SINGLE COAXIAL INTERFACE FOR MAGNETIC RESONACE (MR) COILS

A magnetic resonance (MR) coil array (26, 28) connected by way of a single transmission line (46, 48) is provided. The MR coil array (26, 28) includes a coil element (34) and a corresponding coil element circuit (32). The coil element circuit (32) includes at least one active component (40) powered by a power signal carried on the coaxial transmission line (46, 48). The voltage of the power signal varies between first and second direct current (DC) voltages of the same polarity. The coil element circuit (32) further includes a tune/detune circuit (42) connected to the coaxial transmission line (46, 48). The tune/detune circuit (42) tunes or detunes the coil element (34) based on the first and second DC voltages. An MR system (10) using the MR coil array (26, 28) and a method (10) for tuning or detuning the MR coil (26, 28) are also provided. Accordingly, a single coaxial cable between the MR sys tem and the coil element is sufficient for conveying MR data, a power signal for the preamplifier and a detuning signal. Moreover, the preamplifier can be powered irrespective of the coil element being in the tuned or in the detuned state.