Brodi
Roberts1,2, B. Gino Fallone, 1,2, Nicola De Zanche,
1,2
1Department of Oncology, University of
Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; 2Department of Medical
Physics, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Optimal
matching between each coil in an array and its respective amplifier requires
knowledge of its noise parameters, which are rarely available from
manufacturers at MRI frequencies. Measuring noise parameters is also needed
to identify inter-device variability. The system we describe is based on a
common combination spectrum / network analyzer, which, unlike noise figure
analyzers, allows the measurement of S parameters. Corrections can thus be
readily implemented for noise reflections at various stages of the system.
The LabVIEW instrument control environment is used to automate calibration,
measurement, and data processing.
Keywords