Serial and Parallel Active Decoupling Characterization Using RF MEMS Switches for Receiver Endoluminal Coils at 1.5 T

MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) switches were assessed and compared to PIN diode in fulfilling the task of active decoupling of Receiver Endoluminal Coils (RECs). Three prototype RECs with the PIN diode in parallel (pPIN), MEMS in parallel (pMEMS) and MEMS in series (sMEMS) with the REC loop were built. Quality factors (Q-values), decoupling efficiency and switching delays were characterized on bench and Signal-to-Noise Ratios (SNRs) established on images at 1.5 T. Q-values were equal to 62.5, 41.2 and 65.1 for pPIN, sMEMS and pMEMS, respectively. In the decoupled state, reflection coefficients S
₁₁
and S
₂₁
at resonance frequency both indicated proper decoupling. Switching delays were less than 0.7 μs and 10 μs for pPIN and MEMS RECs, respectively. Decoupling/coupling delays of MEMS remained compatible with most Magnetic Resonance (MR) clinical applications. For all prototypes, MR images displayed no signal saturation and similar elliptical image sensitivity patterns. No artifacts due to active decoupling failure were observed. Mean SNR values obtained with pMEMS REC were higher than those obtained with sMEMS REC but lower than with pPIN REC because of the use of additional instrumentation to render the scanner compatible with the MEMS utilization. MEMS in parallel are an interesting alternative to PIN diode for decoupling and could lead to better SNR with a compatible MR system (dedicated control signal). The MEMS in series can be used for both decoupling and reconfiguration of the REC loop geometry for colon wall examination.