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ADVANCED SERVICE MATERIAL.
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L3-MR General Theory of
Operation
Version: 1.0

Imagination at work MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL

Objectives:
The student will be able to discuss:
• The different types of magnets
• General transmit and receive theory of the RF Signal
• General gradient theory, including slice selection
• Shimming
• Magnet cooling

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 3

When a patient goes into the magnet…
Magnet Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Gradient Coils
RF Body Coil

RF Body Coil
Gradient Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Magnet Coils

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 4

Types of Magnets
Superconductive/Cylindric
Permanent/Open Bore al Bore

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 5

Superconductive Magnets

Read more about Superconductivity here:

http://www.geglobalresearch.com/blog/what-is-superconductivity
MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 6
Radio Frequency (RF)

Imagination at work MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL

The RF Body Coil
Magnet Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Gradient Coils
RF Body Coil

RF Body Coil
Gradient Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Magnet Coils

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 8

RF Transmit Path (1 of 4)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
RRF

Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 9

RF Transmit Path (2 of 4)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 10

RF Transmit Path (3 of 4)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
RRF

Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 11

RF Transmit Path (4 of 4)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
RRF

Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 12

RF Receive Path (1 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
RRF

Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 13

RF Receive Path (2 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
RRF

Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 14

RF Receive Path (3 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 15

RF Receive Path (4 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 16

RF Receive Path (5 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 17

RF Receive Path (6 of 6)
CAM
Chassis
Magnet
Host
Gradient Coils Computer
Ethernet

RF Coil ICN

Receiver
Patient

Exciter

Power
Driver
Module

RF
Amp

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 18

Gradients

Imagination at work MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL

Gradients
Magnet Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Gradient Coils
RF Body Coil

RF Body Coil
Gradient Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Magnet Coils

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 20

Gradient Amplifiers and Power Supplies
MR750w 3T HDxt

Gradient Amplifiers

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Gradient Amplifiers and Power Supplies
MR750w 3T HDxt

Gradient Power
Supplies

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Gradient Amplifiers and Power Supplies
MR750w 3T HDxt

Power Distribution
Unit (PDU)

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How Gradients Work (1 of 4)
(-) Polarity

Z-Axis (+) Polarity

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 24

How Gradients Work (2 of 4)
Isocenter
(-) Polarity

Z-Axis (+) Polarity

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How Gradients Work (3 of 4)

+10 cm
10,000 G 10,010 G
42.5700 MHz 42.6126 MHz
+6 cm
10,006 G
42.5955 MHz

Isocenter
+2 cm
10,002 G
42.5785 MHz

(-) Polarity (+) Polarity

-2 cm
9,998 G
42.5614 MHz
-6 cm
9,994 G
42.5442 MHz

-10 cm
9,990 G
42.5274 MHz

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 26

How Gradients Work (4 of 4)

+10 cm
10,000 G 10,010 G
42.5700 MHz 42.6126 MHz
+6 cm
10,006 G
42.5955 MHz

Isocenter
+2 cm
10,002 G
42.5785 MHz

(-) Polarity (+) Polarity

-2 cm
9,998 G
42.5614 MHz
-6 cm
9,994 G
42.5442 MHz

-10 cm
9,990 G
42.5274 MHz

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 27

Gradients – Slice Thickness and Bandwidth

Sync RF Pulse in Time

(r) - 625Hz (I) (r) + 625Hz

msec.

Hz

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 28

Gradients - Bandwidths
63,865,387 Hz

63,864,762 Hz 63,866,012 Hz

(r) - 625Hz (I)

(r) + 625Hz

Hz

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 29

Slice Selection
To change slice 15mm 5mm

thickness, either the RF

bandwidth must change,
+625 Hz
or the magnetic gradient 1250 Hz RF
amplitude must change. Transmit
Bandwidth
The Signa system -625 Hz
typically changes G21
gradient amplitude.
G22 Isocenter
Different Gradients and different
Resonant RF Frequencies

• G21 = Higher Amplitude = Steeper Gradient = Thinner Slice

• G22 = Lower Amplitude = Shallower Gradient = Thicker Slice

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 30

Slice Selection
In actual practice, slice selection involves turning on the slice-select gradient and transmitting
the RF pulse, and at the same time. Slice selection gradient is always the axis along the
direction perpendicular to the slice plane, using the linear variation of resonant frequencies
along that direction.

