Design of a high power PIN-diode controlled switchable RF transmit array for TRASE RF imaging

Some MRI applications require the generation of a series high power RF pulses in which the spatial transmit B1 field pattern over the sample is modified between one pulse and the next. This requirement may be realized by a RF transmit array with the capability to enable and disable individual elements to switch between field patterns with switching times of the order 10 μs. Our application is for a TRASE (“Transmit Array Spatial Encoding”) array for which short high power pulses are necessary to achieve high resolution (mm-level) spatial encoding. We present designs for coil array, coil switching circuits, and a high power PIN diode driver together capable of robust and rapid switching of short (~120 μs) high power pulses for a 24 cm TRASE phase gradient coil suitable for imaging extremities at 8 MHz. We describe in detail the selection of suitable coil components and switch circuit designs to satisfy a specific requirement for maximum B1 field strength, and provide all circuit designs.