Understanding Ultrasound Physics

The six electrical components of the system are connected together so that information can be transferred to and from each individual part.

A Master synchronizer coordinates all of the components of an ultrasound system. Some sonographers do not consider the synchronizer to be a separate component. Whether or not specifically identified, all of the modules of the system must function in a coordinated manner.

A transducer converts electrical energy into acoustic energy during transmission,and turns returning energy into electrical energy during reception.

A pulser (transmitter) controls the electrical signals sent to the transducer for sound wave generation. The pulser determines the following: PRF, pulse amplitude, pulse repletion period, the firing pattern for phased array systems, and frequency for CW systems.

A receiver and image processor receives the electrical signal produced by the PZT from the returning echoes and creates an image for presentation on an appropriate display.

A display is associated with the visual presentation of the processed data. The display may be a CRT (television), a transparency, a spectral plot, or a number of other formats or devices.

Storage devices or "media" are used to permanently archive the US studies. Storage material consists of video tape, paper, film, transparent film, and computer discs.