receiving switches.