Promising high-quality image processing and enabling portable ultrasound imaging systems, the AD9271 imaging chip integrates a complete eight-channel ultrasound receiver on a single chip. This level of integration allows medical designers to reduce signal path size by 50% and lower power requirements by 25%. Described as an analog front end, the chip replaces discrete multi-chip configurations and their associated requirements for interconnects and package space. It integrates a low-noise amplifier, variable-gain amplifier, an anti-aliasing filter, and a 12-bit a/d converter, and delivers 10 to 50 Msamples/s while consuming 115 mW to 175 mW per channel, respectively. Each channel specifies a variable gain range of 30 dB and the a/d converter provides a SNR of 70 dB. Sampling now with production set for May, price for the AD9271 in a lead-free, 14 mm x 14 mm 100-lead TQFP ranges from $40 to $72 each/1,000. ANALOG DEVICES INC., Norwood, MA. (800) 262-5643.
