JPH09230043A - Ultrasonic equipment and parts for ultrasonic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify constitution even when the number of receiving elements is numerous. SOLUTION: Wave receivers Q1 -Qn output received signals a1 -an , a sampling circuit SPL samples the received signals a1 -an so as to output sampling signals Sn , a time axis correcting part TC delays the respective sampling signals Sn so as to output distribution time series signals fs distributed in time series, an addition part SUM adds the distribution time series signals fs to each other tournament-likely at every time so as to output an addition time series signal g, and a convolution circuit CNV performs convolution integration processing of the addition time seriers signal g and a convolution reference signal w so as to output a phasing signal h.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic device and an ultrasonic device component for measuring or diagnosing an underwater object or a biological lesion by ultrasonic waves.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been proposed an ultrasonic imaging system in water or a living body. In such a device, the spatial resolution is realized by performing delay processing of the analog signal on each of the received signals by a large number of elements and adding them together (called a phasing processing).
This part is the reception phasing part, and the basic performance in this part is determined by the setting accuracy of the delay time (Journal of the Acoustical Society of Japan, Vol. 44, No. 9, pp. 653-657, 198).
(September 1988), the delay processing configuration of the signal becomes the most important issue.
Therefore, we proposed a frequency shift phasing method that alleviates the accuracy requirement for the delay time and simplifies the delay processing of analog signals. On the other hand, recently, the construction method of the phasing unit is A
A sampling phasing method for sampling a signal by a / D converter or the like is an important technique. In this case, it is desired to reduce the operation speed of the sampling circuit and increase the accuracy of delay time quantization. As this method, a configuration in which a signal is interpolated is known (Journal of Acoustical Society of Japan, Vol. 44, No. 7, p.
p. 496-502, July 1988).

[0003]

However, in the structure for interpolating a signal, an interpolator is required for all the receiving elements,
Moreover, since this interpolator requires a multiplier, it is difficult to realize a high-performance device that requires many, for example, thousands of receiving elements.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic device having a simple structure even if the number of receiving elements is large, and an ultrasonic device component.

[0005]

To achieve this object, in the present invention, in an ultrasonic device having a plurality of receiving elements and receiving an ultrasonic signal, each received signal is sampled to obtain a sampled signal. Sampling means, distributing means for distributing each of the sampling signals to a plurality of groups of distributed time series signals in time series, and added time series signals by adding the distributed time series signals to each group in a tournament manner. And adding means for limiting the frequency band of the addition time series signal.

In this case, the distribution time interval of the distribution means is the time interval obtained by dividing the sampling time interval of the sampling means by the number of the groups.

The addition processing of the addition means is pipeline processing.

Further, a plurality of distribution / addition partial configurations for converting two or four signals into four groups of partial time series signals are provided, and the partial time series signals are added to obtain the addition time series signal.

In this case, the distribution / addition partial configuration is 1
An adder and a comparator which convert two signals into four groups of partial time series signals are used.

Further, a convolution means with another convolutional reference signal is used as the band limiting means.

In this case, the convolution time interval of the convolution means is set to be later than the sampling time interval of the sampling means.

Further, the convolutional reference signal is a signal having a waveform in which the amplitude of the peripheral portion is smaller than the amplitude of the central portion.

Further, the time-series distribution signal to which the reception signal from the specific reception element is to be distributed is changed with time.

The number of the received signals added by the adding means is changed with time.

Further, a plurality of division / addition partial configurations are provided, and in the component for the ultrasonic device for adding the partial time series signals, two or four signals are converted into four groups of partial time series signals. .

In this case, one adder and a comparator are provided to convert two signals into four groups of partial time series signals.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In an ultrasonic device according to the present invention, a plurality of time series signals are formed. That is, the signal received by each receiving element is converted into a time-series signal corresponding to a desired correct signal delay time. The time series signals from each of the converted receiving elements are added to the signals of the same series,
Finally, band limiting processing is performed on the entire time-series signal.

The principle by which accurate delay processing of a signal can be performed by such processing will be described below. A signal is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer. If the sampling waveform obtained by sampling this signal is s (t) and its sampling function is w (t), the reception reflection waveform a of the specific element by transmission from the well-known sampling theorem
(t) is represented by the following equation.

[0019]

[Equation 1]

Here, * indicates a convolution operation. From this relationship, the reception reflection waveform a (t−τ) obtained by delaying the reception reflection waveform a (t) by the time τ can be simply described by considering a signal of s ′ (t) = s (t−τ). It is expressed by the following equation.

