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Semiconductor ICs Spearhead a Medical-Imaging RevolutionPublication: Electronic Design Magazine March 12, 2012 -- There's a revolution in medical imaging. The technology is moving into areas that were unheard of not long ago, driven by rapid advances in DSPs, FPGAs, analog front-ends (AFEs), and a host of other analog and mixed-signal semiconductor ICs. Also assisting are developments in image-processing software and algorithms that are enabling complex 3D- and 4D-imaging formats. Scanning techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, positron-emission tomography (PET), and radiology are changing the way medicine is being practiced. Imaging systems, which can cost a million dollars or more and take up a lot of space, are evolving into less expensive products that can fit onto a cart that can be used in a doctor's office, at a patient's bedside, or in a local clinic. Portable hand-held and laptop-computer-based imaging systems also are beginning to appear on the market. They can be tailored to fit a patient's size, weight, age, and other unique characteristics as well. A booming worldwide aging population and the need for cost-effective gear are pushing the development of smaller, more accurate, and faster-acting imaging diagnostic equipment. Semiconductor IC technology, with its relentless drive to be smaller, faster, and cheaper, is answering the call.
By Roger Allan. (Allen is a Senior Editor on Electronic Design Magazine.) | |
Reprinted from SOCcentral.com, your first stop for ASIC, FPGA, EDA, and IP news and design information. | |