Texas Instruments speeds ultrasound design and reduces board space by more than half with integrated transmit/receive switch

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 saves more than 50 percent board space over discrete solutions in portable to mid-range ultrasound systems, and the component reduction and easier handling brings higher reliability to designs.

Key features and benefits of the TX810 T/R switch

· Eight integrated channels save more than 50 to 75 percent 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:

o 3-bit interface used to program a 7-mA range of bias currents

o Power-down mode to reduce power consumption

· Optimized insertion loss maintains integrity of input/output signal at 400Ω load with 0.9 dB at 7-mA bias current and 1.3 dB at 1-mA bias current

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