[0021]

[Equation 2]

In this relationship, the sampled waveform is moved by the desired time τ to form the waveform s (t-τ), and the waveform s
It is shown that the convolution of (t−τ) with the sampling function w (t) forms the reception reflection waveform a (t−τ) that is correctly delayed. Here, since the convolution is a linear operation, after adding the received signals from all the elements,
This convolution operation can be performed. With this configuration, the convolution operation, which is an operation including multiplication, can be performed only once.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic device according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the ultrasonic device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another part of the ultrasonic device shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the wave receivers Q _{1 to} Q _n, which are receiving elements, receive the reflected signals of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitting unit (not shown), and receive signals a ₁ (t) to a ₁ Output _n (t). Also,
A sampling circuit SPL, which is a sampling means, is applied to the wave receivers Q _{1 to} Q _n.
(Control signal from control unit CNT: C ₁ ) is connected, the sampling circuit SPL is composed of an analog-digital converter, and sampling is performed at sampling time intervals T ₀ as shown in FIG. Signal s _n (iT ₀ ) (i = 1, 2, 3, ...)
Is output. This sampling signal s _n has a time delay corresponding to the position where the reflector exists, and appears from the time indicated by the one-dot chain line P _{0 in} FIG. Further, a time axis correction unit TC (control signal: C ₂ ) which is a distribution means is connected to the sampling circuit SPL, and the time axis correction unit TC is composed of delay circuits D0 and D1, and the delay circuit D0 performs sampling. The time axis of the signal s _n is moved and delayed by the time iT _0, and the signal d _n is output. Here, d _n (jT ₀ ) = s _n (iT ₀ + pT ₀ ) = s _n (j
T ₀ ). In addition, the delay circuit D1 delays the signal d _n by pT ₁ so that the distributed time series signal f _n = d _n (jT ₀
+ QT ₁ ) = s _n (jT ₀ + qT ₁ ) = s _n (iT ₀ + pT ₀ + q
T ₁ ). Here, T ₁ is a distribution time interval shorter than the sampling time interval T ₀ , and T ₀ = uT ₁ . In this way, the sampling signal s _n is converted to pT ₀ + q by the time axis correction unit TC.
Delay by T ₁ (0 ≦ q ≦ u−1). From the above,
All the incident times P ₀ of the target wavefront are matched with the accuracy of the distribution time interval T ₁ . That is, the sampled signal s _n is distributed in time series to a plurality of groups of distributed time series signals f _n . in this case,
The delay time is controlled by the control signal C ₂ . Also,
i, j, p, q, and u are all integers. FIG. 5A shows the distributed time series signal f _n output from the time axis correction unit TC.
Shown in Here, the value of the distributed time series signal f _n at the time when the sampling signal s _n does not exist is 0. Also, u =
4 (T ₀ = 4T ₁ ). In addition, the addition unit SUM (control signal: C
₃ ) is connected, and the adder unit SUM has a parallel adder A and a register R by ripple carry for outputting the sum of two input values to the third terminal, and the adder unit SUM has a distribution time interval T ₁ . Controlled by the control signal C ₃ which is a clock, the adder unit SUM adds the distributed time series signals f _n in a tournament basis for each group, that is, adds the distributed time series signals f _n in a tournament basis at each time, The added value of the distributed time series signal f _n at the time is stored in the register R, and the added time series signal g shown in FIG. 5B is output. Further, a band limiting means and a convolution circuit CNV, which is a convolution means, are connected to the addition unit SUM, and the convolution circuit CNV includes an addition time series signal g and a convolution reference signal w including a sampling function shown in FIG. A phased signal h is output by performing convolutional integration processing and limiting the frequency band. That is, the convolution circuit CNV has a waveform storage unit MR, a shift register SHR (transfer clock: C _4a ) and a convolution adder SS (addition clock: C _4b ), and the convolution reference signal w stored in the waveform storage unit MR. And shift register S
The multiplied time-series signals g sequentially transferred by the HR are each multiplied, and the multiplication results are all added by the convolution adder SS to obtain the phased signal h as a time series.
In the case shown in FIG. 5, since the received signal is from the target direction, the phased signal h which is the output of the convolutional circuit CNV.
Can be obtained as large as the phasing signal h ₀ shown in FIG. As another example of the convolutional reference signal w, a waveform in which the center frequency matches the ultrasonic frequency is shown in FIG. 6B, but any waveform can be used as long as it is a waveform that suppresses unnecessary signal components due to sampling. . The addition clock is the sampling signal s
_Since it is basically sufficient if it is within the Nyquist interval for _n , the addition clock C _{4b is set} to the transfer clock C _4a.
It is possible to have a slower configuration than the above, and a configuration in which the addition clock C _{4b is set} to the sampling time interval T ₀ is particularly advantageous. Further, when the convolution time interval of the convolution circuit CNV is set to be slower than the sampling time interval T ₀ of the sampling circuit SPL, an inexpensive convolution circuit CNV can be used.

