Week 7 Transducers Flashcards
Transducers
A transducer
converts one form of energy into another
During transmission, electrical energy is converted into
sound
During reception, the reflected sound pulse is converted into
Electricity
Piezoelectric effect
The property of certain materials to create a voltage when they are mechanically deformed or when pressure is applied to them.
Reverse Piezoelectric Effect
When Piezoelectric materials change shape when a voltage is applied to them.
Components of a transducer
Case
Wire
Electric Shield
Acoustic insulator
PZT/ Active Material
Matching Layer
Backing Material/ Damping element
Case
Protects the internal components
Insulates the patients from electric shock
Electrical Shield
Thin metallic barrier lining inside of the case
Prevents outside electrical signals from entering the transducer
Acoustic Insulator
Thin cork or rubber barrier
“Uncouples” the internal components of the transducer from the case.
Prevents vibrations.
Wire
Provides electric connection between the PZT and the ultrasound machine.
Backing Material/ Damping element
Reduces pulses, improving axial resolution.
Bonded to the back of the active element.
Matching Layer
Positioned in front of the PZT.
Improves sound transmission into the tissues.
The impedance of PZT is….
20 x’s greater than the impedance of skin.
Decreasing order of Impedance
PZT>matching layer>gel>skin
Matching layer and gel
increase the efficiency of sound transfer between the transducers PZT and the skin
The Active element is
1/2 wavelength thick
The Matching layer is
1/4 Wavelength thick
Long Pulses
degrade axial resolution and create less accurate images
Backing Material
substantially reduces PZT vibrations.
Allowing short pulses and producing enhanced axial resolution.
Characteristics of Backing material
High degree of sound absorption
Acoustic impedance similar to PZT.
Consequences of using backing material
- Decreased sensitivity
- Wide bandwidth
3.Low quality factor