Difference between TGC (Time Gain Compensation) and AGC (Automatic Gain Control)

amplifiersignal processing

I'm a french student who work on a portable echograph for the "echopen" association : http://echopen.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
I'm working on the analog part which is composed of theses parts:
* Generate a high pulse voltage
* Integrate a T/R Switch in order to protect the signal process circuit
* Use an amplifier
* Use a filter
* Integrate an envelope detector
* transmit the signal to a redpitaya

I would like to use an amplifier with a control on the gain (the third part). I searched the circuit about the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) but on internet and from some people I heard about a TGC that is used in the medical domain but I can't found any circuit and I don't find the difference. Could you help me please?

Thank you,

Farad

Best Answer

Thankyou everybody,

I found some answers for those who are interresting by I post it. The TGC (Time Gain Compensation) is VGA (Variable Gain Amplifier) which is controlled by a ramp. This is especially for the ultrasound application because the amplitude of the signal is reduce through the time that's why a ramp as a signal on the VGA will increase the gain through the time. (If I'm right)

In order the case of the project where I'm working I will follow this figure: enter image description here

Farad