Feasibility Study: Class E/F Amplifiers for driving therapeutic ultrasound transducers

The project involves the development of a power amplifier for driving therapeutic ultrasound transducers such as those used in treating cancer and inducing blood coagulation. In particular, the design will make use of a unconventional amplifier topology, class E/F, and advanced GaN FET technology in order to maximize amplifier efficiency. High efficiency amplifiers are important to reduce the number of fans and heat sinks needed in the ultrasound console, allowing the system to be cooler, lighter, lower cost and more portable. The intern will perform a complete feasibility study from specification definition through circuit simulation and design, layout assembly and testing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Geoff Maksym

Student:

Hugo Vihvelin

Partner:

Daxsonics Ultrasound Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Advanced manufacturing

University:

Dalhousie University