Modeling the pulse-echo response of a 2D CMUT array element

In this paper, we present an equivalent circuit model for a 2D CMUT array element to asses the overall pulse-echo response. The proposed circuit models the propagation medium, and incorporates reactive effects due to transducer dimensions which are comparable to the acoustic wavelength, and the effects of diffraction and loss. The model has been verified experimentally using hydrophone and pulse-echo measurements on a set-up that incorporates a high-voltage pulse generator and receive amplifier IC. The presented methodology can be used to evaluate the performance of a front-end IC within the EDA environment in which the circuit is designed.