Modular design of receiver coil arrays.

We describe a modular and hence flexible system for connecting MR surface coils to create a receiver array. Up to 16 individual coils of different size and shape depending on the application are plugged into a connector box that houses the control electronics. Preamplification, matching and detuning circuitry are housed on a circuit board directly attached to each coil loop. Electrical adjustments for tuning or decoupling for each coil configuration are not needed thanks to effective preamplifier decoupling provided through a Pi matching network. Radio-frequency safety and electrically stable cabling are ensured by multiple radio-frequency traps. Array modules for 1.5 and 3 T have been simulated, constructed, tested, and used for imaging experiments.