A design analysis of the power amplifiers developed for ultrasound applications was conducted because ultrasound applications require different types of power amplifiers, which are one of the most critical electronic components in ultrasound systems. To generate acoustic signals using transducers, which are among the most important mechanical devices in ultrasound systems, an appropriate output voltage, current, or power signal must be produced by a power amplifier. Therefore, an appropriate design analysis of the power amplifier must be conducted to obtain the optimal performance from a transducer. In addition, because of new ultrasound research trends, such as ultrasound systems with other imaging modalities and wireless ultrasound systems, the selection of an appropriate power amplifier could improve the performance of an ultrasound system with other imaging and therapy modalities. This paper describes the design parameters of a power amplifier, including the gain, bandwidth, harmonic distortion, and efficiency. Each power amplifier has specific applications and limitations. Therefore, this review will assist design engineers and ultrasound researchers who need to develop or use power amplifiers in ultrasound applications.
Keywords: power amplifier; ultrasound system; ultrasound transducer.