Date: 26/01/2010

90 V 2 Amp high-speed pulse controller IC for medical ultrasound imaging

ST Micro has introduced the STHV748, a new high-integrated low-noise ultrasound pulse controller based on ST Microelectronics' high-voltage BCD mixed-signal technology, which is suitable for the applications such as Medical ultrasound imaging, pulse waveform generators, NDT ultrasound transmission, and Piezoelectric transducer drivers.

The STHV748 pulse controller provides four independent channels, each of which provides precisely controlled high-voltage pulses that generate the ultrasound burst and switch to receive mode to detect the echoed signals to drive piezoelectric crystals or other transducers.

The STHV748 integrates CMOS digital control logic, analog level translators, MOSFET gate drivers and high-power N- and P-channel MOSFET output stages in a self-biasing architecture.

The key features of the STHV748 device are,

High-density ultrasound transmitter
Low-power, high-voltage drivers
0 to ±90 V output voltage
Up to 20 MHz operating frequency
2 independently supplied half bridges for each channel in pulse-wave mode
Integrated clamping-to-ground function, and HV receiver switch
2.4 V to 3.6 V CMOS logic interface
Noise block diodes
Anti-Memory circuitry to improve beam-forming accuracy
4 independent Transmission to Receive Switches (TR_sw), low noise figure, low on-resistance and up to 300MHz bandwidth
Greater than 42dB second-harmonic suppression

The STHV748 device each channel can support up to five active output levels with two half bridges. The output stage of each channel is able to provide ±2 A peak output current. In order to reduce power dissipation during continuous wave mode, the peak current is limited to 0.6 A (a dedicated half bridge is used).

"ST's SOI-BCD6 technology allows us to combine low-voltage CMOS logic, precise analog circuitry and robust power stages on the same chip, allowing the STHV748 to offer an unprecedented level of integration to the industrial market," said Pat Furlan, Market Development Manager, Worldwide Medical Sector. "By integrating the transmit/receive switch, the STHV748 minimizes the number of external components required in applications such as stationary and portable ultrasound scanners, allowing further miniaturization and cost reduction."

Package: Lead-free QFN64 9.0 x 9.0 x 1.0mm package
Price: Each $11.95 for 10k pieces
Availability: Now

For more details visit www.st.com