Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes an RF coil, a preamplifier module, and a hub coupled to the preamplifier module via a transmission line. The preamplifier module includes an amplifier configured to amplify a magnitude of a first signal from the RF coil, the first signal having a first frequency and a diode array coupled to the amplifier. The MRI apparatus also includes an intermediate frequency (IF) circuit coupled to the transmission line and an oscillator circuit coupled to the hub and configured to supply an oscillating signal to the diode array via the transmission line to cause the diode array to mix the oscillating signal with the first signal to generate an IF signal to be received by the IF circuit via the transmission line, wherein the IF signal has a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency.

Abstract: A system for communicating data in a magnetic resonance imaging system in one embodiment includes a first array of receiver coils disposed on a first flexible substrate having at least one edge, wherein the flexible substrate is configured to be disposed upon or under a section of a patient under exam, wherein the first array of receiver coils is configured to acquire imaging data from the patient positioned on a patient support in the imaging system. Additionally, the system includes at least one blanket connector disposed along the at least one edge of the first flexible substrate, wherein the at least one blanket connector is electrically coupled to the first array of receiver coils in the first flexible substrate.

Abstract: A system for inductively communicating signals in a magnetic resonance imaging system is presented. The system in one embodiment includes a first array of primary coils disposed on a patient cradle of the imaging system, and configured to acquire data from a patient positioned on the patient cradle. Additionally, the system includes a second array of secondary coils disposed under the patient cradle, wherein a number of secondary coils is less than or equal to the number of primary coils, wherein the first array of primary coils is configured to inductively communicate the acquired data to the second array of secondary coils.

Abstract: A peripheral vascular coil array for providing images of a region of interest includes a first section including a first coil array and a second coil array in electrical communication with each other. The first and second coil arrays are disposed at opposite sides of the region of interest to produce a magnetic field in the region of interest. Each of the first and second coil arrays includes a butterfly coil and a loop coil.

Abstract: A feedback circuit is provided for reducing the input impedance of a preamplifier circuit, such as for use with a sensing coil in an imaging system. The feedback circuit permits adjustment of the input impedance by balancing inductive and capacitive components of a feedback control circuit. The imaginary component of the input impedance may be adjusted independently of the real component, to provide a substantially zero input impedance, while allowing adjustment of the stability of the system. The circuitry may function in conjunction with a reactance matching circuit to reduce cross-talk in multiple sensing coil arrangements.

Abstract: A feedback circuit is provided for reducing the input impedance of a preamplifier circuit, such as for use with a sensing coil in an imaging system. The feedback circuit permits adjustment of the input impedance by balancing inductive and capacitive components of a feedback control circuit. The imaginary component of the input impedance may be adjusted independently of the real component, to provide a substantially zero input impedance, while allowing adjustment of the stability of the system. The circuitry may function in conjunction with a reactance matching circuit to reduce cross-talk in multiple sensing coil arrangements.

Abstract: A technique for managing data relating to peripheral devices and subsystems in an imaging system includes providing memory circuitry and, where desired, signal processing circuitry resident in the peripheral devices. Manufacturing data, identification data, service record information, calibration data, and other relevant information may be stored directly in the peripheral devices. The circuitry of the peripherals and subsystems may also include sensors and encryption circuits, and circuits for interfacing the memory and processing circuitry with other components, particularly a controller for an imaging system. The peripherals may include coils and drivers for MRI systems, tables, patient monitors and any other device pertinent to an MRI system. An initialization sequence is performed upon connection of the peripheral to the system, to identify the peripheral and to transfer information needed for examination sequences and other MRI procedures.