An Integrated 2D Ultrasound Phased Array Transmitter in CMOS With Pixel Pitch-Matched Beamforming

Technology and Integration Roadmap for Optoelectronic Memristor

Optoelectronic memristors (OMs) have emerged as a promising optoelectronic Neuromorphic computing paradigm, opening up new opportunities for neurosynaptic devices and optoelectronic systems. These OMs possess a range of desirable features including minimal crosstalk, high bandwidth, low power consumption, zero latency, and the ability to replicate crucial neurological functions such as vision and optical memory. By incorporating large-scale parallel synaptic structures, OMs are anticipated to greatly enhance high-performance and low-power in-memory computing, effectively overcoming the limitations of the von Neumann bottleneck. However, progress in this field necessitates a comprehensive understanding of suitable structures and techniques for integrating low-dimensional materials into optoelectronic integrated circuit platforms. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the fundamental performance, mechanisms, design of structures, applications, and integration roadmap of optoelectronic synaptic memristors. By establishing connections between materials, multilayer optoelectronic memristor units, and monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuits, this review seeks to provide insights into emerging technologies and future prospects that are expected to drive innovation and widespread adoption in the near future.

A Review of Ultrasound Neuromodulation Technologies

The invasiveness of neuromodulation technologies that require surgical implantation (e.g., electrical and optical stimulation) may limit their clinical application. Thus, alternative technologies that offer similar benefits without surgery are of paramount importance in the field of neuromodulation. Low-intensity ultrasound is an emerging modality for neural stimulation as ultrasound can be focused in deep tissues with millimeter resolution. Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) has already been demonstrated in a wide range of animals and even humans at different sonication frequencies (mostly in the sub-MHz range due to the presence of the skull). This article first provides some fundamental knowledge in ultrasound, and then reviews various examples of successful tFUS experiments in animals and humans using different stimulation patterns, as well as available tFUS technologies for generating, focusing, and steering ultrasound beams in neural tissues. In particular, phased array technologies for the ultrasound stimulation application are discussed with an emphasis on the design, fabrication, and integration of ultrasound transducer arrays as well as the design and development of phased array electronics with beamformer and high-voltage driver circuitry. The challenges in tFUS, such as its underlying mechanism, indirect auditory response, and skull aberration effects, are also discussed.

A Study on Ultrasonic Wireless Power Transfer With Phased Array for Biomedical Implants

This article presents the design, fabrication, and sensitivity analysis of an ultrasound (US) wireless power transfer (WPT) link using an external phased array. Optimal beam focusing and steering is needed for efficient, safe, and reliable US WPT to biomedical implants with millimeter (mm) dimensions. Therefore, the main contributions of this work include the investigation of the 1) performance of the US WPT link using different mm-sized US receivers, 2) effect of different types of errors in the delay profile of the beamforming system on the delivered power, and 3) implant's localization. In measurements, the fabricated 0.94 MHz, 32-element array (39.48 × 9.6 × 2 mm3) driven by 25 V pulses with beam focusing and steering capability up to 50 mm depth and ±60o angle could deliver power to different mm-sized US receivers within the FDA safety limit of 720 mW/cm2. Specifically, several US transducers with a 1 mm dimension (sphere, cubic, disc shape) and 2 mm dimension (disc shape) received 0.095 mW, 0.25 mW, 0.22 mW, and 0.53 mW, respectively, at a 30 mm depth (0o steering angle). Among these transducers, the sphere shape transducer featured less sensitivity to misalignments. A random error in the phased array delays had a more drastic effect on delivered power reduction. For implant's localization, the measurement results demonstrated comparable power delivery by measuring pulse delays of only 5 elements (out of 32 elements) using 4 different interpolation methods.

