Which parameter controls image frame rate in ultrasound systems?

Which parameter controls image frame rate in ultrasound systems?

• A. Center frequency
• B. Dynamic range
• C. Gain
• D. Pulse repetition frequency

Answer: (D)

Frame rate is how many image updates the system can display each second. The speed of these updates is set by how often the system can emit a pulse and listen for echoes, which is the pulse repetition frequency. Higher PRF means more pulses per second, and thus more lines or scan data collected per second, increasing how many frames can be formed per second. In practice, frame rate is roughly PRF divided by the number of lines (or scan lines) per frame, so imaging deeper (which lowers PRF) reduces frame rate. The center frequency affects resolution and penetration, while dynamic range and gain affect contrast and brightness—these don’t determine how fast frames are produced.

Frame rate is how many image updates the system can display each second. The speed of these updates is set by how often the system can emit a pulse and listen for echoes, which is the pulse repetition frequency. Higher PRF means more pulses per second, and thus more lines or scan data collected per second, increasing how many frames can be formed per second. In practice, frame rate is roughly PRF divided by the number of lines (or scan lines) per frame, so imaging deeper (which lowers PRF) reduces frame rate. The center frequency affects resolution and penetration, while dynamic range and gain affect contrast and brightness—these don’t determine how fast frames are produced.