Abstract: Methods and systems for electronically scanning within a three dimensional volume while minimizing the number of system channels and associated cables connecting a two-dimensional array of elements to an ultrasound system are provided. An array of semiconductor or micro-machined switches electronically interconnect various elements of the two-dimensional array. Elements associated with a substantially same time delay are connected together as a macro element, reducing the number of independent elements to be connected to beamforming or system channels. To beam form in the desired direction, the macro elements are configured as a phased array or along substantially straight lines in at least two dimensions (i.e. along the face of the two-dimensional transducer). Such macro elements allow transmission and reception along beams that are at an angle other than normal to the two-dimensional transducer array.

Abstract: A transducer system and method for harmonic imaging is provided. At least one transducer element is provided. The transducer element comprises two or more stacked piezoelectric layers. Information from each of the layers is independently processed during one of a transmit event, a receive event, and both transmit and receive events. Information from the transducer element is provided to a filter. The filter isolates harmonic information for imaging. By providing a multi-layer transducer element with independent processing for each layer, a wide bandwidth transducer for harmonic imaging is provided. The null associated with most transducers at the second harmonic of a fundamental frequency is removed or lessened.

Abstract: Transducer arrays and methods of manufacturing the transducer arrays are provided. A multi-dimensional transducer array is provided where the element-to-element spacing or pitch along one dimension is less than the element spacing or pitch along a second dimension. For example, the element pitch along an azimuth dimension is ½ of the element pitch along an elevation dimension. The multi-dimensional transducer array with the same or different pitch is manufactured from a plurality of modules. Each of the modules are separately diced and then aligned and combined. Separate dicing allows for individual testing of modules prior to assembly as a transducer array. Elements of a transducer array are used for isolating a transmit channel from a receive channel. Rather than a sheet of electrode acting as a ground plane common to a plurality of elements, separate signal lines or traces are provided individually for each element on opposite sides of each element.

Abstract: A two-dimensional array allows rapid three-dimensional ultrasound scanning. A high volume-per-second scan rate using a limited number of system channels (e.g. 192, 256 or other number of channels) is provided by a transducer array without beamforming circuitry in the probe. A fan beam of acoustic energy is transmitted along a scan plane from transducer elements that extend lengthwise over a substantial portion of the lateral aperture. Rows of these long transmit elements are provided along the elevation aperture for electronic steering of the fan beam in the elevation dimension. One or more rows of smaller receive elements are used for forming beams each representing a scan line along the lateral dimension in response to each transmission of a fan beam. Elevation resolution is provided primarily from the elevationally spaced transmit elements and partially from two or more rows of laterally spaced receive elements. The lateral resolution is responsive to the lateral spacing of the receive elements.