Multi-channel Driving Systems for Therapeutic Applications Based-on Focused Ultrasound

The present study shows the feasibility of using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) for the generation of independent signals intended to drive therapeutic devices based on focused ultrasound. These devices require hundreds of independent signals where it is required to control amplitude, phase and frequency of sinusoidal signals. Since Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used often for the guidance of the therapy, the driving electronics has to be compatible with the MRI environment. The design of the system and results from first tests are shown. Results indicated that up-to 80 independent signals can be generated using a Cyclone II unit (Altera, San Jose, California, US) and this number can be increased with a different family of FPGA or using a matrix of FPGAs.