MR Imaging System

QD C-Spine Coil
Installation and Adjustment Manual

Model MRP-5000
MR-QCS-32

Model MRP-7000
MR-QCS-42

Model AIRIS, AIRIS II

MR-QCS-52

HITACHI MEDICAL SYSTEMS AMERICA

Twinsburg, OH
CONFIDENTIALITY: This material contains proprietary information of Hitachi
Medical Systems America (HMSA) and it shall not be disclosed to other third parties or
reproduced without prior written permission of HMSA. © Copyright Hitachi Medical
Systems America 1997. All rights reserved.

L5E-BMA106-5
1.0 Outline
The QD C-Spine Coil is intended to provide high quality imaging of the cervical spine;
dependent upon patient anatomy, the coil sensitivity may additionally image upper thoracic
and lower cranial structures. The QD C-Spine Coil makes use of a split top coil design. A
releaseable bridge structure is provided for easier patient positioning. Refer to Figures 1A
and 1B below.

Patient Orientation:
Bridge
H A
L
Coil Base
R
Carry Handle P F
(both sides)
Head Immobilizer Pads
Patient Pad

Bridge Release Buttons

(on 'Head' side of Bridge)

Signal Pins
Alignment Pin

Figure 1A, 1B. QD C-Spine Coil (Assembled, Exploded views)

CAUTION
Do not carry the QD C-Spine Coil by the bridge.
Although the bridge latches securely to the coil base,
it contains sensitive electronics, and it is not durable
as a carry handle.

Page 2 L5E-BMA106-5
2.0 Purpose
This document specifies the installation test and adjustment procedure for the QD C-Spine
coils intended for use with the MRP-5000, MRP-7000 and AIRIS. The test results shall be
documented for quality assurance purposes and evaluated to ensure that each production
coil meets the coil performance specifications. The installation test and adjustment method
for the MRP-5000 is described first, followed by the method for the MRP-7000/AIRIS.

3.0 Reference Documents

3.1 Q5E-BMA106 Operator’s Instruction Manual, QD C-Spine Coil
(MRP-5000/MRP-7000/AIRIS)

4.0 MRP-5000 Materials

4.1 Equipment List
● QD C-Spine Coil
● MRP-5000 MRI system;
● Vector impedance meter, HP 4193A or equivalent (qty. 1);
● BNC ‘T’ adapter;
● Hitachi RF coil loading phantom no. 3;
● Non-magnetic flat blade screw drivers;
● Non-metallic screwdriver tuning tool.

5.0 MRP-5000 Installation and Adjustment

5.1 Coil and Phantom Setup

5.1.1 Turn on the Vector Impedance Meter, allowing it to warm-up 5 minutes before use.

5.1.2 Set the frequency of the Impedance Meter to the system frequency (f0).

5.1.3 Assemble the QD C-Spine coil. Ensure that the bridge is securely latched to the coil base.
Use pads as necessary such that the coil and phantom are centered vertically in the magnet
bore. Place the QD C-Spine RF coil pad inside the coil. Remove the cover to the No. 3
phantom, as the cover will not be used for the balance of this procedure. Set the No. 3
Phantom on top of the pad, as shown below. Ensure that the phantom bottle cap faces out of
the magnet. Refer to Figure 2 on the following page.

Page 3 L5E-BMA106-5
 Coil Landmark Line

#3 Phantom
3/8" RF Coil Pad

Thin Mattress Pad

MRP-5000 Coil Positioning
Visually line up the edge of the bottle
cap with the edge of the coil base.

Phantom #3

QD C-Spine RF Coil Pad

Thin mattress pad (typ.)

Figure 2. Coil and Phantom Positioning for QA Measurements

5.1.4 Position the coil on the patient table so the phantom will be centered laterally and vertically
within the magnet. Visually line up the edge of the bottle cap with the edge of the coil base
for longitudinal positioning. Refer to Figure 2 above..

5.1.5 Press set to advance the coil and phantom to magnet isocenter.

5.1.6 For the MRP-5000, plug the coil cables into the connectors on the left inner surface of the
gantry.

5.2 Coil Tuning

5.2.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and add QD C-Spine as the coil name for coil
#10, or any other unused coil number. Select RF LINE 1 - A only.

Page 4 L5E-BMA106-5
5.2.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) and display the phantom image (as diagrammed in step #1 of
Figure 3).

