Abstract: Various systems are provided for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In one example, a method includes selecting a contour topology for operating a configurable radio frequency (RF) coil assembly, wherein the configurable RF coil assembly includes an array of conductive segments coupled via a plurality of switches, and the contour topology defines a configuration of one or more RF coil elements formed on the configurable RF coil assembly. The method further includes, during a receive mode, at least partially activating one or more subsets of switches of the plurality of switches according to the selected contour topology to form the one or more RF coil elements.

Abstract: Various systems are provided for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In one example, a method includes selecting a contour topology for operating a configurable radio frequency (RF) coil assembly, wherein the configurable RF coil assembly includes an array of conductive segments coupled via a plurality of switches, and the contour topology defines a configuration of one or more RF coil elements formed on the configurable RF coil assembly. The method further includes, during a receive mode, at least partially activating one or more subsets of switches of the plurality of switches according to the selected contour topology to form the one or more RF coil elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for decoupling a receive coil from a transmit coil includes a tuning circuit connected electrically with the receive coil and a MEMS switch connected electrically in parallel with the tuning circuit, and operable to line up or to bypass the tuning circuit by opening or closing the MEMS switch. The apparatus further includes a control circuit operatively connected with the MEMS switch and operable to open or to close the MEMS within a window of time responsive to energization of the transmit coil to transmit a signal.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a disconnecting a receive coil from a transmit coil of a magnetic resonance (MR) system during a transmit operation. In one example, a cabling system may include a first line of coil-interfacing cable having a first set of hybrid switches, the first set of hybrid switches including a first switch, a first resonance circuit, and a second switch connected in series, and a second line of the coil-interfacing cable having a second set of hybrid switches, the first line and the second line of the coil-interfacing cable operably coupling one or more radio frequency (RF) coil elements to respective channels of the MR system. By positioning the first and the second sets of hybrid switches along different locations along the coil-interfacing cables, and simultaneously operating each set of hybrid switches, common mode currents may be interrupted along the coil-interfacing cables.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a disconnecting a receive coil from a transmit coil of a magnetic resonance (MR) system during a transmit operation. In one example, a cabling system may include a first line of coil-interfacing cable having a first set of hybrid switches, the first set of hybrid switches including a first switch, a first resonance circuit, and a second switch connected in series, and a second line of the coil-interfacing cable having a second set of hybrid switches, the first line and the second line of the coil-interfacing cable operably coupling one or more radio frequency (RF) coil elements to respective channels of the MR system. By positioning the first and the second sets of hybrid switches along different locations along the coil-interfacing cables, and simultaneously operating each set of hybrid switches, common mode currents may be interrupted along the coil-interfacing cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for decoupling a receive coil from a transmit coil includes a tuning circuit connected electrically with the receive coil and a MEMS switch connected electrically in parallel with the tuning circuit, and operable to line up or to bypass the tuning circuit by opening or closing the MEMS switch. The apparatus further includes a control circuit operatively connected with the MEMS switch and operable to open or to close the MEMS within a window of time responsive to energization of the transmit coil to transmit a signal.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of micro-electromechanical switches including a plurality of gates, coupled to each other. Each micro-electromechanical switch includes a beam electrode disposed on a substrate. A beam includes an anchor portion coupled to the beam electrode. The beam includes a first beam portion extending from the anchor portion along a first direction; and a second beam portion extending from the anchor portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. A first control electrode and a first contact electrode are disposed on the substrate, facing the first beam portion. A second control electrode and a second contact electrode are disposed on the substrate, facing the second beam portion. The first control electrode and the second control electrode are coupled to form a gate among the plurality of gates. The plurality of micro-electromechanical switches is arranged in at least one of a series arrangement, parallel arrangement.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of micro-electromechanical switches including a plurality of gates, coupled to each other. Each micro-electromechanical switch includes a beam electrode disposed on a substrate. A beam includes an anchor portion coupled to the beam electrode. The beam includes a first beam portion extending from the anchor portion along a first direction; and a second beam portion extending from the anchor portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. A first control electrode and a first contact electrode are disposed on the substrate, facing the first beam portion. A second control electrode and a second contact electrode are disposed on the substrate, facing the second beam portion. The first control electrode and the second control electrode are coupled to form a gate among the plurality of gates. The plurality of micro-electromechanical switches is arranged in at least one of a series arrangement, parallel arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and devices for transmitting radio frequency signals to and from radio frequency coils in magnetic resonance imaging systems are provided. In one embodiment, a balun for blocking induced radio frequency current on ground conductors of a multi-layer signal carrier includes first and second insulative elements disposed on first and second sides of the signal carrier, respectively, a conductive layer partially surrounding ends of each insulative element with a central region of each insulative element not surrounded by the respective conductive layer, first and second capacitive circuits coupled to the conductive layers of each respective insulative element in the central region thereof, vias extending through the signal carrier, and conductive material disposed in the vias electrically coupling a conductive layer on respective ends of the first and second elements with one another and with the ground conductors.