Acuson Aspen - System Architecture

MODULE 5
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Overview 5-3
Objectives 5-3
Purpose 5-3
Scanner Architecture 5-4
Scanner 5-4
Theory of Operation 5-5
Scanner Control 5-5
Transmission 5-7
Reception 5-8
Gain and Processing 5-10
Doppler Processing 5-11
Aspen Advanced™ Ultrasound Systems 5-11
Native™ Tissue Harmonic Imaging Processing 5-11
Verifying the Scanner 5-12
Objectives 5-12
Purpose 5-12
Instructions 5-12
DBL Signals 5-14
Scanner Layout 5-15
DIMAQ Workstation Architecture 5-16
DIMAQ Workstation Functions 5-16
Scan Converter 5-16
Theory of Operation 5-17
2-D Data Path 5-17
Spectral Doppler Data Path 5-19
Color Doppler Data Path 5-21
M-Mode Data Path 5-23
Cine Operation 5-25
AEGIS® Digital Image and Data Management System 5-25
ECG and Physio Signal Processing 5-27
Module 5 - System Architecture Acuson Confidential
External Video Display 5-27

Audio 5-28
User Interface 5-30
DIMAQ Workstation Layout 5-31
Software Architecture 5-33
System Software 5-33
Data Storage 5-35
AEGIS Software Architecture 5-35
Notes about AEGIS 5-36
Power Up Sequence 5-40
PC System Power-up 5-41
Power-on Diagnostics 5-41
SYSCON Set-up and Control 5-41
Transducer Initialization / Auto-calibrate 5-41
Wave Generation and Reception 5-42
Transfer of Ultrasound Data / Scanner Interface 5-42
Scan Conversion 5-42
Digital Image Management 5-43
PCB Assemblies 5-44
System Architecture Questions 5-61
DIMAQ Workstation 5-62
Software 5-63
REVISION HISTORY
QRC P/N-REV INITIATOR APPROVAL DATE
59154 Rev. X3 J. Koeper S. Williams 7/99 Incorporate reviewer comments

Beta
A3174 59154 Rev. 1 J. Madarasz S. Williams Dec. 2000 Initial Release
Module 5-2 Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59154 Rev. 1

Acuson Confidential Overview
OVERVIEW
OBJECTIVES Understand the architecture of the system.
Follow the signal path for each imaging mode
• 2-D
• Spectral Doppler
• Color Doppler
• M-mode
• AEGIS® Digital Image and Data Management system
Understand the software components of the system and how they
interact.
Know the types of input/output devices supported by the Aspen
system.
PURPOSE Understanding the signal flow and related processes will improves
ability to diagnose system problems efficiently, and to isolate a
failure to a specific subsection or board.
P/N 59154 Rev. 1 Aspen Service Training Manual Module 5- 3

SCANNER ARCHITECTURE
The Aspen system can be divided into three major operational
subsystems:
• Scanner
• DIMAQ workstation
• Power subsystem (see appropriate chapter)
SCANNER The Scanner is the front end of the Aspen system. It contains the
hybrid analog/digital computer, which controls timing, phase, and
amplitude for each of the 128 transmit and receive channels.
Controlling these parameters allows the Aspen system to transmit a
tightly focused pulse of ultrasound energy from the transducer.
During the receive cycle, the Scanner adjusts these parameters in
real time. As the ultrasound pulse penetrates the body, the Scanner
continuously maintains focus at successively deeper points along
the scan line. Information about the ultrasound line number, depth
of scan, etc. is passed with the analog echo signal to the Scan
Converter within the DIMAQ workstation.
The Scanner is made up of a card cage that holds up to 67 circuit
boards, which plug directly into the Scanner motherboard. It is
located on the left side of the Aspen system.
Transducers are plugged directly into the Scanner via the ZDL, in
the case of DL transducers, or the ZIP, in the case of MP transducers.
Although both types of transducers can be plugged into the Aspen
system simultaneously, only one port can be activated at a time.
Digital communication between the Scanner and Scan Converter is
accomplished via a dual-port RAM located on the ZDT. Analog
signals are transferred to the Scan Converter via the DBL.
The power supplies, located on the right side front of the system,
supply power to the Scanner. Power connections are made via
connectors on the back and at the rear of the motherboard. Voltages
used in the Scanner are ±15VDC, ±7.5VDC, ±5VDC, and 30-
150VDC (programmable).

