Intravascular ultrasound imaging apparatus, interface architecture, and method of manufacturing

An intraluminal imaging device, comprising:

• a catheter comprising a distal portion configured to be positioned within a patient;
• a differential conductor pair extending within the catheter;
• a primary controller coupled to the distal portion of the catheter and in communication with the differential conductor pair;
• a plurality of secondary controllers coupled to the distal portion of the catheter and in communication with the primary controller;
• and
• a plurality of imaging elements coupled to the distal portion of the catheter,
• wherein the plurality of imaging elements is in communication with the primary controller through the plurality of secondary controllers, and
• wherein the primary controller is configured to:
• receive, from the differential conductor pair, a differential signal pair, wherein the differential signal pair comprises a three-state signal comprising a differential voltage;
• generate, based on the differential signal pair, a command signal comprising a transmit trigger to activate an imaging element of the plurality of imaging elements to emit ultrasonic energy, wherein the command signal comprises an address associated with the imaging element;
• and
• provide the command signal to a secondary controller of the plurality of secondary controllers corresponding to the imaging element.