Transducers, Beamforming and Front-End Electronics
This course develops a practical understanding of how ultrasound transducers convert electrical energy into acoustic pulses and returning echoes into diagnostic signals. Students examine piezoelectric materials, array geometry, matrix transducers, acoustic coupling, and the effects of probe condition on image quality. Coverage of transmit/receive electronics includes pulsers, protection circuits, low-noise amplification, time-gain compensation, and analog-to-digital conversion. Beamforming and signal-processing topics connect focusing, steering, filtering, and detection to common image artifacts and structured fault isolation. Hands-on activities use training equipment, simulations, or approved test setups, with students directed to follow the manufacturer's service documentation for system-specific procedures, safety precautions, and acceptance criteria. This independent service-technician certificate course is not factory training and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by Philips.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Ultrasound Signal Paths and Front-End Architecture", "Week 2: Lesson 2: Piezoelectric Materials, Acoustic Matching, and Transducer Construction", "Week 3: Lesson 3: Linear, Curved, Phased, and Matrix Transducer Arrays", "Week 4: Lesson 4: Hands-on Lab: Probe Inspection, Handling, and Care Documentation", "Week 5: Lesson 5: Probe Cleaning, Disinfection, Storage, and Compatibility", "Week 6: Lesson 6: Transmit Pulsers, Receive Protection, and Electrical Safety", "Week 7: Lesson 7: Receive Amplification, Time-Gain Compensation, and Digitization", "Week 8: Lesson 8: Hands-on Lab: Probe Performance Testing & Midterm Review", "Week 9: Lesson 9: Beamforming Fundamentals, Focusing, and Steering", "Week 10: Lesson 10: Matrix-Array Beamforming and Volumetric Acquisition", "Week 11: Lesson 11: Hands-on Lab: Beamforming Simulation and Artifact Analysis", "Week 12: Lesson 12: Signal Processing, Filtering, Detection, and Image Formation", "Week 13: Lesson 13: Structured Fault Isolation and Post-Service Performance Verification", "Week 14: Lesson 14: Capstone Project: Transducer and Front-End Diagnostic Assessment"]