Gz
Gradient

In the timing diagram with slice selection using the z-gradient (Gz) the ninety-degree pulse
occurs at the same time as the first Gz pulse, exciting the spins in the slice. A short time later,
the 180-degree RF and Gz pulses occur, refocusing the spins in the slice to create an echo.

Phase encoding occurs after slice selection/excitation. The Precessional phase relationship
along the phase axis varies.

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 31

Slice Selection

What happens when you select multiple slices? If one slice is at isocenter, any additional slices
cannot be. Consider trying to image a shoulder: there’s no way that it can be positioned at
isocenter in a typical MRI scanner.
The usual method of selecting slices not at isocenter is to change the center frequency of the
RF pulse to correspond to the resonant frequency of the center of a slice that is NOT at
isocenter.
You can use the Larmor equation to determine the frequency at the center of the selected
slice: Slice

ωoffset = ω0 + g Zslice center Gz.

Gz

wo woffset Bo
RF

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 32

Slice Selection

But how does the radiologist or technologist prescribe the slice

or slices, and how does the computer convert the selection into
the correct gradient and RF parameters? A procedure called
landmarking is the basis of both slice prescription and slice
calculations.
Slice

wo woffset Bo
RF

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 33

Landmarking

The computer uses the isocenter

information to calculate the
gradient strengths and RF
frequencies that are appropriate
for each prescribed slice. In some
instances, the patient is actually
moved within the bore. This helps
ensure that in every exam, at least
one slice is at isocenter.

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 34

Landmarking (continued)

With the patient properly situated

in the magnet, several scout, or
localizer images, possibly in all
three scan planes (axial, sagittal,
and coronal), may be acquired.
Localizer images are used to
prescribe the exact slice locations
for the MR images.

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 35

 Normal Gradient Data Stream IPG = Integrated Pulse Generator
SRF/TRF = Sequence Related
Functions/Trigger and Rotational
Functions Board
STIF = SRF/TRF Interface
MDS GIP/GAP/GP = Gradient Processor

Clock
X Amp
X Data X X
X Data
Back
plane
Y Amp
Y Data Y Data Y Y

Z Amp
Z Data Z Data Z Z

IPG TYME Gradient Processor Pen Panel Gradient

MGD STIF Filter Coils
Power Supply

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 36

Shim

Imagination at work MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL

Shim
Magnet Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Gradient Coils
RF Body Coil

RF Body Coil
Gradient Coils
Shim Coils (SuperCon)
Magnet Coils

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 38

Why is homogeneity important?

Relates directly to image quality

• Eliminates or reduces artifacts
–Shading
–Spatial distortion
–Blurring
–Etc.

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 39

Magnet Homogeneity

How is homogeneity accomplished?

• Supercon Shim
• Passive Shim
• Hybrid Shim

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 40

Superconducting Shim Coils

• Embedded in the Cryostat

• Individually controlled with a power supply
• Superconducting mode once the field correction
has been identified

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 41

Passive Shim
Uses fiberglass strips (shim drawers) with shim material (metal pieces)
attached or shim material taped into the bore
Permanent
– Shim material taped into
the bore of the magnet,
e.g., HDxt 1.5T,
Replaceable Shim Drawers
– Can be pulled, altered
and reinserted, e.g.,
MR450w, MR750w and
HDxt 3.0T

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 42

Cooling

Imagination at work MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL

 Magnet Cooling

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 44

 Magnet Cooling

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 45

 Magnet Cooling

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 46

In Summary
• The main magnet creates the B0 field that aligns the body's hydrogen
protons in a high or low energy state.
• The RF subsystem sends radio frequency energy into the body to flip the
protons, and it also reads the RF energy released during relaxation of the
protons.
• The gradient subsystem alters the main magnetic field in a known a
predictable manner to determine slice selection.
• Shimming assures that the main magnetic field is homogenous to
improve image quality; it is accomplished through super-conductive
coils, or varying sizes of magnetic metal pieces using a passive shim.
• The cryocooler system, including the magnet monitor, reduces helium
boil-off to the lowest levels possible.

MyWorkshop BOK 96614 | Version: 1.0 GE CONFIDENTIAL 47