P2B-9 Delta-Sigma Beamforming with Parallel Modulation

Using delta-sigma A/D converters in a digital beam- former is a method for achieving compactness at the cost of a higher rate for sampling and processing. For medical ultrasound imaging, the required sampling rate can be higher than 300 MHz. We suggest using a parallel modulation technique to attain comparable sample resolution at a much lower rate or higher resolution at the same rate. This technique is favorable to using higher-order modulators because it does not compromise stability. We also show how the parallel modulation can be combined with synthetic aperture imaging techniques for creating a more compact solution.