Acuson Confidential Scanner Architecture
THEORY OF The Scanner sequence can be divided into four major operations:
OPERATION • Scanner Control
• Transmission
• Reception
• Gain and Processing
Doppler processing and Native™ Tissue Harmonic Imaging
processing are integrated into the above operations, and are
discussed below.
SCANNER CONTROL All Scanner operations are controlled by the Scanner Control
Processor (ZSCP) board. The ZSCP communicates to the digital
control boards via the P bus.The Distribution Board Top (ZDT)
provides the data and communication link between the ZSCP and
the Scan Converter within the DIMAQ workstation.
Two Dual Channel Controller boards are used to drive the four
digital buses. DCC0 drives the A and B buses, and DCC1 drives the
C and D buses. A 40-MHz master clock is located on the Scanner
Timing Generator (STG). Scanner operations and some Scan
Converter operations are synchronized to this master clock signal.
The control data, called microcode, for each transducer is stored on
the MEMEX board(s) for Aspen systems below software revision
4.0. A Scanner accommodates up to three MEMEX boards to
support the selected transducers.
At Aspen system software 4.0 and higher, the microcode is
contained in flash SIMMs on the SVC board.

Module 5-6
ZDL ULTRASOUND VIDEO I&Q SIGNALS
DL XDCR AUX
ZIP CW
DBL XDCR
MP XDCR US VIDEO VIA ZDL
I&Q
Module 5 - System Architecture
N XMT
XMT SDL IF BBQ
RCV IF OUTSEL IFD IFD VDT IF AUX
SYSTEM (8) MXK
XDY (16) (8) AUX
TIMING SUM IF FIL
(8) APOD CARR
MXK APD
XDY (4) (4) IF FIL
STG BUS VIDEO GAIN
V GAIN
MXK V BIAS IGD
BUS V XMT
A BUS
DCC0
B BUS
TRM
Figure 5-1 Scanner Block Diagram
Aspen Service Training Manual

C BUS
P BUS
DCC1
D BUS
LINE NO, TYPE SCAN

ZSCP MEX ZDT SCAN ADR CONVERTER
(1-3) SCAN DATA
INTERFACE
AUX CARR
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

TRANSMISSION During the transmission cycle, the following steps occur:

• The gain and control information from the front panel is passed
from the DIMAQ workstation to the Scanner.
• The type and number of lines to be fired are determined.
• The control data needed to configure the beamformers,
beamformer drivers, and gain/video subsystems are the
outputs from the DCC boards via the A, B, C, and D buses for
the particular line being fired.
After the setup data has configured the Scanner for a particular
ultrasound line, a signal from the ZSCP causes the Transmit Delay
boards to output the phased transmit signals to the Transmitter
boards. The Transmitter boards then output the high energy pulses
required to drive the transducer elements to produce an ultrasound
wave at the transducer face.
ZIP
MP TRANSDUCER
DL TRANSDUCER
XMT XDY
NXMT 0-127 XDY BUS
T/R 0-127
ZDL
A BUS
B BUS
C BUS
D BUS
ZDT DCC 0 DCC 1 STG

MXK
Scan Converter
Interface to IOB
Timing Signals
to Scanner
Scanner P Bus
ZSCP MEX
Scanner Control
Figure 5-2 Scanner Transmit and Control Block Diagram

RECEPTION After transmit pulses are sent, echoes return to the transducer and
are transformed into low-level electrical signals. Signal flow
through the Scanner during reception is described below.
Signals travel from the transducer elements through the transducer
cable and enter the Scanner via the ZIP or ZDL boards. The ZIP or
ZDL sends the signals to the backplane, which routes them to the
Receiver boards (RCV).
The Receiver boards amplify low-level signals and convert them to
an intermediate frequency using mixer signals from the Mixer
Clock boards. Signals from the Apodizer boards (APD), Mixer
Clock boards (MXK), and Interpolating Gain Driver board (IGD)
control the gain of the RCV boards to compensate for attenuation
due to depth and to adjust the aperture of the array during
reception (Figure 5-4 and Figure 5-5).
The Receiver boards output the IF signal to the Summing Delay
Line boards (SDL). The eight SDL boards properly sum the signals
from the sixteen Receiver boards, and output the IF signal to the
Distribution Board Lower (DBL).
The DBL sums the signals from the SDL boards into one signal
called IFSUM. This signal is sent to the IFD board for IF filtering.
The IFD routes the IFSUM to the Video Detector board for
processing.
The Video Detector board converts the received IFSUM signal to an
ultrasound video signal. It also amplifies, and performs special
processing of, the ultrasound video signal and outputs it to the
DBL.
The DBL buffers the ultrasound video signal and outputs it to the
Scan Converter within the DIMAQ workstation via connector J9 on
the DBL.

