A matrix array for volumetric imaging using a micro-beamforming ASIC

Volumetric ultrasound imaging has become an important tool for cardiologists, yet its accessibility is limited to high-end ultrasound scanners due to the important cost of matrix arrays and embedded electronics. In this work, we introduce a 432-element ultrasound matrix array, powered and controlled by a micro-beamforming ASIC. An adaptable interconnection method was chosen, allowing the control of various transducer topologies by the same ASIC. This probe connects to a scanner via a customizable hardware control interface, removing the need for dedicated electronics in the scanner. The low-level control of the probe is demonstrated by pulse-echo, transmit beam measurements and B-mode 3D imaging. Resolutions of 1.6, 2.4 and 0.4 mm were experimentally measured on phantom images at a 20 mm depth in the azimuth, elevation and depth directions, in agreement with the transducer characteristics and simulations results.