Eight-Channel Tx/Rx Chipset Eyes Portable Ultrasound Systems

Unveiled as the industry’s first eight-channel ultrasound transmit/receive chipset for portable ultrasound systems, the PowerWise chipset includes the LM96511, LM96530, LM96550, and LM96570. The LM96511 analog frontend (AFE) integrates eight channels of LNA, DVGA, 12-bit, 40 to 50 MHz ADC with LVDS data outputs and eight demodulators for CW Doppler beam forming. The AFE exhibits a power consumption of 110 mW per channel. The LM96530 contains eight transmit/receive switches with integrated clamping diodes and offers an individual channel shut-off capability. Input referred noise is 0.5 nV/ÖHz and on-resistance is 16?. The LM96550 integrates eight pulsers with a damper circuit that generates ±50V bipolar pulses with peak currents up to 2A and pulse rates up to 20 MHz. The device also features over-temperature protection. The LM96570 configurable transmit beamformer provides specifies a jitter performance of 25 ps p-p. It simplifies board layout since it can be placed directly next to the pulser. Price for the LM96511 AFE is $55 each/1,000. Prices for the LM96530, LM96550, and LM96570 are $8, $20, and $6, respectively, each/1,000. All are sampling now with production volumes available by November. NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP., Santa Clara, CA. (800) 272-9959.