DL
TRANSDUCER
ZDL ZIP
ULTRASOUND
VIDEO TO
SCAN CONVERTER
MP
TRANSDUCER
T/R 0-127
VDT
US VIDEO
RCV SDL
IF 0-127 OUTSEL 0-7
(16) (8)
DBL IFD IF
MXK 0-127 APD 0-127

IF SUM IFD
STG MXK APD

MXK BUS
(4) (4)
DCC 0 B BUS
A BUS
DCC 1 C BUS
D BUS
Figure 5-3 Scanner Reception Diagram

GAIN AND The IGD sets gain levels in the Scanner. It provides gain signals for
PROCESSING transmit power, receiver gain, receiver bias, apodizer bias, and the
ultrasound (US) video gain levels. The gain curve is determined by
the microcode for each transducer, and the settings of the master
gain control and the DGC pots.
Also included here is the IFD, which filters the IF. The VDT
performs log compression, detection and filtering operations.
To Transducer
T/R 0-127
XMT RCV AP 0-127 APD VDT

(8) (16) (4)
128 Ch. 128 Ch. 128 Ch.
V XMT
V GAIN
V BIAS
IGD VA BIAS
VA REF
VIDEO GAIN
D Bus
DCC 1
Figure 5-4 Gain and Processing Block Diagram

DOPPLER Two boards provide preliminary processing of Doppler signals in

PROCESSING the Scanner. The BBQ board converts the IF FIL signal from the VDT
into I&Q signals for PW and Color Doppler. In cardiology systems,
it processes the AUX CARR signal from the AUX board for imaging
CW or auxiliary CW Doppler.
IF FIL SIGNAL
VDT
I&Q SIGNAL I&Q SIGNAL
BBQ DBL TO SCAN
AUX CARR SIGNAL CONVERTER
AUX
Figure 5-5 Scanner Doppler Processing

The I&Q signal from BBQ is then routed via DBL to the Scan
Converter within the DIMAQ workstation where further processing
of the I&Q signals is done. For more detailed information, refer to
“DIMAQ Workstation Architecture” on page 16.
ASPEN ADVANCED™ Aspen Advanced ultrasound Systems are equipped to support

ULTRASOUND Native Tissue Harmonic Imaging. In an Aspen Advanced
SYSTEMS ultrasound system the DCCs, IFD, MXKs, XDYs, and XMTs are
upgraded to their advanced versions for NTHI support.
NOTE: Aspen Advanced ultrasound system boards cannot be mixed with non-
Aspen Advanced ultrasound system boards of the same type.
NATIVE™ TISSUE Native™ Tissue Harmonic Imaging Processing is an imaging mode

HARMONIC IMAGING in which the transmitted ultrasound signal is controlled to reduce
PROCESSING the amount of second harmonic energy, and the receive path is
optimized to extract the second harmonic energy generated by the
body being imaged.
This capability on Aspen systems requires advanced versions of
most of the Scanner PCBs, as listed above. The advanced XDY and
XMT boards support advanced transmit waveform generation, and
the advanced DCC boards provide better control of the transmit
pulses and receive echoes. In addition, the advanced MXK and IFD
boards provide receive path enhancements.

VERIFYING THE SCANNER

OBJECTIVES Use an Aspen system DBL cable p/n 37768 and oscilloscope to test
Scanner signals output on the DBL to see if the Scanner is
outputting ultrasound video and clock signals.
PURPOSE Looking at the Scanner output signals can be the first step in system
isolation. The signals are easy to get to and can tell you a wealth of
information about the state of the Scanner.
INSTRUCTIONS 1 In Imaging mode, listen to the transducer to verify that the crystals
are firing.
2 Connect an oscilloscope to the DBL using cable 37768. Use a BNC-
BENCH cable, T connector, and 50 ohm terminator to the
oscilloscope channel 1 input.
3 Using gel, slap the transducer into a hand and view the signal in the
oscilloscope to test US VIDEO. Have the instructor verify the signal.
4 Switch to PW and Color Doppler and repeat Step 3.
5 Test and document the STG clock signals:
• 10MHz REF CLK
• 100KHz PER CLK
6 Use page 5-14 to draw the signals and write the scope settings so
that you can reproduce them for future troubleshooting.
NOTE: The system setup can change the output of the signals. Record the
transducer, modalities, and system settings used. Try the system in 2-
D, PW, and Color Doppler. Change settings and note the differences

