Microsemi Introduces New Low-Distortion PIN Diode For MRI Applications

Irvine, CA -- Microsemi Corporation has developed a new PIN diode for "In Bore" surface coil magnetic resonance applications. Designated the UMX5601, the new device is already being used by manufacturers of MRI high magnetic field systems with magnets of 3 Telsa strength or greater. According to Microsemi, the UMX5601 produces the lowest magnetic field distortion (artifacts) in the industry.

Artifact interference is created by a "glow" or "halo" surrounding a diode's structure. The greater the artifact, the more difficult it becomes to accurately measure the location of objects, such as tumors, being scanned by the imager's RF magnetic field. Microsemi expects the UMX5601 to significantly enhance the diagnosis accuracy for current clinical applications, as well as future machines of strength greater than 1.5 Telsa.

"Microsemi has a solid reputation for high reliability semiconductors used in medical and aerospace applications. The MRI market continues to expand at greater than 18% and Microsemi intends to continue to focus innovative products for this growing market," James J. Peterson, Microsemi president and CEO, said.

"This latest Microsemi breakthrough once again sets the standard for high performance MRI surface coils," said John Caruso, VP and General Manager of the Microsemi's Lowell, MA, operation. "It follows on the heels of our successful UM9995 diode, which also was a performance breakthrough and continues to be designed into many MRI systems."

Like its predecessor, the UMX5601's performance results from a combination of thermally matched packaging, low inductance Microsemi PIN diode silicon chips, and a proprietary construction process that uses full-faced metallurgical bonds to both surfaces of the chip. The device provides high power handling capability with a lower bias current requirement.

The UMX5601 is RoHS compliant.

Source: Microsemi Corporation