Switching of layers for an ultrasonic transducer arrangement

Ultrasonic transducer element system (10), said system (10) comprising: at least one ultrasound transducer element (12) comprising at least a first and a second layer (14, 16) of transducer material with a center terminal (20) between the first and second layers (14, 16), each of the first and second layer (14, 16) is operable for converting between electrical and acoustic energy of the transducer material; a transmit beamformer, which is connected to the element (12) such that both respond to the first and the second layer (14, 16) to a same transmit waveform; and a receive beamformer coupled to the element (12) such that signals of the two layers, the first and second layers (14, 16), generated in response to acoustic echoes on acoustic energy transmitted from the transmit beamformer are provided to the receive beamformer channel, wherein during the generation of the signals of the center line is free of a ground connection; a passive switch circuit (26) which is connected between the center terminal and both the transmit beamformer and the receive beamformer.