Acuson Confidential Verifying the Scanner
Manual Pinouts If cable p/n 37768 is not available, the signals can be scoped
manually. The pinouts on the DBL are:
SIGNAL GROUND
US VIDEO 34 33
100KHz 2 3
10MHz 20 1
Signals to test 10MHz REF CLK+: clock that synchronizes the Scanner and
DIMAQ workstation.
100MHz PERCLK: (Period clock) The clock that synchronizes the
power supplies. It is also a good signal to sync on to look at the IF
signals above.
US Video: Ultrasound Video. This is the analog waveform that gets
digitized by DIMAQ workstation and displayed on the CRT. If there
is no US Video out of the Scanner, there will be no image displayed.
Other Signals IF FILL: Filtered AM modulated ultrasound signal.
IF SUM: The sum of all 128 ultrasound channels in AM form.
SOF: Start of Frame. Goes low at the first line in a new frame. Not
implemented on most systems.
SOL: Start of line. This line goes low at the start of the receive and
stays low until the line has been received. It also triggers DIMAQ
workstation which starts its acquisition phase. It is a good signal to
sync on to look at US Video.
VSOT: Ultrasound start of transmit. A good sync point for the
transmit section. This signal goes low when the last transmitter has
fired.

DBL SIGNALS
Signal: 10MHz REF CLK Signal: 100kHz PER CLK

Settings/notes: Settings/notes:
Signal: US VIDEO - 2-D Signal: PW w/Update

Signal: Signal:

Acuson Confidential Verifying the Scanner
SCANNER LAYOUT The following figure shows the locations of the Scanner boards. The
numbers that follow the board acronym denote the channel.
ZDT
ZSCP SDL 0-15

MEX(1) RCV 0-7
DCC0 XMT 0-15 ZIP
MEX(2) RCV 8-15
DCC1 SDL 16-31
MEX(3) RCV 16-23
STG XMT 16-31
RCV 24-31
XDY 0-15 SDL 32-47
MXK 0-31 RCV 32-39
XDY 16-31 XMT 32-47
APD 0-31 RCV 40-47
XDY 32-47 SDL 48-63
MXK 32-63 RCV 48-55
XDY 48-63 XMT 48-63
APD 32-63 RCV 56-63
XDY 64-79 SDL 64-79
MXK 64-95 RCV 64-71
XDY 80-95 XMT 64-79
APD 64-95 RCV 72-79
XDY 96-111 SDL 80-95
MXK 95-127 RCV 80-87
XDY 112-127 XMT 80-95
APD 96-127 RCV 88-95
TRM SDL 96-111
IGD RCV 86-103
XMT 96-111
AUX CW RCV 104-111
BBQ SDL 112-127
IFD RCV 112-119
XMT 112-127 ZDL
VDT RCV 119-127
DBL
Figure 5-6 Scanner Board Locations

DIMAQ WORKSTATION ARCHITECTURE

The Aspen system uses a DIMAQ workstation to display and
archive data received from the Scanner. Overall control of the
system is carried out by a processor located on the SYSCON/Video
Controller (SVC) in the DIMAQ workstation.
DIMAQ Listed below are the major functions that can be performed by the
WORKSTATION DIMAQ workstation, grouped according to capabilities: also
FUNCTIONS processes ultrasound 2-D and Doppler data, performs calculations, and
interfaces the system to various input and output devices, including the
user controls.
• Scan Conversion, Video image storage for Cine review,
Alphanumeric and graphic overlays, Video conversion to and
from several standard video formats, Integrated AEGIS®
Digital Image and Data system, Stress echo applications, User
interface, ECG and Physio processing, Audio processing,
Interface to local display and recording devices
SCAN CONVERTER The Scan Converter subsystem within the DIMAQ workstation is
named for one of its primary functions, namely to convert the scan
format of data received from the Scanner. Ultrasound data can be
obtained in one of three formats: linear, curved, or Vector® wide-
view array. Because none of these is similar to the video raster
format, ultrasound data must be converted before it is displayed on
a video monitor.
The Scan Converter performs reformatting of Ultrasound Video line
data into TV Raster line data. Figure 5-7 shows a diagram of the
process
Ultrasound Video Format Video Raster Format
Scan
Conversion
Linear Sector
Figure 5-7 Basic Scan Conversion Principle

