Abstract: A power supply unit (130) powers at least one gradient coil (128) of a magnetic resonance (MR) examination system (110) with a main magnet (114) having, in at least one state of operation, a substantially static magnetic field strength, and with an MR measurement signal bandwidth. The power supply unit (130) includes a switched-mode power converter (134) for powering the at least one gradient coil (128), and including at least one switching member provided to switch between a conducting state configuration and an essentially non-conducting state configuration at a first fundamental switching frequency (fSW). A pulse control unit (132) is designed to provide switching pulses at the first fundamental switching frequency (fSW) for controlling the switching of the at least one switching member. Upon triggering by a trigger signal (142), the pulse control unit (132) is provided to change the first fundamental switching frequency (fSW) to at least a second fundamental switching frequency (fSW).

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are configured for integrated parallel reception, excitation, and shimming (iPRES). Parallel transmit/receive (which can include B?1#191 shimming and/or parallel imaging capabilities) and B1 shimming employ the same set of localized coils or transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil elements, with each coil or TEM element working in both an RF mode (for transmit/receive and B1 shimming) and a direct current (DC) mode (for B0 shimming) simultaneously. Both an RF and a DC current can flow in the same coil simultaneously but independently with no electromagnetic interference between the two modes. This invention is not only applicable when the same coil array is used for parallel transmit, receive and shim, but also when two separate coil arrays are used. In that case, the B0 shimming capability can be integrated into one of the coil arrays (i.e.

Abstract: A switching power supply apparatus of a current-resonance type, including a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series, a series circuit of a resonant reactor and a resonant capacitor connected in parallel to the first switching element or the second switching element, a control circuit configured to alternately turn on and off the first switching element and the second switching element, and a load detection circuit. The load detection circuit includes a shunt circuit which shunts a resonant current flowing through the resonant reactor and resonant capacitor connected in series to obtain a shunted current, converts the shunted current to a first voltage signal, and outputs the first voltage signal, a switching circuit which switches between the first voltage signal and a second voltage signal of a ground level to generate a third voltage signal, and an averaging circuit which averages the third voltage signal.

Abstract: MRI systems with a new concept and hardware modality configured for parallel transmit, receive, and shim to address B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, both of which increase with field strength. This invention benefits from a number of advantages over existing technologies: it can save valuable space within the MRI magnet bore, largely reduce the manufacturing cost of MRI scanners, and avoid the electromagnetic interference issue associated with existing technologies.

Abstract: A system includes a multi-nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) receiving coil, wherein the receiving coil includes a frequency tuning component configured operate the receiving coil at either a first frequency or a second frequency. The receiving coil also includes an impedance matching component configured to maintain a substantially constant impedance of the receiving coil when the receiving coil is operated at either the first frequency or the second frequency. Furthermore, the receiving coil is configured to measure a first nucleus when operated at the first frequency, and wherein the receiving coil is configured to measure a second nucleus when operated at the second frequency.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is provided for the current supply of a magnetic resonance imaging installation with a radio-frequency shielding cabin and at least one basic field magnet. The arrangement includes a first circuit arranged outside the radio-frequency shielding cabin and configured to generate a DC link voltage from a grid voltage, and a second circuit arranged within the radio-frequency shielding cabin and configured to generate a magnetization current for the basic field magnet from the DC link voltage. This architecture makes it possible to realize a cost-effective solution for an integrated (fixedly installed) modular magnetization current supply.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus has a magnet unit that includes at least one superconducting basic magnetic field coil, a magnet housing unit surrounding the at least one superconducting basic magnetic field coil, a cooling system that has at least one cooling loop and a heat absorption unit to cool the at least one superconducting basic magnetic coil, and an additional unit. The cooling system has a switching unit with at least one first cooling mode, and the switching unit couples the at least one cooling loop of the cooling system with the additional unit for a heat exchange in the first cooling mode.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring and calibrating an imaging magnetic field in a magnetic resonance apparatus are provided. The method includes: providing the imaging magnetic field, where the imaging magnetic field is adapted for scanning an object; sampling a signal corresponding to the imaging magnetic field; processing the signal to obtain an actual magnetic field intensity; and calibrating based on a difference between the actual magnetic field intensity and a target magnetic field intensity. The system includes: a magnetic component, adapted for scanning an object to be imaged; a sampling unit, adapted for sampling a signal corresponding to the imaging magnetic field; a processing unit, adapted for processing the signal to obtain an actual magnetic field intensity; a calibration unit, adapted for calibrating based on a difference between the actual magnetic field intensity and a target magnetic field intensity; and a control unit, adapted for controlling the system.