A 2D Ultrasound Phased-Array Transmitter ASIC for High-Frequency US Stimulation and Powering

Ultrasound (US) neuromodulation and ultrasonic power transfer to implanted devices demand novel ultrasound transmitters capable of steering focused ultrasound waves in 3D with high spatial resolution and US pressure, while having a miniaturized form factor. Meeting these requirements needs a 2D array of ultrasound transducers directly integrated with a high-frequency 2D phased-array ASIC. However, this imposes severe challenges on the design of the ASIC. In order to avoid the generation of grating lobes, the elements in the 2D phased-array should have a pitch of half of the ultrasound wavelength, which, as frequency increases, highly reduces the area available for the design of high-voltage beamforming channels. This article addresses these challenges by presenting the system-level optimization and implementation of a high-frequency 2D phased-array ASIC. The system-level study focuses on the optimization of the US transmitter toward high-frequency operation while minimizing power consumption. This study resulted in the implementation of two ASICs in TSMC 180 nm BCD technology: firstly, an individual beamforming channel was designed to demonstrate the tradeoffs between frequency, driving voltage, and beamforming capabilities. Finally, a 12-MHz pitch matched 12 × 12 phased-array ASIC working at 20-V amplitude and 3-bit phasing was designed and experimentally validated, to demonstrate high-frequency phased-array operation. The measurement results verify the phasing functionality of the ASIC with a maximum DNL of 0.35 LSB. The CMOS chip consumes 130 mW and 26.6 mW average power during the continuous pulsing and delivering 200-pulse bursts with a PRF of 1 kHz, respectively.

Non-monolithic fabrication of thin-film microelectrode arrays on PMUT transducers as a bimodal neuroscientific investigation tool. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023;2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082912 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Ultrasound (US)-based neuromodulation has recently emerged as a spatially selective yet non-invasive alternative to conventional electrically-based neural interfaces. However, the fundamental mechanisms of US neuromodulation are not yet clarified. Thus, there is a need for in-vitro bimodal investigation tools that allow us to compare the effect of US versus electrically-induced neural activity in the vicinity of the transducing element. To this end, we propose a MicroElectrode-MicroTransducer Array (MEMTA), where a dense array of electrodes is co-fabricated on top of a similarly dense array of US transducers.In this paper, we test the proof of concept for such co-fabrication using a non-monolithic approach, where, at its most challenging scenario, desired topologies require electrodes to be formed directly on top of fragile piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUTs) membranes. On top of the PMUTs, a thin-film microelectrode array was developed utilizing microfabrication processes, including metal sputtering, lithography, etching and soft encapsulation. The samples were analysed through focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and the results have shown that damage to the membranes does not occur during any of the process steps. This paper proves that the non-monolithic development of a miniaturised bimodal neuroscientific investigation tool can be achieved, thus, opening up a series of possibilities for further understanding and investigation of the nervous system.

Simultaneous multi-target ultrasound neuromodulation in freely-moving mice based on a single-element ultrasound transducer

Objective.Ultrasound neuromodulation has become an emerging method for the therapy of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. The phased array ultrasonic transducer enables multi-target ultrasound neuromodulation in small animals, but the relatively large size and mass and the thick cables of the array limit the free movement of small animals. Furthermore, spatial interference may occur during multi-target ultrasound brain stimulation with multiple micro transducers.Approach.In this study, we developed a miniature power ultrasound transducer and used the virtual source time inversion method and 3D printing technology to design, optimize, and manufacture the acoustic holographic lens to construct a multi-target ultrasound neuromodulation system for free-moving mice. The feasibility of the system was verified byin vitrotranscranial ultrasound field measurements,in vivodual-target blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening experiments, andin vivodual-target ultrasound neuromodulation experiments.Main results.The developed miniature transducer had a diameter of 4.0 mm, a center frequency of 1.1 MHz, and a weight of 1.25 g. The developed miniature acoustic holographic lens had a weight of 0.019 g to generate dual-focus transcranial ultrasound. The ultrasonic field measurements' results showed that the bifocal's horizontal distance was 3.0 mm, the -6 dB focal spot width in thex-direction was 2.5 and 2.25 mm, and 2.12 and 2.24 mm in they-direction. Finally, thein vivoexperimental results showed that the system could achieve dual-target BBB opening and ultrasound neuromodulation in freely-moving mice.Significance.The ultrasonic neuromodulation system based on a miniature single-element transducer and the miniature acoustic holographic lens could achieve dual-target neuromodulation in awake small animals, which is expected to be applied to the research of non-invasive dual-target ultrasonic treatment of brain diseases in awake small animals.

