InMedica, the medical research arm of market research firm IMS Research, predicts that global ultrasound sales will increase from $4.9 billion in 2009 to over $6 billion in 2010. In particular, as the need for more sophisticated ultrasound equipment to provide accurate diagnostic images is increasing in hospitals, medical facilities, and emergency medical institutions, there is a growing need for small, fast, and low-power ultrasound equipment.

Accordingly, Analog Devices ( www.analog.com ), a global specialist in signal processing data converters and high-performance semiconductors and a leader in the global data converter market, announced two fourth-generation 8-channel ultrasound receivers (AD9278 and AD9279) that reduce system size, complexity, and power consumption in high-end, mid-range, and portable ultrasound systems. The award-winning AD9728 and AD97929 are industry-leading, low-power, compact 8-channel ultrasound receivers that not only feature ADI's industry-leading data conversion technology but also integrate improved low-noise TGC (Time Gain Control) mode performance, Continuous Wave (CW) Doppler processing capabilities, and a high dynamic range I/Q demodulator. Based on an industry-leading Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of up to 67 dB, ADI's new 8-channel ultrasound receivers can improve the sensitivity of diagnostic ultrasound systems while reducing board space by up to 40%.

Patrick O'Doherty, Vice President of Analog Devices Healthcare Group, stated, “Ultrasound equipment designers must be able to continuously balance evolving system requirements to improve image quality and power efficiency,” adding, “With ADI’s newly released AD9278 and AD9279 8-channel ultrasound receivers, designers will be able to more easily resolve various design issues that arise during the system improvement process.”

The AD9278 8-channel ultrasonic receiver is designed for portable ultrasonic systems, while the AD9279 8-channel ultrasonic receiver is suitable for high-end and mid-range systems. These devices are mutually pin- and package-compatible and are designed to utilize a common PCB (printed circuit board) layout applicable to various ultrasonic platforms, which can reduce development time and costs.

Meanwhile, Analog Devices' 8-channel ultrasound receiver family includes the AD9271, which was the industry's first to integrate a complete 8-channel ultrasound receiver onto a single chip in April 2007 and is currently widely used in ultrasound equipment worldwide, as well as the AD9272 for high-range and mid-range cart-based ultrasound equipment, the AD9273 for portable ultrasound systems, and the AD9276 and AD9277, which implement high-quality CW Doppler processing capabilities.

Key Specifications and Benefits of AD9728 and AD9279 8-Channel Ultrasonic Receivers

ADI’s AD9278 and AD9279 8-channel ultrasonic receivers are based on an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a variable gain range of 54 dB, a fully differential signal path, an active input impedance stage, a gain of up to 52 dB, and a maximum sampling rate of 80 MSPS. In addition, each IC is optimized for low-power operation and dynamic performance for package-size-sensitive applications. When operating in CW mode, the AD9278 consumes an extremely low power of 25 mW per channel, while the AD9279 consumes a low power of 50 mW per channel. In TGC mode, the AD9278 consumes only 88 mW per channel at a sampling rate of 40 MSPS, and the AD9279 consumes only 139 mW per channel at a sampling rate of 40 MSP. For higher-specification systems, the AD9279 provides an input referred noise of 0.67 nV/√Hz and a configurable low-noise amplifier (LNA). Further details can be found in the AD9278 or AD9279 datasheets, and samples are currently available for order.

Additional information on AD9728 and AD9279 8-channel ultrasound receivers

· 8 providing the entire TGC path contained in a 144-ball, 10 mm x 10 mm BGA (Ball Grid Array) package
Channel, ADC, and I/Q demodulator

· High dynamic range integrated I/Q demodulator with programmable phase rotation

· Data clock output supporting a maximum operating speed of 480 MHz and DDR (Double Data Rate) operation

· Required for all video modes through SPI (Serial Port Interface) control with diverse and flexible specifications
Optimize specific power, noise, distortion, and gain

· ADC front end