Integrated driver for transformer driven transducers for ultrasound applications

The Texas Instruments TUSS4440 is a highly integrated transformer drive analog front end for industrial ultrasonic applications. The transducer drive stage comprises of low-side complementary drivers that are able to be configured to drive an ultrasonic transducer through a step-up transformer. The device produces constant current to the primary side of the transformer.

The receive signal path incorporates a low-noise linear amplifier, a bandpass filter, followed by a logarithmic gain amplifier for input dependent amplification. The logarithmic amplifier provides for high sensitivity for weak echo signals and gives excellent input dynamic range over complete range of reflected echoes.

The drivers can be controlled directly through the microcontroller for complete customisation of the burst signal or can be programmed through SPI with a customisable burst length. The device can support a single transducer to send and receive burst signals or can set up two transducers to split the send and receive functions.