Abstract: A system, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and method of designing quiet variable-rate MRI slice-select pulses includes creating discretized first slice-select constant-amplitude gradient and RF waveforms, associating discretized time points having a first constant time increment with the first waveforms, selecting a scaling function that smooths the gradient waveform when multiplied together, multiplying the gradient and RF waveforms by the corresponding value of the scaling function to create second gradient and RF waveforms, dividing the time increment between the discretized time points by the corresponding value of the scaling function to create a remapped time increment, cumulatively summing the remapped time increments to create a remapped time scale, interpolating the second gradient and RF waveforms along the remapped time scale to form final gradient and RF waveforms, and providing the final gradient and RF waveforms for incorporation into an MRI pulse sequence.

Abstract: A plug connecting unit for connecting a cable circuit in a cable circuit housing with a sensor module in a sensor module housing, comprising a wireless interface for energy- and/or data transmission between the cable circuit and the sensor module. A first section of the wireless interface is arranged in the cable circuit and a second section of the wireless interface is arranged in the sensor module. The wireless interface is surrounded by a magnetic shielding and the magnetic shielding is arranged in the cable circuit housing and/or in the sensor module housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy device adapted for carrying out 1D and nD homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy measurements of a plurality of nuclei, comprising an RF coil adapted to transmit RF to and/or receive RF from a measuring volume, wherein the RF coil forms part of a non-tuned radiofrequency circuit. The invention further relates to a method of NMR data acquisition, a method of manufacturing a NMR spectroscopy device and a NMR-device holder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing a sample using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrameter in which an effective field is generated. The field has an effective vector and results from a static magnetic field and a radiofrequency magnetic field. The effective vector rotates relative to a terrestrial reference frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and other embodiments associated with reducing imaging acquisition time are described. One example method includes accessing an under-sampled data set and a library of previously acquired data sets. The method includes producing an approximation of the under-sampled data set by transforming data stored in the library. The method includes producing a sparsified data set from the approximation and the under-sampled data set and then reconstructing the sparsified data set into a sparse image using a reconstruction technique configured to reconstruct sparse data. The method includes producing a fully-sampled approximation of the under-sampled data set and producing a final reconstructed image from the sparse image and the fully sampled approximation.

Abstract: A method and a device for identifying a position of a local coil of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner relative to a position of a patient couch are provided. The device includes at least one reading unit that is configured to determine a position of at least one label at the local coil relative to the at least one reading unit. The device also includes a position determination apparatus that is configured to determine the position of the patient couch relative to the magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The device includes a position determination apparatus that is configured to determine the position of the local coil relative to the patient couch based on the determined position of the at least one label and the determined position of the patient couch.

Abstract: In an MRI scanner, the transmission and reception of RF excitation and detected signal waves is accomplished using far field excitation instead of conventional near field excitation. By superimposing two counter-propagating waves from the same source in the MRI sample interference fringes are recorded in the sample in such a way that the relative phase between the two propagation wave vectors determines the periodicity of the maxima and minima in the interference fringe pattern. The complete fringe pattern, known as a spatial hologram, contains both the phase and amplitude information of the information-bearing wave. When exposed to a replica of the original reference wave, the fringe pattern acts as a diffraction grating, reproducing the information-bearing field propagating at the same relative phase.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a magnetic assembly including a main magnet and a gradient coil unit and forming a static magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field in the bore thereof, and a gradient controller applying a test gradient waveform to the magnetic assembly, and compensating for a distortion of the magnetic field gradients, caused by eddy currents, by reflecting the actual shape of the applied test gradient waveform.

