Delay-sum beamforming using delta-sigma modulated inputs

This paper presents a novel approach for the realization of time-domain beamformers. The developed delay-sum beamformer concept utilizes delta-sigma data converters at the front end, which produce highly oversampled (single-bit) data streams. Therefore, no additional interpolation procedure is necessary. Furthermore, the simple one-bit data-format enables a multiplier free implementation of the shading coefficients. MATLAB simulations have demonstrated the functionality of the proposed concept. The presented hardware configuration is flexible and well suited for a VLSI implementation.