Detailed introduction:

us4us is a research platform optimized for software-defined ultrasound (SDR) and built around GPU processing. In 2017, we developed a high-density ultrasound front-end module (us4OEMTM) with 128TX/32RX channels, which can be used as a building block for an expandable ultrasound scanner. Today, we introduce us4RTM, an advanced 2D and 3D ultrasound data acquisition and real-time processing platform.

us4RTM is a major upgrade to the original ultrasound platform system. The electronic solution it uses not only provides improved analog signal conditioning (better signal-to-noise ratio, higher sampling rate, etc.), but also improves the digital throughput of the original RF data collection. At the same time, the platform is quite small and consumes less power.

us4RTM is the number of scalable TX and RX channels-with 128-1024TX and 128-256 RX. The system* supports the connection of 1024-unit area array probes, providing new possibilities for real-time 3D. The ultrasonic data acquisition subsystem is optimized and upgraded through the PCIe gen3 interface. For applications, the system can support two PCIe 16-lane data links to external PCs-resulting in an aggregate data bandwidth of 32GB/s. Direct access to raw radio frequency data (such as channel data) and real-time software processing on GPU provide many possibilities for the research and evaluation of ultrasound algorithms and methods. The system is fully software programmable-including sending/receiving schemes and processing functions.

The software tool CUDA/OpenCL can be used to develop and integrate new algorithms into the processing framework of the platform. us4RTM can be used for the research and development of medical imaging and non-destructive testing applications, and as an educational tool and demonstration platform

Detailed Specifications

Detailed parameters:

TX

Number of channels: 256

Center frequency: 0-20MHz

Delay resolution: 7.5ns

Programmable pulse transmitter voltage: 180Vpp plus or minus 2A

Maximum pulse repetition frequency: 100KHz

RX

Number of channels: 256

Frequency range: 0-50MHz

Programmable anti-aliasing filter: 10, 15, 20, 30, 50MHz

Amplifier gain:

Programmable LNA: 24, 18, 12db

Voltage controlled attenuator: 40db

Programmable amplifier gain: 24, 30db

Total signal chain gain: 54db (maximum)

TGC update rate: 1MHz

RF sampling: 12 bits @80MSPS

Raw data buffer: 128MB per channel

External synchronization

Sensor:

Number of sensor probes: 1-2

Probe: ESAOTE, VERMON, ULTRASONIX

Customized probe: Any ultrasound probe can be connected with a custom-designed PVCB module, and a corresponding probe adapter can be provided.

Raw RF data stream data rate: 2x16GB/s PCIe3.0

PC configuration:

One host

CPU: Single/Dual Intel@Xeon

RAM:>=32GB

GPU socket: 1-2

PCIe socket: 1-2

Software Development Kit:

API support: C/C++, python, Matlab

Advanced processing framework: TBD

GPU core (can be used directly): SAT, PWI, BFR