Abstract: To acquire a more accurate tissue contrast image such as a water-fat separation image in time-series imaging by an MRI apparatus, a static magnetic field non-uniformity map is created from a plurality of echo signals having different TEs obtained in time series, and a water-fat separation image is obtained using the static magnetic field non-uniformity map. Processing (spatial direction discontinuity correction processing) for correcting discontinuity of a phase or a frequency in a spatial direction and processing (time-series direction discontinuity correction processing) for correcting discontinuity in a time-series direction are performed for the static magnetic field non-uniformity map.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a circuit includes a radio frequency coil tuned to at least one frequency and at least one switching circuit directly connected to the radio frequency coil. The radio frequency coil is characterized by a high impedance.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus to acquire correction data in connection with pulse sequences to acquire measurement data whose echo times—the duration between excitation and measurement data acquisition of the pulse sequences—are less than 500 microseconds, the pulse sequences acquire measurement data by repetition of a pulse sequence scheme, wherein different gradients for spatial coding are switched in each repetition, and correction data are acquired every n repetitions in a time window in which no gradients are switched, wherein n is a predetermined natural number. The method and apparatus enable correction of measurement data with which solid substances can be depicted without the hardware being used needing to be adapted and without external sensors being necessary.

Abstract: In order to allow the capacitances of a plurality of resonance capacitor elements inserted in a ring-shaped conductor element of a birdcage-type high-frequency coil to be collectively adjusted in a balanced manner without the need to perform adjustment separately, there is provided a birdcage-type high-frequency coil including two ring-shaped conductor elements in which a plurality of resonance capacitor elements are inserted in series and a plurality of linear conductor elements electrically connected to the two ring-shaped conductor elements. An adjustment belt to change the apparent capacitances of the plurality of resonance capacitor elements collectively is slidably disposed on the outer periphery of at least one of the two ring-shaped conductor elements with a dielectric member interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-channel (e.g. quadrature) MRI transmit system in which RF power amplifiers having different power capabilities are used in different transmit channels. This results in reduced system costs, due to the avoidance of an unused excess of RF power capability when the power demand for obtaining a homogeneous B1-field (RF shimming) is asymmetric and the asymmetry is qualitatively the same for different imaging applications. The multi-channel transmit unit may also comprise a commutator which enables to selectively connect each RF power amplifier to each drive port of transmit coil arrangement (e.g. a birdcage coil).

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging includes a magnet, a patient support, and a contoured quadrature coil. The contoured quadrature coil includes a ring coil and an angled butterfly coil. The angled butterfly coil may have a front outer section, an inner section, and a back outer section. The front outer section and the back outer section may be oriented diagonally from the plane of the ring coil such that a portion of the front outer section and/or the back outer section are disposed above the plane of the ring coil and a portion of the front outer section and/or the back outer section are disposed below the plane of the ring coil. Thus, the planes of the front and back outer sections may be angled with respect to each other, and the inner section may be substantially pyramidal and disposed along or below the plane of the ring coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging receiver coil provides for high SNR and high uniformity over a range of loading conditions with layers, or stacks, of independent conductive elements. The plurality of layers preload the receiver coil reducing the circuit variation as the subject coupling and loading varies. The preload is such that coil performance, or SNR, is maintained over a large range of impedance variation. This configuration is designed to exceed the performance of single trace coils over a range of impedance consistent with variations associated with different subjects, and may also incorporate coils of different resonance frequencies.

Abstract: A PET-MR apparatus includes an MR imaging system having an RF coil former having inner and outer surfaces, an RF shield formed about the outer surface of the RF coil former, and an RF coil positioned on the inner surface of the RF coil former. The PET-MR apparatus also includes a PET system having a detector array positioned to encircle the bore to acquire PET emissions of the subject of interest and a plurality of RF power cables to provide power to the RF coil. The RF coil of the PET-MR apparatus comprises an RF body coil including a pair of end rings and a plurality of rungs extending between the end rings, wherein the plurality of RF power cables are coupled to one of the pair of end rings, along an outer edge of the one end ring distal from the plurality of rungs.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting electrical performance of a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system during a medical imaging process of a subject to control changes in loading conditions of the RF coil caused by the subject during the medical imaging process.

