Integrated ultrasound switch saves board space

Texas Instruments Inc. rolls out the TX810, an integrated, eight-channel, transmit/receive (T/R) switch for ultrasound systems. The TX810 integrates a protection diode bridge and clamp diodes for each of its eight channels to prevent the high-voltage pulses of the transmitter from damaging the receive electronics of the ultrasound system. The device reduces board space by more than 50 per cent over discrete solutions. Component reduction and easier handling brings higher reliability to the design of portable to mid-range ultrasound systems. The TX810 addresses designers' need to build smaller portable ultrasound systems while speeding time to market.

Key features and benefits of the TX810 T/R switch include eight integrated channels that save more than 50 to 75 per cent board space over discrete solutions, depending on T/R architectures. Integration allows for faster designs and higher reliability due to fewer devices and easier handling of components. Programmable bias currents allow designers to adjust and reduce power consumption. Also, a 3bit interface is used to program a 7mA range of bias currents and power-down mode reduces power consumption. Optimised insertion loss maintains integrity of input/output signal at 400Ω load with 0.9dB at 7mA bias current and 1.3dB at 1mA bias current.

The TX810 completes TI's signal chain offering for ultrasound systems together with the AFE58xx family of analogue front ends, the TX734 high-voltage pulser and a broad portfolio of embedded processors for medical imaging, power management products, clocks and interfaces.

It comes in a 36-pin 6 mm x 6 mm QFN package. Samples are available now, with full production scheduled for December. The device is priced at Rs.292.89 ($6) in 1,000-unit quantities.