New Data Conversion Technology Makes for Better MRI Image Quality

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can provide very clear images of the human body and are commonly used to diagnose a wide range of illnesses and injuries, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancerous tumours and torn ligaments. Analog Devices Inc., provider of data conversion technology and longtime collaborator with the medical imaging industry, has announced a breakthrough in data conversion that gives clinicians and radiologists the image clarity they need to see smaller anatomical structures and abnormalities, such as breast cancer cells.

According to the company, the AD5791 high-accuracy 20-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) provides four times greater accuracy and four times more resolution than competing converters. 1-ppm analog system design typically entails the complex engineering challenges involved with combining multiple lower-resolution DACs with a significant number of discrete components and support ICs—along with considerable development risk and costly amounts of engineering time—to optimise circuit parameters, minimise errors and design complex auto-calibration circuitry. The AD5791, with its 1-ppm resolution and accuracy, low noise (sub 1 ppm), fast refresh rates (1 us), and extremely low output drift (sub 1 ppm), significantly simplifies the design task, lowers development cost and reduces risk, the company claims.

Tags: Analog Devices, MRI