Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced new AFE5818 and AFE5816 families, which are claimed to be the industry's first 16-channel ultrasound analog front ends (AFEs).
The new AFEs incorporate a wide range of features to maximize image quality and performance while minimizing power consumption and system cost.
Both families provide multiple versions with and without a demodulation block and JESD204B interface option to enhance system efficiency.
The new AFE5818 and AFE5816 families include a 5-Gbps JESD204B serial interface, which helps in reducing ultrasound system data I/O routing by around 80% compared against data interface standards and enables a data rate of up to 6.4 Gbps.
They also feature DTGC engine with 0.125-dB resolution that decreases noise and power consumption and avoids the need for external components.
In addition, the new families include an on-chip digital demodulator that specifies 16 channels of data from RF to a baseband frequency.
To support the new families, the firm has also introduced ADS52J90, a new 16-channel high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that can be configured for up to 32 inputs.
The new ADC also provides on-chip digital demodulator for reducing processor or FPGA costs, and a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) or JESD204B serial interface for faster data rates.
The firm is providing evaluation modules (EVMs) for the AFE5818, AFE5816 and ADS52J90 families for quick and easy evaluation. The modules include AFE5818EVM, AFE58JD18EVM and AFE58JD16EVM, as well as ADS52J90EVM.
Image: Texas Instruments has introduced first 16-channel medical ultrasound AFE families. Photo: courtesy of PRNewswire/ Texas Instruments.