5.2.3 Adjust Window to about 100, and Level as appropriate, to present an image similar to
phantom diagrammed in step #2 of Figure 3 below.

1 2 3

Figure 3. QD C-Spine Coil Sensitivity

5.2.4 Locate the center of coil sensitivity (identified for example purposes as ‘A’ in phantom
diagrammed in step #3 of Figure 3).

5.2.5 Move the table as appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity ‘A’ to coincide with the
magnet isocenter.

5.2.6 Perform a second scanogram (coronal) to verify correct repositioning.

5.2.7 Use the SIGNAL GENERATION CHECK program to set the TUNE value to 18.

5.2.8 Use the Impedance Meter to monitor the coil LINE A impedance.

5.2.9 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE A” on the coil, to adjust the LINE A
impedance (refer to Figure 4 below).Tune the “TUNE A” capacitor so that the LINE A
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): Š 250Ω

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

Page 5 L5E-BMA106-5
 Coil Landmark Line

#3 Phantom
3/8" RF Coil Pad A
B
Thin Mattress Pad
Tuning A : Saddle Coil
Ports B : Solenoid Coil
Figure 4. Coil Tuning Ports Locations

5.2.10 Remove the cable connection.

5.2.11 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

5.2.12 Use the SIGNAL GENERATION CHECK program to set the TUNE value to 18.

5.2.13 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and select the QD C-Spine coil. Select RF LINE
3 - B only.

5.2.14 Use the Impedance Meter to monitor the coil LINE B impedance. The frequency of the
Impedance Meter should remain at the system frequency (f0) for the measurement.

5.2.15 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE B” on the coil, to adjust the LINE B
impedance (refer to Figure 4 above). Tune the “TUNE B” capacitor so that the LINE B
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): Š 250Ω

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

5.2.16 Remove the cable connection.

5.2.17 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

5.3 Registration of Coil Data

5.3.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and select the QD C-Spine coil. Select RF LINE
2 - A and B. Set the ATT value to 2.

5.3.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) to identify the center of the coil sensitivity. Move the table as
appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity with the magnet isocenter.

Page 6 L5E-BMA106-5
5.3.3 Perform scanogram (transverse) to check vertical centering of the phantom. Adjust the
phantom height as necessary.

5.3.4 RF Gain Adjustment

5.3.5 Perform the RF GAIN (automatic) function on the coil to find the transmit power level for
TRS and COR planes. Calculate the average of the TRS and COR values, and use the
‘Manual’ function to enter the average as the power for this coil number.

6.0 MRP-5000 SNR Measurement

6.1 Calculate the SN ratio with the following sequence:

MRP-5000
Sequence SE
TR 500
TE 40
Slice Thickness 10
AVE 2
Projection 256
SQ No. 3
FOV 260

6.2 Verify that the SN Ratio falls within the specified range according to the following table;
contact HMSA Technical Support if it does not:

Coil Model Standard SN Ratio

MR-QCS-32 198 ± 15

6.3 Inspect the SNR image for asymmetrical shading or image artifacts; contact HMSA
Technical Support if any are noted.

7.0 MRP-5000 End of Installation

7.1 Remove the Impedance Meter and any other tools from the MRI RF room. Replace the
cover of the MRP-5000 gantry. Re-attach the cover to the No. 3 phantom.

Page 7 L5E-BMA106-5
8.0 MRP-7000/AIRIS Materials
8.1 Equipment List
● QD C-Spine Coil
● MRP-7000 or AIRIS MRI system;
● Vector impedance meter, HP 4193A or equivalent (qty. 1);
● Test cable (qty. 1): RG58 BNC male/BNC female, half wave length, with…
● Integral fine-tuning adjustable capacitor;
● Hitachi RF coil loading phantom no. 2;
● Non-magnetic screw drivers;
● Non-metallic screwdriver tuning tool.

9.0 MRP-7000/AIRIS Installation and Adjustment

9.1 Coil and Phantom Setup

9.1.1 Turn on the Vector Impedance Meter, allowing it to warm-up 5 minutes before use.

9.1.2 Set the frequency of the Impedance Meter to the system frequency (f0). Calibrate the half
wave length cable for the particular system frequency by fine tuning the capacitor of the
cable assembly. The cable should be calibrated as:

Open load impedance : > 1000 Ohm

Phase : 0° ± 2°

9.1.3 Assemble the QD C-Spine coil. Ensure that the bridge is securely latched to the coil base.
Use pads as necessary such that the coil and phantom are centered vertically in the magnet
bore. Place the QD C-Spine RF coil pad inside the coil, and set the No. 2 Phantom (130mm)
on top of the pad, as shown below. Ensure that the label on the end of the phantom faces out
of the magnet. For the newer phantoms, ensure that the phantom bottle cap faces out of the
magnet. Refer to Figure 5 on the following page.

