access icon free Reconfigurable RF receiver using compact distributed switch matrix for array coils

Magnetic resonance (MR) signals captured by RF array coils should be delivered to analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) channels through an independent receiver (Rx) circuitry for precise MRI process. Since different types of RF coils should be utilised by a fixed port configuration on a patient table with a limited number of ADC channels, a highly flexible Rx front-end design is necessary. In this Letter, a compact distributed switch matrix structure for multi-channel RF coil Rx is proposed for supporting different types of array coils with small circuit size and sufficient reconfigurability. The proposed structure is configured by a multiple number of unit matrix cells consisting of a single double pole double throw and two single pole double throw RF switches to control the pathways of received MR signals. The proposed structure was implemented and verified at 9.4-Tesla (9.4 T) MR frequency (400 MHz) by comparing different RF path losses.

Inspec keywords: biomedical MRI; analogue-digital conversion; coils; microwave switches

Other keywords: RF array coils; compact distributed switch matrix structure; magnetic flux density 9.4 tesla; ADC channels; received MR signals; precise MRI process; single double pole double throw RF switches; high-flexible Rx front-end design; analogue-to-digital converter channels; unit matrix cells; multichannel RF coil Rx; frequency 400.0 MHz; patient table; independent receiver circuitry; reconfigurable RF receiver; magnetic resonance signals

Subjects: Biomedical magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy; Patient diagnostic methods and instrumentation; Medical magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy; Microwave circuits and devices; A/D and D/A convertors

References

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      • 4. Kröckel, H.: ‘Switching matrix with two control inputs at each switching element’. US Patent 7684427, March 2010.
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      • 6. Ghon, H.-S.: ‘Method and apparatus for acquiring image in magnetic resonance imaging system’. US Application, 20140159719A1, June 2014.
http://iet.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1049/el.2018.6579
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