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AFE5809: Designing a 128 channel Ultrasound Imaging System using the AFE5809, LM96530, LM96550, LM96570

Part Number: AFE5809
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LM96570, TX810, TX517

Hi all,

I'm looking to create a 128 channel ultrasound system using the AFE5809 for the receive system, the LM96530 as the T/R switch, LM96550 as the pulser, and LM96570 to beamform the pulse. An FPGA  I was looking through the datasheet for each component, I could not find any information about multi-chip integration -- particularly in the case of the LM96570 as the exact output propagation delay between 2 or more chips is unknown which would preclude any transmit beamforming using the IC. I looked through this question posted previously on the forum: http://e2e.ti.com/support/other_analog/imaging_afes/f/239/t/230591 ,which mentioned the TOD for the beamformer is the same for all channels on the chip, but according to the data sheet, the pulse pattern (so TOD) could be varied for each channel. On the Rx and Tx end, are the propagation delays for each chip known?

I was also thinking of using the SONAR Receiver Path Sub-System Reference Design Using the AFE5809 for the Rx side of the Front end, but noticed the AFE5809 also had an evaluation board. What would be the pro v. con of using this design versus the evaluation board for an imaging system?

Also, I was looking for the schematics for the TX-SDK-V1 or TX-SDK-V2 to design the transmit side of the analog electronics. Are those designs available online or are there corresponding evaluation boards as is the case with the AFE5xx's?

Best,

Jay

  • Hi Jay,

    We don't recommend new designs with the LM96570. The SONAR reference design is a good starting point for the RX.
    You can look at the TX810 and TX517 for T/R switch and TX respectively. Unfortunately, there are no designs available for the TX-SDKs.

    The TI design you referenced actually uses the evaluation board on Page 22 so i don't quite understand your question regarding pros and cons.

    Sincerely,
    Olu
  • Hi Olu,

    Thank you for the help. I just have a few more questions. For transmit beamforming, do you reccomend implementing the Tx beamformer via the FPGA instead (shape the pulse with it as opposed to using an IC) or do you sell a TX beamformer IC that can be used for newer designs? Also, regarding the LM965xx series, do you recommend using those chips are as well or the TX810 and TX517 for the same reason (that the latter are newer)? If that's the case, is there a chip-to-chip variation in the propagation delay for the pulser and T/R switches? I ask because if there is a standardized delay, in the case where I have to implement TX beamforming, I can account for the delay more precisely across the requisite channels. 

    Regarding the TI design, I saw it used the evaluation board earlier today when I reread -- so no questions there, just some confusion on my part as I thought the EVM was to test a separate board design previously. 

    Best,

    Jay

  • Hi Jay,

    Figure 8 on Page 15 of the TX517 datasheet goes over the output timing diagram for the device. Pages 6, 7 and 8 also detail the propagation delay specifications for different output pins.

    Sincerely,

    Olu