Abstract: A power transmission pad is configured to provide wireless power transmission to a receiving device where the receiving device is orientation-free relative to the pad. The pad functions as a transmitter and is magnetically “hot”, meaning the pad generates a magnetic field when powered on. The receiving device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device, is placed within the magnetic field for the purpose of charging the device battery. In contrast to conventional wireless battery charging systems, there are no restrictions on the orientation of the receiving device relative to the pad. The power transmission pad includes a sweep frequency generator for generating power transmissions across a frequency spectrum. An optimal frequency is determined for maximum energy transfer to the receiving device, and the sweep frequency generator is locked to the determined optimal frequency.

Abstract: A magnetic field detection device includes: a resonance circuit having a winding coil for converting a magnetic field signal of an alternating magnetic field into a voltage signal and having a capacitor connected in parallel to the coil; an element connected in series to an output stage of the resonance circuit; and a low noise amplifier connected to an output stage of the element. The element has a reactance whose sign is opposite to that of an imaginary part of an impedance of the resonance circuit at a detected frequency of the alternating magnetic field. An absolute value of a combined impedance of the resonance circuit and the element is smaller than an internal resistance of the coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system has a receive apparatus disposed in a magnetic field, in which a receive coil is coupled to an input of an analog/digital converter. The analog/digital converter is configured for this purpose. A digital output of the analog/digital converter is coupled via a digital mixer device and a clock-rate-reduction device to a data output of the receive apparatus. The mixer device is configured to mix a predetermined frequency band of the MR signal downwards into an intermediate frequency range and create a digital IF signal.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetic excitation of an object under examination during magnetic resonance tomography includes a radio frequency (RF) device for generating a radio-frequency signal and a plurality of antennas for emitting the radio-frequency signal. A signal connection exists between the output of the RF device and the plurality of antennas. A source impedance of the signal connection to the output of the RF device at a connection point of the plurality of antennas is significantly higher than the impedance of the plurality of antennas at the connection points, so that the plurality of antennas are fed in a current source feed mode if a radio-frequency signal is present.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a gradient coil driver configured to supply electrical signals to a gradient coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The gradient coil driver includes an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a first H-bridge circuit electrically coupled to a power source. The first H-bridge includes a plurality of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) switches; and a plurality of diodes electrically coupled in parallel with each MOSFET switch. Each diode of the plurality of diodes is configured to conduct current to cause zero voltage potential across a source and a drain of one of the plurality of MOSFET switches. The first H-bridge also includes a load configured to regulate currents flowing through each of the plurality of diodes and each MOSFET switch of the plurality of MOSFET switches.

Abstract: A power transmission pad is configured to provide wireless power transmission to multiple portable electronic devices where each device is orientation-free relative to the pad. The power transmission pad is also configured to be power adaptive by changing the power transmission level depending on the number of devices being concurrently charged. Each device, is placed within the magnetic field for the purpose of charging the device battery. The power transmission pad includes a sweep frequency generator for generating power transmissions across a frequency spectrum. The number of devices to be charged is determined as well as an optimal frequency for maximum energy transfer to each device. The sweep frequency generator is set to cycle through the optimal frequencies determined for each device.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) system, a current strength of a coil current is controllable by a plurality of semiconductor power switches as a function of a control signal. The plurality of semiconductor power switches receive the control signal at respective control inputs from a control line. In each of at least two semiconductor power switches of the plurality of semiconductor power switches, a compensation resistance element is connected between the control input and the control line. Resistance values of the compensation resistance elements are different.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance system including an operative component configured to perform a useful operation in a magnetic resonance system; an electrical cable connected with the operative component to provide electrical communication with the operative component; and a resonant circuit including at least a portion of the electrical cable, the resonant circuit having a first impedance pole at a first magnetic resonance frequency and a second impedance pole at a second magnetic resonance frequency different from the first magnetic resonance frequency.

Abstract: A method for obtaining contextually related instances. The method comprises providing a map of a plurality of contextual relations between a plurality of instance types and a plurality of functionalities. Each one of the functionalities is associated with one of the mapped contextual relations and configured for providing one or more instances of a respective type. The method further comprises receiving a contextual linkage between a known instance and a requested instance, identifying a match between the contextual linkage and a segment of the map, and obtaining the requested instance by using the known instance along with a group of which is selected from the functionalities; each member of the group is associated with a contextual relation in the segment.

