Ultrasound Analog Front End Receiver Module:  SMM9132/33

Overview

The SMM9132 and SMM9133 are a complete 32 channel receiver module for an ultrasound analog front end subsystem.  The SMM9132/33 leverage the proven high performance and low power of the SAM1600 family of compressing ADCs.  By capturing all of the analog complexity on the modules, the SMM9132/33 simplify design of ultrasound front ends and accelerate time to market for ultrasound OEMs.

The design provides the industry’s lowest power consumption of 100 mW per receive channel while delivering up to 6 dB higher dynamic range than competing AFE solutions.

The new modules are highly integrated ultrasound receivers implementing the entire signal chain for 32 channels in the industry`s highest density form factor. The modules can be mounted in two configurations: 46mm x 67.6mm in flat-mounting, and <10mm x 67.6mm in vertical-mounting configurations using a PC-industry standard 204-pin SO-DIMM connector. The modules are available in two SKUs: the SMM9132 includes a non-CWD (Continuous Wave Doppler) receive chain including the Transmit/Receive Switch (T/R SW), Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA), Anti-Alias Filter (AAF), and the Analog to Digital Convertor (ADC); the SMM9133 also includes the CWD analog beamforming data path with built in mixers, LO distribution, and summed I/Q current outputs. The availability of the two SKUs of the module allows OEMs to build-to-order for CWD and non-CWD systems, easing management of finished goods inventory.

Specifications

• Support for 32 individual analog input channels, enabling typical entry level cart or handcarried ultrasound machines to be built with just one or two modules
• Low power:  100 mW/channel in TGC mode
• No loss of analog performance compared to standalone chipset:  68 dB of signal-to-noise ratio
• Small form factor:  32 channels in 46mm x 67.6mm flat-mount configuration
• High channel density: vertical mounting options enable 256 channels in 80mm x 67.6mm of board space
• High reliability, industry standard SO-DIMM 204 pin connectors: the same connectors already proven in memory subsystems inside ultrasound machines.
• Simple software interface:  Module configured and managed through single SPI connection
• Build-to-order inventory management:  OEM can populate main board with CW or non-CW options to customer order

Block Diagram

Documentation

Product Documentation

• SMM9132/33 Product Brief

Product Video

This short video demonstrates one of the mechanical reliability test that Samplify has conducted on the SMM913x module.  In this test a module was strapped to a shaker table. LEDs with power and ground rails going across the standard SO-DIMM connector to the module were turned on to demonstrate connectivity reliability of the module in the connector. The actual tests conducted included 24 hour shaking at 50G with the module mounted in all axes.  These 204-circuit connectors are used in every new laptop for the DDR3 memory modules.  For more mechanical reliability information please contact Samplify.

Ordering Information