Abstract
In this paper, we present the performances of a Doppler system using single channel RF(Radio Frequency) sampling. This technique consists of undersampling the ultrasonic blood backscattered RF signal on a single channel. Conventional undersampling method in Doppler imaging system have to use a minimum of two identical parallel demodulation channels to reconstruct the multigate analytic Doppler signal. However, this system suffers from hardware complexity and problem of unbalance(gain and phase) between the channels. In order to reduce these problems, we have realized a multigate pulsed Doppler system using undersampling on a single channel, It requires sampling frequency at $4f_o$(where $f_o$ is the center frequency of the transducer) and 12bits A/D converter. The proposed " single-Channel RF Sampling" method aims to decrease the required sampling frequency proportionally to $4f_o$/(2k+1). To show the influence of the factor k on the measurements, we have compared the velocity profiles obtained in vitro and in vivo for different intersequence delays time (k=0 to 10). We have used a 4MHz center frequency transducer and a Phantom Doppler system with a laminar stationary flow. The axial and volumetric velocity profiles in the vessel have been computed according to factor k and have been compared. The influence of the angle between the ultrasonic beam and the flow axis direction, and the fluid viscosity on the velocity profiles obtained for different values of k factor is presented. For experiment in vivo on the carotid, we have used a data acquisition system with a sampling frequency of 20MHz and a dynamic range of 12bits. We have compared the axial velocity profiles in systole and diastole phase obtained for single channel RF sampling factor.ng factor.