In a real time scanner, which factor determines the maximum frame rate?

• A. Pixel size
• B. Depth of view
• C. Attenuation coefficient
• D. Beam diameter

Answer: (B)

Frame rate is limited by how long it takes to acquire and process one image frame. This time is driven by the depth of view because the ultrasound pulse must travel to the deepest point and back, and the system collects echoes across every line at that depth. Deeper imaging increases the round-trip travel time and the amount of data per frame, which reduces how many frames per second can be produced. Pixel size affects image detail and data per line but doesn’t set the basic timing of frame acquisition. Attenuation coefficient and beam diameter influence penetration and image quality, not the rate at which frames are formed.