Medical imaging chip

Features: Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has announced the launch of its new imaging chip AD9271, which bundles high image quality in portable ultrasound medical diagnostics equipment.

ADI said in a statement that the AD9271 integrates a complete eight-channel (octal) ultrasound receiver on a single chip. This level of integration allows medical equipment designers to reduce the size of the signal path for mobile ultrasound systems by 50 per cent and lower power requirements by 25 per cent, all while achieving noise levels and other performance metrics required in critical care settings.

Allowing greater channel count without increasing battery and power supply size, the AD9271 ADC with integrated front-end operates from 10 MSPS (mega samples per second) to 50 MSPS, using only 115-mW to 175-mW-per-channel respectively, the statement added.

“Medical imaging advancements and ADI’s signal processing technology have worked hand in hand for many years,” said John Hussey, vice president of High Speed Signal Processing, Analog Devices. “From multi-slice CT to digital X-ray, our engineers apply their system level understanding to the challenges facing medical electronics designers. This new product highlights our commitment to bring the same dedication to portable medical electronics applications.”

ADI said that the volume production of AD9271 is scheduled for May 2007.

Price: The new device is priced at $40/- to $72/- in 1,000-unit quantities depending on speed grade.