Page 8 L5E-BMA106-5
 Coil Landmark Line

Phantom Landmark Line

#2 Phantom (130mm)
3/8" RF Coil Pad

Foam Pad(s)
(as needed)

AIRIS Coil Positioning

Phantom #2

QD C-Spine RF Coil Pad

1” Thick pads from QD Flex

Body Coils

MRP-7000 Coil Positioning

Phantom #2

QD C-Spine RF Coil Pad

Standard mattress pad

Figure 5. Coil and Phantom Positioning for QA Measurements

Page 9 L5E-BMA106-5
9.1.4 Plug in the coil and position the coil in the center of the magnet on the patient table.

9.1.5 Press set to advance the coil and phantom to magnet isocenter.

9.1.6 For the MRP-7000, plug the coil cable into the connector on the left inner surface of the
front facade, aligning the D-shaped connector before inserting.

9.1.7 For the AIRIS, remove the pre-amp assembly cover. Plug the coil cable into the connector
on the table, aligning the D-shaped connector before inserting.

9.2 Coil Tuning

9.2.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and add QD C-Spine as the coil name for coil
#23. Select RF LINE 1 - A only.

9.2.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) and display the phantom image (as diagrammed in step #1 of
Figure 6).

9.2.3 Adjust Window to about 100, and Level as appropriate, to present an image similar to
phantom diagrammed in step #2 of Figure 6 below.

1 2 3

Figure 6. QD C-Spine Coil Sensitivity

9.2.4 Locate the center of coil sensitivity (identified for example purposes as ‘A’ in phantom
diagrammed in step #3 of Figure 6).

9.2.5 Move the table as appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity ‘A’ to coincide with the
magnet isocenter.

9.2.6 Perform a second scanogram (coronal) to verify correct repositioning.

9.2.7 Use the SIGNAL GENERATION CHECK program to set the TUNE value to 18.

9.2.8 Use the Impedance Meter and the half wave length cable to monitor the coil LINE A
impedance.

Page 10 L5E-BMA106-5
9.2.9 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE A” on the coil, to adjust the LINE A
impedance (refer to Figure 7 below).Tune the “TUNE A” capacitor so that the LINE A
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): > 250 Ohm

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

Coil Landmark Line

Phantom Landmark Line

#2 Phantom (130mm)
QD C-Spine RFCoil Pad A
B
Foam Pad(s)
(as needed)
Tuning A : Saddle Coil
Ports B : Solenoid Coil
Figure 7. Coil Tuning Ports Locations

9.2.10 Remove the half wave length cable connection.

9.2.11 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

9.2.12 Use the SIGNAL GENERATION CHECK program to set the TUNE value to 18.

9.2.13 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and select the QD C-Spine coil. Select RF LINE
3 - B only.

9.2.14 Use the Impedance Meter and the half wave length cable to monitor the coil LINE B
impedance. The frequency of the Impedance Meter should remain at the system frequency
(f0) for the measurement.

9.2.15 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE B” on the coil, to adjust the LINE B
impedance (refer to Figure 7 above). Tune the “TUNE B” capacitor so that the LINE B
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): > 250 Ohm

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

9.2.16 Remove the half wave length cable connection.

9.2.17 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

Page 11 L5E-BMA106-5
9.3 Registration of Coil Data

9.3.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program and select the QD C-Spine coil. Select RF LINE
2 - A and B. Set the ATT value to 2. For systems with Operating System Software Ver. 4.0
or later, set the RF GAIN Adjust to Y.

9.3.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) to identify the center of the coil sensitivity. Move the table as
appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity with the magnet isocenter.

9.3.3 Perform scanogram (transverse) to check vertical centering of the phantom. Adjust the
phantom height as necessary.

9.3.4 RF Gain Adjustment

9.3.5 Perform the RF GAIN (automatic) function on the coil to find the transmit power level for
TRS and COR planes. Calculate the average of the TRS and COR values, and use the
‘Manual’ function to enter the average as the power for this coil number.

