Magnetic resonance imaging system with a Class-E radio frequency amplifier
US7382128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/34046
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Class-E amplifier has been adapted for use in the radio frequency section of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. A drive signal is produced by modulating the envelope of a radio frequency carrier signal and then is applied to a switch in the Class-E amplifier. The switch is connected in series with a choke between a supply voltage terminal and circuit ground with an output node formed between the choke and the switch. The output node is coupled to circuit ground by a shunt capacitor. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of such amplifiers, that are π radians out of phase, are connected to each rung of a transverse electromagnetic transmit array type radio frequency coil of the MRI system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.