Stent with Piezoelectric Transducers for High Spatial Resolution Ultrasound Neuromodulation- a Finite Element Analysis

Deep brain stimulation is currently the only technique used in the clinical setting to modulate the neural activity of deep brain nuclei. Recently, low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (LIFU) has been shown to reversibly modulate brain activity through a transcranial pathway. Transcranial LIFU requires a low-frequency ultrasound of around 0.5 MHz due to skull attenuation, thus providing poor axial and lateral resolution. This paper proposes a new conceptual device that would use a stent to place a high-frequency ultrasound array within the brain vasculature to achieve high axial and lateral spatial resolution. The first part of this work identified the most commonly treated deep brain nuclei and examined the human brain vasculature for stent placement. Next, a finite element analysis was carried out using a piezoelectric array that follows the blood vessels curvature, and its ability to focus ultrasound waves in clinically relevant brain nuclei was evaluated. The analytical solution provided promising results for deep brain stimulation via a stent with ultrasound transducers for high spatial resolution neuromodulation.

Circuits on miniaturized ultrasound imaging system-on-a-chip: a review

Trends of medical system move from a traditional in-person visit to virtual healthcare increases demands on point-of-care devices. Because ultrasound (US) is non-invasive, the demands highlight US imaging among other imaging modalities. Thanks to the development of US transducer technology, miniaturized US with application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) have been researched. For example, applications that require small aperture sizes such as intravascular US (IVUS) and intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) require integration of system-on-a-chip (SoC) on the transducer. This paper reviews circuit techniques on the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) of the US imaging system. As TX circuits, pulser, T/RX switch, TX beamformer, and power management circuits are discussed. State-of-the-art transducer modeling, pre-amplifier, time-gain compensation, RX beamformer, quadrature sampler, and output driver are introduced as RX circuits.

Design and Optimization of Ultrasonic Links With Phased Arrays for Wireless Power Transmission to Biomedical Implants

Ultrasound (US) is an attractive modality for wireless power transfer (WPT) to biomedical implants with millimeter (mm) dimensions. To compensate for misalignments in WPT to a mm-sized implant (or powering a network of mm-sized implants), a US transducer array should electronically be driven in a beamforming fashion (known as US phased array) to steer focused US beams at different locations. This paper presents the theory and design methodology of US WPT links with phased arrays and mm-sized receivers (Rx). For given constraints imposed by the application and fabrication, such as load (R_L) and focal distance (F), the optimal geometries of a US phased array and Rx transducer, as well as the optimal operation frequency (f_c) are found through an iterative design procedure to maximize the power transfer efficiency (PTE). An optimal figure of merit (FoM) related to PTE is proposed to simplify the US array design. A design example of a US link is presented and optimized for WPT to a mm-sized Rx with a linear array. In measurements, the fabricated 16-element array (10.9×9×1.7 mm³) driven by 100 V pulses at f_c of 1.1 MHz with optimal delays for focusing at F = 20 mm generated a US beam with a pressure output of 0.8 MPa. The link could deliver up to 6 mW to a ∼ 1 mm³ Rx with a PTE of 0.14% (R_L = 850 Ω). The beam steering capability of the array at -45^o to 45^o angles was also characterized.

32 Element Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasound Transducer (PMUT) Phased Array for Neuromodulation

Interest in utilizing ultrasound (US) transducers for non-invasive neuromodulation treatment, including for low intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS), has grown rapidly. The most widely demonstrated US transducers for tFUS are either bulk piezoelectric transducers or capacitive micromachine transducers (CMUT) which require high voltage excitation to operate. In order to advance the development of the US transducers towards small, portable devices for safe tFUS at large scale, a low voltage array of US transducers with beam focusing and steering capability is of interest. This work presents the design methodology, fabrication, and characterization of 32-element phased array piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUT) using 1.5 μm thick Pb(Zr_0.52 Ti_0.48)O₃ films doped with 2 mol% Nb. The electrode/piezoelectric/electrode stack was deposited on a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer with a 2 μm silicon device layer that serves as the passive elastic layer for bending-mode vibration. The fabricated 32-element PMUT has a central frequency at 1.4 MHz. Ultrasound beam focusing and steering (through beamforming) was demonstrated where the array was driven with 14.6 V square unipolar pulses. The PMUT generated a maximum peak-to-peak focused acoustic pressure output of 0.44 MPa at a focal distance of 20 mm with a 9.2 mm and 1 mm axial and lateral resolution, respectively. The maximum pressure is equivalent to a spatial-peak pulse-average intensity of 1.29 W/cm², which is suitable for tFUS application.

