Fast digitizer module for wideband and high dynamic range MRI receivers

描述(申请人提供)：Hypres与耶鲁大学磁共振研究中心合作，提议开发和生产一种新的高动态范围MRI数字化模块，并进行实验以验证本提案中包含的性能声明。新模块将具有高达24位的高动态范围，从而以非常高的保真度渲染图像。耶鲁大学4T磁共振成像的初步实验结果构成了计划工作的基础，并支持该团队的断言，即这项工作可以直接从该项目的结果商业化。对目标MRI系统的计划修改不会改变系统的基本功能，也不会破坏 这个系统。新模块将具有可编程性、灵活性和模块化，以便轻松集成到当前和未来的各种MRI系统中。其结果将是在单通道和多通道MRI系统中都能获得更高分辨率的图像。数字化模块将采用Hypres专利的数字-射频模数转换器(ADC)技术，该技术采用紧凑型、无制冷剂的冷却系统，与MRI机房中的其他电子设备兼容。它的重点是为传统的高场磁共振成像开发一种改装的数字化仪，而不是超低场鱿鱼磁共振成像，后者需要开发一个全新的系统。在无线通信和计量方面，数字Squid ADC技术已经成熟，并在类似于建议的模块中得到了验证。Hypres和Yale在使用4T MRI系统的一系列实验中成功演示了操作，收集数据和渲染图像确立了该项目计划的优化和集成的兼容性和低风险。数字化模块还将在多色系统中得到应用，在这种系统中，数字化仪的高带宽和高动态范围的组合使来自所有线圈的编码信号能够同时数字化。这种编码范例可用于其他成像系统(例如，红外成像系统)，并且可由熟悉多线圈MRI系统的研究人员容易地开发。新数字化模块的另一个应用是同步多片采集(SMA)，它由Weaver在1988年首次提出，由于半导体ADC的动态范围和带宽限制，到目前为止还没有实现。SMA以一种直截了当的方式带来更快的成像速度和更高的分辨率。第一阶段将使用已经在初步实验中测试的现有ADC模块，以进一步表征耶鲁大学磁共振成像系统的性能和射频环境。这些结果将用于在第一阶段设计新的数字化模块。第二阶段将开发和生产针对目标磁共振系统进行优化的新ADC设计。紧凑和模块化的“交钥匙”数字化仪将被开发和包装，以接近生产准备。数字化模块将与一家或多家MRI制造商(S)合作实现完全商业化。 与公众健康相关：Hypres计划与耶鲁大学磁共振研究中心(MRRC)的研究人员合作，为MRI系统开发一种先进的数字化模块，从而实现更高的分辨率和更快的成像时间。类似的数字化仪模块已在高级无线通信中得到验证，凭借本计划开发的模块化，该数字化仪将成为研究人员和开发人员介绍下一代先进磁共振系统的工具。该模块将很容易适应所有类别的MRI，并与单通道和多通道设计兼容。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In collaboration with the Magnetic Resonance Research Center at Yale University, Hypres proposes to develop and produce a new high dynamic range MRI digitizing module, and conduct experiments to validate the performance claims contained in this proposal. The new module will feature high dynamic range up to 24 bits, thereby rendering images with very high fidelity. Results of preliminary experiments on a Yale 4T MRI form the basis of the planned effort and support the team's assertion that this work can be directly commercialized from the results of this project. The planned modifications to target MRI systems would not alter the basic function of the system nor violate the integrity or safety of the system. The new module will feature programmability, flexibility, and modularity for easy integration into a wide class of current and future MRI systems. The result will be higher resolution images in both single channel and multi-channel MRI systems. The digitizer module will feature Hypres patented Digital-RF analog-to-digital converter (ADC) technology, packaged in compact, cryogen-free, cooling systems compatible with other electronic equipment in the MRI equipment room. It focuses on developing a retrofit digitizer for conventional high-field MRIs, as opposed to ultra-low-field SQUID MRIs, which would require developing an entirely new system. Digital SQUID ADC technology is mature and proven in modules similar to the one proposed, in wireless communications and metrology. Hypres and Yale successfully demonstrated operation in a series of experiments with a 4T MRI system, collecting data and rendering images that established the compatibility and low risk of the optimization and integration planned in this project. The digitizing module will also find applications in multi-col systems where the combination of high bandwidth and high dynamic range of the digitizer enable simultaneous digitization of the encoded signals from all the coils. Such encoding paradigms are used in other imaging systems (e.g., infrared imaging systems) and can be readily developed by researchers familiar with multi-coil MRI systems. Another application of the new digitizing module is Simultaneous Multi-slice Acquisition (SMA), first proposed by Weaver in 1988, and heretofore not realized because of the dynamic range and bandwidth limitations of semiconductor ADCs. SMA leads, in a straightforward manner, to faster imaging and enhanced resolution. Phase I will use an existing ADC module, already tested in preliminary experiments, to further characterize performance and the RF environment in the Yale MRI systems. The results will be used to design the new digitizing module in Phase I. Phase II will develop and produce the new ADC design optimized for the target MRI systems. A compact and modular "turnkey" digitizer will be developed and packaged as near production ready. The digitizer module will be fully commercialized in collaboration with one or more MRI manufacturer(s). PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Hypres proposes to develop an advanced digitizer module for MRI systems in collaboration with researchers at the Yale University Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) which enables better resolution and faster imaging times. A similar digitizer module has been proven in advanced wireless communications and, with the modularity developed in this program, this digitizer will become a tool for researchers and developers to introduce the next generation of advanced MRI systems. The module will be easily adaptable to all classes of MRI and compatible with single and multi-channel designs.