Title:  Reduced-wire Readout Systems for High Frequency Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging

Committee: 

Dr. Ghovanloo, Advisor        

Dr. Rincon-Mora, Chair

Dr. Ayazi

Dr. Degertekin

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to design and develop the interface electronics for intravascular ultrasound imaging systems and reduce the number of interconnections to integrate the SoC on the guide wire. We propose a system-on-a-chip (SoC) for a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) interface that requires only four wires for the high voltage and low voltage supplies and output signal. The system transmits a pulse with CMUT transducer and receives the echo signal which contains image data. The echo signal is down converted by a mixer following a low-noise amplifier. The system transfers down-converted image data using a pulse width modulator (PWM) and an impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) wireless link, which are integrated on an IVUS guidewire, eliminating the need for a separate catheter.