Abstract: A gradient coil power supply includes: at least two H-bridge circuits connected in series, wherein each H-bridge circuit supplies: voltage of a first polarity when in a first switching state, voltage of a second polarity when in a second switching state, no voltage when in a third switching state, and no voltage when in a fourth switching state; and a controller for controlling the switching of the H-bridge circuits. The controller is adapted for: receiving a gradient pulse sequence; creating a switching plan for controlling the switching of the H-bridge circuits, wherein the switching plan includes controlling the voltage output of the gradient coil power supply by alternating between the first switching state and the second switching state, and at least one H-bridge circuit being in either the third or fourth switching state for part of the switching plan to cool the H-bridge circuit; and executing the switching plan.

Abstract: A charge pump power supply may comprise a plurality of capacitors and a switching circuit for switching the capacitors to provide a first voltage or a second voltage in accordance with the select input. The charge pump power supply may have a signal polarity input for indicating a polarity of an output audio signal. Switches for switching one or more capacitors providing a first polarity voltage in a then-current operating mode may be configured to switch at a greater frequency than switches for switching one or more capacitors providing a second polarity voltage responsive to the signal polarity input indicating a positive polarity of the output audio signal. Switches for switching one or more capacitors providing the first polarity voltage in a then-current operating mode are configured to switch at a lesser frequency than switches for switching one or more capacitors providing the second polarity voltage responsive to the signal polarity input indicating a negative polarity of the output audio signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for automatically testing and tuning a RF coil is provided. The apparatus comprises a digital frequency generator for generating a stimulus, the stimulus comprising a range of radio frequency signals having different frequencies, a radio frequency coupler configured for applying the stimulus to the RF coil so as to enable the RF coil to generate a reflected signal in response to the stimulus applied, a radio frequency detector for detecting the reflected signal and a signal processing unit for processing the reflected signal, so as to identify the tuned resonant frequency of the RF coil and further configured for calculating return loss at the RF coil based on the reflected signal.

Abstract: A method of generating a desired shelving filter for audio data, the desired shelving filter having a low-corner frequency U and a high-corner frequency f2, wherein the difference between the gain of the frequency response of the desired shelving filter at f2 and the gain of the frequency response of the desired shelving filter at U is substantially equal to a non-zero desired amount, the method comprising: determining an order for a first shelving filter of a first predetermined type, wherein the low-corner frequency of the first shelving filter is U and the high-corner frequency of the first shelving filter is f?, determining, for a second shelving filter of a second predetermined type and of a predetermined order m, a frequency fz for the low-corner frequency of the second shelving filter and a frequency Z4 for the high-corner frequency of the second shelving filter, where h is at least fi, f4 is greater than f3, and f4 is at most fi, and forming the desired shelving filter as a filter combination of the f

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) body coil assembly includes a coil support structure including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member disposed radially outwardly from the inner tubular member, and a structural material disposed between the inner and outer tubular members, an RF coil mounted to an inner surface of the coil support structure, and a positron emission tomography (PET) detector assembly mounted to an outer surface of the coil support structure. A dual-modality imaging system is also described.

Abstract: There is provided a technique for improving quality of images obtained with an MRI apparatus by using the geometric structures of the conventional RF transmission coil and RF reception coil and without increasing burden on patients or MRI technicians. A conductor loop of an RF reception coil disposed between a subject and an RF transmission coil is used also as a loop for magnetic field adjustment in order to shield or enhance a rotating magnetic field B1 generated by the RF transmission coil. Further, the conductor loop operated as a conductor loop for magnetic field adjustment among the conductor loops constituting the RF reception coil is driven so that inhomogeneity of the rotating magnetic field B1 is reduced.

Abstract: A gradient pulse generator generates reference current signals for a plurality of gradient coils of a gradient coil system of a magnetic resonance system and supplies each of the reference current signals to a controller assigned to one of the gradient coils. Also supplied to the respective controller is an actual current signal that is characteristic of the current flowing in the respective gradient coil. Each of the controllers generates a control signal and accordingly drives a gradient power amplifier assigned to the respective gradient coil. The gradient power amplifiers apply a current to the gradient coils assigned to the gradient power amplifiers in accordance with the generated control signals. Each of the controllers is also supplied with the reference current signal or the actual current signal of at least one other gradient coil or the time derivative of the reference current signal or the actual current signal.

