Circuits and systems for biosensing with microultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a well-established, noninvasive imaging modality used in many clinical procedures. New developments in high-resolution microultrasound are well suited to biosensing, including applications such as material characterisation, biometrics and chemical sensing. Electronic system design for ultrasound and microultrasound is most commonly associated with the use of piezoelectric transducers to generate and sense the ultrasonic pressure waves. This chapter covers the basics of ultrasound physics and piezoelectric transducers as well as their context within the larger field of biosensing. An example of an ultrasound imaging system is presented, and the availability and suitability of commercial solutions are discussed in comparison to individual approaches seen in the research domain. Finally, possible variations in ultrasound device characteristics are discussed, and the impact of these and overall system concerns on ASIC development is considered