10.0 MRP-7000/AIRIS SNR Measurement

10.1 Calculate the SN ratio with the following sequence:

MRP-7000/AIRIS
Sequence SE
TR 500
TE 40
Slice Thickness 5
AVE 2
Projection 256
SQ No. 3
FOV 260

10.2 Verify that the SN Ratio falls within the specified range according to the following table;
contact HMSA Technical Support if it does not:

Coil Model Standard SN Ratio

MR-QCS-42
225 ± 15
MR-QCS-52

10.3 Inspect the SNR image for asymmetrical shading or image artifacts; contact HMSA
Technical Support if any are noted.

11.0 MRP-7000/AIRIS End of Installation

11.1 Remove the Impedance Meter, half wave cable, and any other tools from the MRI RF room.
Replace the cover of the AIRIS pre-amplifier assembly.

Page 12 L5E-BMA106-5
12.0 AIRIS II Materials
12.1 Equipment List
● QD C-Spine Coil
● AIRIS II MRI system;
● Vector impedance meter, HP 4193A or equivalent (qty. 1);
● Test cable (qty. 1): RG58 BNC male/BNC female, half wave length, with…
● Integral fine-tuning adjustable capacitor;
● Hitachi RF coil loading phantom no. 2;
● Non-magnetic screw drivers;
● Non-metallic screwdriver tuning tool;
● BNC female to SMB jack adapter.

13.0 AIRIS II Installation and Adjustment

13.1 Coil and Phantom Setup

13.1.1 Turn on the Vector Impedance Meter, allowing it to warm-up 5 minutes before use.

13.1.2 Set the frequency of the Impedance Meter to the system frequency (f0). Calibrate the half
wave length cable for the particular system frequency by fine tuning the capacitor of the
cable assembly. The cable should be calibrated as:

Open load impedance : > 1000 Ohm

Phase : 0° ± 2°

13.1.3 Assemble the QD C-Spine coil. Ensure that the bridge is securely latched to the coil base.
Use pads as necessary such that the coil and phantom are centered vertically in the magnet
bore. Place the QD C-Spine RF coil pad inside the coil, and set the No. 2 Phantom (130mm)
on top of the pad, as shown below. Ensure that the label on the end of the phantom faces out
of the magnet. For the newer phantoms, ensure that the phantom bottle cap faces out of the
magnet. Refer to Figure 8 on the following page.

Page 13 L5E-BMA106-5
 Coil Landmark Line

Phantom Landmark Line

#2 Phantom (130mm)
3/8" RF Coil Pad

Foam Pad(s)
(as needed)

AIRIS II Coil Positioning

Phantom #2

QD C-Spine RF Coil Pad

1” Thick pads from QD Flex

Body Coils

Figure 8. Coil and Phantom Positioning for QA Measurements

13.1.4 Plug in the coil and position the coil in the center of the magnet on the patient table.

13.1.5 Press set to advance the coil and phantom to magnet isocenter.

13.1.6 For the AIRIS II, remove the pre-amp assembly cover. Plug the coil cable into the
connector on the table, aligning the D-shaped connector before inserting.

Page 14 L5E-BMA106-5
13.2 Coil Tuning

13.2.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program from the System Table Editor. Add QD C-Spine
as the coil name for coil #23. Select RECEPTION LINE 2 - A only:

Parameter Value
Coil Name QD C-Spine
Physical Coil No. 12
Attenuation Value 00
Tuning Measure Points 22
RF Gain Start Value 0e0
RF Gain Adjustment Step 16
Adjustment Average 1
Sensitivity Correction Coefficient 64
First Modulate Decoupling 64
Second Modulate Decoupling 64
Third Modulate Decoupling 2f
Fourth Modulate Decoupling 00
Selector 1
Number of Channels 1
Shading Correction No
Bed Movement No
Reception Line 2
QD Attenuation Value -2
Method A

13.2.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) and display the phantom image (as diagrammed in step #1 of
Figure 9).

13.2.3 Adjust Window to about 100, and Level as appropriate, to present an image similar to
phantom diagrammed in step #2 of Figure 9 below.

1 2 3

Figure 9. QD C-Spine Coil Sensitivity

Page 15 L5E-BMA106-5
13.2.4 Locate the center of coil sensitivity (identified for example purposes as ‘A’ in phantom
diagrammed in step #3 of Figure 9 above).

