A comparison of CMUTs and piezoelectric transducer elements for 2D medical imaging based on conventional simulation models

This work compares CMUT and piezoelectric transducer technology for a typical 1D 7.5-MHz medical transducer array element. The comparison is based on the Redwood model of the piezoelectric transducer and a spring-mass-damper model for the CMUT. The simulated CMUT shows over twice the fractional bandwidth of the piezoelectric transducer but one-half the sensitivity and lower noise-equivalent-voltage. Experimental data from a CMUT array element generally confirms the CMUT simulations although shows lower source pressure and bandwidth.