The above is the description of the operation of the signal from the target direction, but in the case of the signal from the direction other than the target direction, FIG.
As shown in (a), since P ₀ does not become the same time after the time axis correction, there is a phase difference in each distributed time series signal f _n , and the addition time series signal g shown in FIG. 7B is also canceled. It becomes a small irregular signal. Therefore, the convolution result also has a small output like the phased signal h ₁ shown in FIG.
In this way, only signals from the target direction can be selectively extracted.

Generally, the unnecessary response suppression degree of the ultrasonic beam directivity synthesized in this way is determined by the accuracy of time alignment. Although it is difficult to increase the speed of the sampling circuit SPL, the sampling time interval T ₀ is set according to the configuration described here.
As it is, only the time alignment accuracy of the signals can be improved to the distribution time interval T ₁ , and high-performance directivity can be easily realized.

As described above, in the ultrasonic device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the received signals a by the respective wave receivers Q are separately added for each minute delay time, and the convolution processing is finally performed. , The required number of multipliers is greatly reduced to, for example, one thousandth, and the device configuration can be greatly simplified.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the distribution means is composed of a delay circuit D0 and a multiplexer M, and the distribution means calculates the delay time required for the sampling signal S _n by pT ₀ + qT ₁
And That is, first, the delay pT _{0 in} units of the sampling time interval T ₀ is set as the signal d _n by the delay circuit D ₀ .
The signal d _n is distributed and output by the multiplexer M _{n as} the q-th distributed time series signal f _n which is one of the u kinds of time series TSQ. That is, the sampled signal S _n is distributed in time series to the plurality of groups of distributed time series signals f _n . This figure shows an example in which four signals (N = 4) are distributed in time series (u = 4) to the four groups of distributed time series signals f _n and added. The distribution time-series signal f _n distributed in the q-th time series is distributed to the distribution time-series signal f.
_{Let nq} . The adder unit SUM includes an adder A and a shift register S, and the adder A causes the distributed time series signal f to be distributed.
all added to _nq, and adds time-series signal g _q. That is, the distributed time-series signals f _n are added to each other in a tournament manner to form the added time-series signals g _q . This addition time-series signal g _q is the addition result of all the signals having a small delay time qT ₁ , and is the addition time-series signal g _q (jT ₀ ) given as a time series corresponding to each value of j. is there. The added time series signal g _q is stored in the shift register S _q corresponding to j. Further, the convolution circuit CNV performs convolution processing of the addition time series signal g _q and the convolution reference signal w. That is, the band limiting unit BL including the shift register S _q and the convolution circuit CNV performs band limiting. In FIG. 8, such a signal g _q (jT ₀ ) corresponding to j is used as an addition time series signal g _qj . With such a configuration for distributing to the distributed time-series signal f _nq , the processing speed required after the distribution and addition unit DS including the multiplexer M and the adder A is significantly reduced, and the high-performance directivity due to the real-time processing is achieved. Synthesis is possible.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of FIG. 9 in detail.
As shown in the figure, the distribution and addition section DS includes a plurality of distribution and addition partial configurations X and an adder A which are parts for an ultrasonic device according to the present invention.
And the distribution / addition partial configuration X is composed of a multiplexer M and an adder A, and is composed of two signals d _A and d _B.
Are converted into four groups of partial time series signals g ′ _q (u = 4). That is, the multiplexer M inputs the signals d _A and d _B to the adder A _q designated by the time-series distribution signals q _A and q _B , and the addition result of the adder A _q is the output of the distribution / addition partial configuration X. It becomes a partial time series signal g ′ _q . In the overall configuration shown in FIG. 9, four distribution addition partial configurations X (X ₁ ,
, X ₄ ) are used to obtain four addition time series signals g _q for 8 signals. In addition, m is the number of bits of the A / D converter output, and m + (1/2) lo
It is most rational to increase in the relation of g2 (N). As described above, by using a plurality of distribution / addition partial configurations X for converting the two signals d _A and d _B into the four groups of partial time-series signals g ′ _q , the manufacturing cost of the ultrasonic device is reduced.