13.2.5 Move the table as appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity ‘A’ to coincide with the
magnet isocenter.

13.2.6 Perform a second scanogram (coronal) to verify correct repositioning.

13.2.7 Use the RF UNIT CONTROLLER to set the TUNE value to 18.

13.2.8 Use the Impedance Meter and the half wave length cable to monitor the coil LINE A
impedance.

13.2.9 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE A” on the coil, to adjust the LINE A
impedance (refer to Figure 7 below).Tune the “TUNE A” capacitor so that the LINE A
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): > 250 Ohm

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

Coil Landmark Line

Phantom Landmark Line

#2 Phantom (130mm)
QD C-Spine RFCoil Pad A
B
Foam Pad(s)
(as needed)
Tuning A : Saddle Coil
Ports B : Solenoid Coil
Figure 10. Coil Tuning Ports Locations

13.2.10 Remove the half wave length cable connection.

13.2.11 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

13.2.12 Use the RF UNIT CONTROLLER program to set the TUNE value to 18.

Page 16 L5E-BMA106-5
13.2.13 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program from the System Table Editor and select the QD
C-Spine coil. Select RECEPTION LINE 1 - B only:

Parameter Value
Coil Name QD C-Spine
Physical Coil No. 12
Attenuation Value 00
Tuning Measure Points 22
RF Gain Start Value 0e0
RF Gain Adjustment Step 16
Adjustment Average 1
Sensitivity Correction Coefficient 64
First Modulate Decoupling 64
Second Modulate Decoupling 64
Third Modulate Decoupling 2f
Fourth Modulate Decoupling 00
Selector 1
Number of Channels 1
Shading Correction No
Bed Movement No
Reception Line 1
QD Attenuation Value -2
Method A

13.2.14 Use the Impedance Meter and the half wave length cable to monitor the coil LINE B
impedance. The frequency of the Impedance Meter should remain at the system frequency
(f0) for the measurement.

13.2.15 Identify the tunable capacitor labeled “TUNE B” on the coil, to adjust the LINE B
impedance (refer to Figure 10 above). Tune the “TUNE B” capacitor so that the LINE B
impedance, at the system frequency, is specified as :

Magnitude (Z): > 250 Ohm

Phase (α): -20° < α < 20°

13.2.16 Remove the half wave length cable connection.

13.2.17 Select a SCANOGRAM and verify that the TUNE value is in between 12 and 1E.

Page 17 L5E-BMA106-5
13.3 Registration of Coil Data

13.3.1 Access the COIL DATA ENTRY program from the System Table Editor and select the QD
C-Spine coil. Set the ATT value to 2. Select RECEPTION LINE 3 - A+B:

Parameter Value
Coil Name QD C-Spine
Physical Coil No. 12
Attenuation Value 00
Tuning Measure Points 22
RF Gain Start Value 0e0
RF Gain Adjustment Step 16
Adjustment Average 1
Sensitivity Correction Coefficient 64
First Modulate Decoupling 64
Second Modulate Decoupling 64
Third Modulate Decoupling 2f
Fourth Modulate Decoupling 00
Selector 1
Number of Channels 1
Shading Correction No
Bed Movement No
Reception Line 3
QD Attenuation Value -2
Method A

13.3.2 Perform scanogram (coronal) to identify the center of the coil sensitivity. Move the table as
appropriate to align the center of coil sensitivity with the magnet isocenter.

13.3.3 Perform scanogram (transverse) to check vertical centering of the phantom. Adjust the
phantom height as necessary.

Page 18 L5E-BMA106-5
14.0 AIRIS II SNR Measurement
14.1 Calculate the SN ratio with the following sequence:

AIRIS II
Sequence SE
TR 500
TE 40
Slice Thickness 5
AVE 1
Projection 128
FOV 260
Bandwidth 7.2k
AMI 25%

14.2 Verify that the SN Ratio falls within the specified range according to the following table;
contact HMSA Technical Support if it does not:

Coil Model AIRIS II Standard SN Ratio

MR-QCS-52 173 ± 15

14.3 Inspect the SNR image for asymmetrical shading or image artifacts; contact HMSA
Technical Support if any are noted.

15.0 AIRIS II End of Installation

15.1 Remove the Impedance Meter, half wave cable, and any other tools from the MRI RF room.
Replace the cover of the AIRIS II pre-amplifier assembly.

Page 19 L5E-BMA106-5