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Abstract #4372

Characterizing Bazooka Baluns

M. Arcan Erturk1, 2, AbdEl-Monem M. El-Sharkawy2

1Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; 2Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States


Baluns or cable traps are used to suppress common mode currents on the outer shield of coaxial cables connecting MRI coils. Their main function is to enhance the SNR performance of coils, reduce coupling and ensure RF safety. Here, we demonstrate a method to calculate the expected impedance and resonance frequency of bazooka baluns. The method is verified experimentally where bench measurements agree with our calculations from 50MHz up to at least 150MHz.