FIG. 11 shows the distribution / addition partial configuration X shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the other structure. As shown in the figure, the distribution addition partial configuration X includes a comparator CP, an AND circuit AN, an adder A,
Comprising a multiplexer M, the comparator CP detects the coincidence of the time-series distribution signals q _A and q _B , and when the coincidence is detected, the adder A adds the signals d _A and d _B. The circuit that controls them is the AND circuit AN. The multiplexer M outputs the outputs of the adder A and the AND circuit AN as the partial time series signal g ′ _q to the terminals designated by the time series distribution signals q _A and q _B. According to this configuration, the number of adders A required for the distribution / addition partial configuration X is one, so that the manufacturing cost of the ultrasonic device is further reduced.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a part of another ultrasonic device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, a distribution and addition partial configuration XX which is a component for an ultrasonic device according to the present invention is composed of a distribution and addition partial configuration X and an adder A, and four signals d _A ,
d _B, d _C, into a time series signal of the four groups _{d D g 'q (u =} 4). That is, by adding the output at a partial adder time-series signal g _"q dispensing additional portion structure X, 4 pieces of signal _{d A, d B, d C} , partial time series signal 4 group relative to d _D g ' _q is obtained, and the distribution addition partial configuration X in FIG.
By replacing this with the distributed addition sub-configuration XX,
With the configuration shown in FIG. 9 as it is, it is possible to perform the distribution and addition processing for converting eight signals into the four groups of addition time series signals g _q .

FIG. 13 is a view showing a part of another ultrasonic device according to the present invention. In this figure, for the sake of simplicity, the partial time series signals of the four groups, which are the outputs of the distribution and addition partial configuration X, are collectively shown as one signal, and a plurality of beams B ₁ , B _{2 are shown.}
To form

In the following figures, for the sake of simplicity, the four groups of partial time-series signals that are the outputs of the distributed addition partial configuration X or the distributed addition partial configuration XX are collectively displayed as a single signal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic device according to the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a part of FIG. 14, that is, a basic structure X.
It is a figure which shows the detail of D. Since the configuration of FIG. 13 is simply a parallel configuration, the device is doubled and uneconomical. Therefore, the delay circuit D0 is shared as shown in FIG. In this configuration, the signal to be used varies depending on the beam direction. Therefore, the delay circuit D2 is provided as a countermeasure. Here, the signals d' _A and d' _B are selection signals of the signal delay time. Further, the delay circuit D2 delays in units of the sampling time interval T ₀ .

In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the delay circuit D0 is shared, but all other circuits are independently held. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of signals distributed and added by the distribution and addition partial configuration X are further added,
The addition result is shared for forming a plurality of beams. Here, the delay circuit D3 delays in units of the distribution time interval T ₁ .
The beam shape of this configuration is shown in FIG. FIG.
As is apparent from (a), unnecessary beams b ₁ , b ₂ , b ₃ , ... Occur in addition to the target beam b ₀ . Therefore,
As shown in FIG. 17, a configuration is adopted in which the elements used overlap each other. In FIG. 17, 1 to 4, 3 to 6, and 1/2 overlap. The beam shape of this configuration is shown in FIG.
Shown in As described above, unnecessary beams b ₁ , b ₂ , ... Are generated in addition to the target beam b ₀ , but they are reduced to 1/2. Therefore, FIG. 18 shows a configuration example having an overlap of 3/4. Here, the distribution addition unit is realized by the distribution addition partial configuration XX. The beam shape according to this configuration is shown in FIG. Thus, the desired beam b ₀
Besides, the unnecessary beam b ₁ is generated, but it is further reduced to 1/2 and is sufficiently suppressed. This configuration is realized by repeating the basic configuration SSU of superimposed addition.

In the above structure, in order to compensate the carry delay in the adder A, it is naturally possible to arrange a register for each suitable number of addition stages and perform pipeline processing. Further, when an integrated circuit is created by using the distribution and addition partial configurations X, XX, the basic configurations SSU, XD, etc. as a unit, it is effective in the configuration of the ultrasonic device, and the ultrasonic device can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, in the so-called variable aperture method in which the reception aperture is changed with time from the transmission time of ultrasonic waves,
Due to changes in the reception aperture, the number of signals used changes over time. Therefore, the variable aperture method is realized by changing the number of received signals to be added with time.

Further, high resolution can be achieved by a so-called moving focus method in which the focal length is changed with time from the transmission time of ultrasonic waves. In the moving focus method, the delay time (pT ₀ + qT ₁ ) required for phasing changes with time due to the change in the focal length. The change in the delay time due to the moving focus method is realized by arranging the time-series distributed signal q to which the received signal from the specific receiving element should be distributed, to change with time.

