Synopsis

Improvements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require increased performance of the gradient amplifier. The objective of the presentation is to provide a description of the gradient amplifier functionality as part of the gradient system and to explain the design of the amplifier to meet the MRI requirements. PSDs reproduction fidelity and power needed for gradient fields requires switched amplifiers. The fidelity is achieved using digital control with high control bandwidth, feedforward and adequate compensations. New SiC semiconductors reduce losses keeping high performance and reducing volume and cost. The presentation provides detailed description of high-performance amplifier implementation and test results.