A radio frequency (RF) transmit coil array assembly for use in a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The RF transmit coil
comprises a plurality of coils arranged around an object and coupled to a
pulse generator module. The pulse generator module is configured to drive
the coils to induce a selective excitation pulse during a transmission
mode of the MRI system. The selective excitation pulse is designed to
excite an inner volume of the object and to facilitate scan acceleration
and an imaging field of view is contained within the inner volume.