In the moving focus method, the time-series distributed signal q to be distributed in this way changes with time, but signal discontinuity occurs at this changing position,
Unwanted signal is generated. In such a case, it is possible to suppress unnecessary signals generated by the moving focus method by making the convolutional reference signal have a waveform in which the amplitude of the peripheral portion is smaller than the amplitude of the central portion.

Further, since there is a margin in the operating speed of the ultrasonic device according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 20, the phased signals h _{a to} h c corresponding to different beam directions a to _c are time-divisionally processed. It is also possible to realize a configuration of divided output.

Although the above description has been made mainly on the assumption of measurement in water, the use of the present invention is not limited to the field concerned, and a medical device having a relatively small number of elements (hundreds) is used. Also in the diagnostic device, it is naturally effective for the miniaturization of the device.

[0041]

As described above, in the ultrasonic device according to the present invention, the required number of multipliers is significantly reduced, so that the device configuration can be greatly simplified.

When the addition processing of the addition means is pipeline processing, the carry delay in the addition means can be compensated.

Further, when a plurality of distribution / addition partial configurations for converting two or four signals into four groups of partial time-series signals are provided and the addition time-series signals are obtained by adding the partial time-series signals, the manufacturing cost is increased. Can be cheaper.

Further, when one having one adder and a comparator and converting two signals into four groups of partial time series signals is used as the distribution and addition partial configuration, the manufacturing cost is further reduced. can do.

When the convolution time interval of the convolution means is set to be slower than the sampling time interval of the sampling means,
Inexpensive convolution means can be used.

Further, when the convolutional reference signal is a signal having a waveform in which the amplitude of the peripheral portion is smaller than the amplitude of the central portion, an unnecessary signal generated by the moving focus method can be suppressed.

Further, when the time-series distribution signal to which the reception signal from a specific receiving element is to be distributed is changed with time, the moving focus method can be realized.

The variable aperture method can be realized when the number of received signals to be added by the adding means is changed with time.

In the ultrasonic device component according to the present invention, the ultrasonic device can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, one adder and a comparator are provided and 2
When the book signal is converted into four groups of partial time series signals,
The ultrasonic device can be manufactured more inexpensively.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the ultrasonic device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another part of the ultrasonic device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic device shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic apparatus shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic device shown in FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another ultrasonic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of a part of FIG. 9;

11 is a diagram showing another configuration of the distribution and addition partial configuration X shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing details of part of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a graph for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic device shown in FIGS.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a part of another ultrasonic apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Q ... Wave receiver SPL ... Sampling circuit TC ... Time axis correction unit SUM ... Addition unit CNV ... Convolution circuit A ... Adder X ... Distribution addition partial configuration XX ... Distribution addition partial configuration CP ... Comparator AN ... AND circuit

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic device having a plurality of receiving elements for receiving an ultrasonic signal, comprising: a sampling means for sampling each received signal into a sampled signal; and a plurality of the sampled signals in time series. Distribution means for distributing to the distribution time-series signal of the group, addition means for adding the distribution time-series signal in a tournament manner for each group to form an addition time-series signal, and a band for limiting the frequency band of the addition time-series signal An ultrasonic device, comprising: a limiting means. 2. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein the distribution time interval of the distribution means is a time interval obtained by dividing the sampling time interval of the sampling means by the number of the groups. 3. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein the adding process of the adding means is a pipeline process. 4. An addition time series signal is obtained by providing a plurality of distribution / addition partial configurations for converting two or four signals into four groups of partial time series signals and adding the partial time series signals. The ultrasonic device according to item 1, which is characterized. 5. A fourth arrangement characterized in that, as the distribution / addition partial configuration, one having one adder and a comparator and converting two signals into four groups of partial time series signals is used. The ultrasonic device according to the item. 6. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein the band limiting means is a convolution means with another convolution reference signal. 7. The ultrasonic device according to claim 6, wherein the convolution time interval of the convolution means is set to be slower than the sampling time interval of the sampling means. 8. The ultrasonic device according to claim 6, wherein the convolutional reference signal is a signal having a waveform in which the amplitude of the peripheral portion is smaller than the amplitude of the central portion. 9. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein a time-series distribution signal to which the reception signal from the specific reception element is to be distributed is changed with time. 10. The ultrasonic device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the received signals added by the adding means is changed with time. 11. The ultrasonic device component according to claim 4, wherein two or four signals are converted into four groups of partial time-series signals. 12. The component for an ultrasonic device according to claim 11, which has one adder and a comparator and converts two signals into four groups of partial time series signals.