Abstract: Power is contactlessly supplied from a power transmitting portion to a power receiving portion. A transmitting efficiency detecting portion detects the transmitting efficiency, and a determining portion determines whether the transmitting efficiency is equal to or greater than a specified value. If the transmitted efficiency is less than the specified value, an obstruction may be present so power temporarily stops being transmitted. Power is then periodically transmitted with a minute power and the efficiency is detected. If the efficiency is equal to or greater than the specified value, power starts to be transmitted again with regular power.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus that ensures high-quality power supply to an AFE (analog front-end) and reduces the amount of power consumed by the AFE in sleep mode. The AFE, which converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and another circuit different from the AFE are incorporated in an SOC (system-on-a-chip). A switch circuit switches power to the AFE between first DC power supply from a 5-V/3.3-V_LDO and second DC power from a 24-V/3.3-V_DC-DC converter. When the AFE is in use, the switch circuit is controlled such that the first DC power is supplied from the 5-V/3.3-V_LDO to the AFE, and when the AFE is not in use, the switch circuit is controlled such that the second DC power is supplied from the 24-V/3.3-V_DC-DC converter to the AFE.

Abstract: An electrically-controlled failsafe switch is included in an MRI transmit-and-receive RF coil assembly so as to protect it from induced RF currents in the event it is disconnected from an MRI system, but inadvertently left linked to strong MRI RF fields during imaging procedures using other RF coils.

Abstract: An antenna system for a downhole tool has an antenna that is configured to operate at a plurality of frequencies. The tuning circuit is on the interior of the tool and shielded from borehole fluids. The tuning circuit is coupled to the antenna by a transformer circuit.

Abstract: Timing in a medical imaging system. The system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subsystem and a non-MRI subsystem. Operation of the non-MRI subsystem involves a timing signal within a radio frequency (RF) cabin of the MRI subsystem. Basing each non-MRI subsystem timing signal on a time base common between the MRI subsystem and the non-MRI subsystem. The non-MRI subsystem can be a medical imaging subsystem. The non-MRI medical imaging subsystem can be a positron emission tomography (PET) subsystem. Each non-MRI subsystem timing signal that based on the common time base can be created using the same model of equipment used for creating timing signals in the MRI subsystem. At least one stage of the non-MRI subsystem timing signal based on the common time base can be created using the same equipment used for creating timing signals in the MRI subsystem.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods related to mixed mode time interleaved digital-to-analog converters (DACs). In some embodiments, such DACs can be utilized for radio-frequency (RF) applications. In some embodiments, a DAC for RF applications can include a first circuit configured to receive a digital signal and perform a first operation to yield an increased bandwidth of the DAC. The DAC can further include a second circuit configured to perform a second operation on the digital signal to yield an analog signal representative of the digital signal. The second circuit can be further configured to reduce or remove an image within the increased bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for generating an effective equivalent of a simultaneous transmission of excitation signals to a targeted living tissue using an existing MRI system assembly or transceiver apparatus which structurally has a small number of independent transmit channels in operative communication with a large number of individual transmission RF coils. The inventive methodology and apparatus is suitable for use with any conventionally known and used transceiver apparatus which operationally complies with the requisite difference existing between the lesser available numbers of independent transmission channels and the greater number of individual transmit RF coils. For this reason, the methodology is broadly and generally useful for many different applications of magnetic resonance imaging technology.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography system. The local coil includes a preamplifier for amplification of a signal received by the local coil from an examination object in a receive phase of the local coil. The local coil also includes a detuning device for detuning the local coil in a transmit phase of the local coil, and a rectification device for supplying voltage to the preamplifier.

Abstract: A detection device includes a resonance unit having a coil and a capacitor, an oscillation unit for oscillating the resonance unit, and a signal processing unit for detecting the oscillation state of the resonance unit and outputting an object detection signal when oscillation is stopped. The signal processing unit intermittently executes a self-diagnosis mode by forcibly oscillating the oscillation unit to determine whether or not an abnormality occurs in the resonance unit.