Enhancing AlN PMUTs' Acoustic Responsivity within a MEMS-on-CMOS Process

In this paper, guidelines for the optimization of piezoelectrical micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs) monolithically integrated over a CMOS technology are developed. Higher acoustic pressure is produced by PMUTs with a thin layer of AlN piezoelectrical material and Si₃N₄ as a passive layer, as is studied here with finite element modeling (FEM) simulations and experimental characterization. Due to the thin layers used, parameters such as residual stress become relevant as they produce a buckled structure. It has been reported that the buckling of the membrane due to residual stress, in general, reduces the coupling factor and consequently degrades the efficiency of the acoustic pressure production. In this paper, we show that this buckling can be beneficial and that the fabricated PMUTs exhibit enhanced performance depending on the placement of the electrodes. This behavior was demonstrated experimentally and through FEM. The acoustic characterization of the fabricated PMUTs shows the enhancement of the PMUT performance as a transmitter (with 5 kPa V⁻¹ surface pressure for a single PMUT) and as a receiver (12.5 V MPa⁻¹) in comparison with previously reported devices using the same MEMS-on-CMOS technology as well as state-of-the-art devices.

Design and Optimization of Ultrasound Phased Arrays for Large-Scale Ultrasound Neuromodulation

Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS), as a noninvasive neuromodulation modality, has shown to be effective in animals and even humans with improved millimeter-scale spatial resolution compared to its noninvasive counterparts. But conventional tFUS systems are built with bulky single-element ultrasound (US) transducers that must be mechanically moved to change the stimulation target. To achieve large-scale ultrasound neuromodulation (USN) within a given tissue volume, a US transducer array should electronically be driven in a beamforming fashion (known as US phased array) to steer focused ultrasound beams towards different neural targets. This paper presents the theory and design methodology of US phased arrays for USN at a large scale. For a given tissue volume and sonication frequency (f), the optimal geometry of a US phased array is found with an iterative design procedure that maximizes a figure of merit (FoM) and minimizes side/grating lobes (avoiding off-target stimulation). The proposed FoM provides a balance between the power efficiency and spatial resolution of a US array in USN. A design example of a US phased array has been presented for USN in a rat's brain with an optimized linear US array. In measurements, the fabricated US phased array with 16 elements (16.7×7.7×2 mm³), driven by 150 V (peak-peak) pulses at f = 833.3 kHz, could generate a focused US beam with a lateral resolution of 1.6 mm and pressure output of 1.15 MPa at a focal distance of 12 mm. The capability of the US phased array in beam steering and focusing from -60^o to 60^o angles was also verified in measurements.

Integrated Circuits for Medical Ultrasound Applications: Imaging and Beyond

Medical ultrasound has become a crucial part of modern society and continues to play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Over the past decades, the development of medical ultrasound has seen extraordinary progress as a result of the tremendous research advances in microelectronics, transducer technology and signal processing algorithms. However, medical ultrasound still faces many challenges including power-efficient driving of transducers, low-noise recording of ultrasound echoes, effective beamforming in a non-linear, high-attenuation medium (human tissues) and reduced overall form factor. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the design of integrated circuits for medical ultrasound applications. The most important and ubiquitous modules in a medical ultrasound system are addressed, i) transducer driving circuit, ii) low-noise amplifier, iii) beamforming circuit and iv) analog-digital converter. Within each ultrasound module, some representative research highlights are described followed by a comparison of the state-of-the-art. This paper concludes with a discussion and recommendations for future research directions.