Acuson Confidential DIMAQ Workstation Architecture
In addition to basic Scan Conversion, this subsystem performs other

signal processing to improve image aesthetics, including
digitization of analog ultrasound video, image enhancement
through signal processing, and conversion from ultrasound scan
format to video scan format.
THEORY OF This section describes the DIMAQ workstation in detail.
OPERATION First, the 2-D data path is discussed. Following this, each modality,
spectral Doppler, Color Doppler, M-mode, and AEGIS Digital
Image and Data Management System, is discussed in succession.
2-D DATA PATH The following boards are responsible for 2-D scan conversion,
digital image management, and video display in the Aspen system:
Acquisition Processor (AQP)
Reconstruction Processor (RP)
Cine Data Memory (CDM)
SYSCON Video Controller (SVC)
Video Processor Board (VPB)
Input/Output Board (IOB)
The analog-to-digital conversion of the ultrasound video data from
the Scanner is performed by the AQP board. Transmit zone
crossfading and signal filtering are also performed by the AQP. The
digitized output from the AQP is then passed on to the RP board.
The RP buffers the incoming data, and generates image memory
addresses for storage of output to the CDM.
The CDM temporally filters (persists) the incoming data and stores
it in image and Cine memory. Data from the CDM image memory is
read out in serial form.
The fundamental scan conversion is accomplished by the storage
and subsequent transfer of data from the CDM. This process is
controlled by the RP. The CDM system image is sent to the SVC in
video raster format.
The SVC generates 2-D graphics, overlays them on the image, and
sends the system video image to the VPB.
The VPB performs a digital-to-analog conversion, and sends output
to the IOB.
The IOB buffers the incoming video. At this point, the system image
is complete and available at the IOB output, ready to be presented
to the monitor for display.
Figure 5-8 shows a block diagram of the 2-D data path.
NOTE: The whole system will appear dead if the SVC is dead or not receiving
clocks from the RP. See PCB descriptions for more information.

Module 5-18
IOB SCSI CABLE
DIGITAL COLOR HD
I&Q IMAGE
FEC ZFEB CRP DCI
AEGIS IOB
STORE/
REVIEW
MO
DOPPLER ETHERNET
I&Q JPG
I&Q DAQ I/F
DOPPLER B/W
AUDIO AUDIO
PRINTER
I&Q
DSP ZAP VIA UIC
DIGITAL VIA IOB
I&Q SVC
COLOR
PRINTER
SPECTRAL
SCANNER REMOVAL ECG/
INTERFACE ADDRESS PHYSIO
WFP
Figure 5-8 2-D Data Path

VCR
M-MODE VPB
XFER WAVEFORM GRAPHICS
SETUP & INITIATION
MONITOR

US SYSTEM
VIDEO 2-D IMAGE
US AQP RP CDM
2-D 2-D
VIDEO M-MODE M-MODE UIC
SPECTRAL SPECTRAL
UI
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

SPECTRAL DOPPLER The following DIMAQ workstation boards support spectral

DATA PATH Doppler:
• Doppler Acquisition board (DAQ)
• Doppler Spectral Processor (DSP)
• Waveform Processor (WFP)
• Audio Processor (ZAP)
In addition to the boards mentioned above, two boards in the
Scanner also support spectral Doppler. These boards are BBQ and
AUX. The AUX board is utilized only in case of AUX CW and
Imaging CW Doppler modes.
Doppler information is contained in the analog I&Q signals, which
originate in the Scanner. The DAQ digitizes the I&Q signals, and
passes them to the DSP.
The DSP converts the digital-time-domain data to Doppler
frequency-domain data. The extracted Doppler frequency data is
then sent to both the RP and the ZAP. The DSP to RP and ZAP
spectral data transfer is initiated by the WFP. The RP provides the
removal addresses to the DSP.
The RP buffers the spectral data and sends it to the CDM.
The CDM stores the data in its image and Cine memories. The
spectral (and 2-D) data from the CDM, along with the waveform
graphics and erase bar from the WFP, are sent to the SVC.
The SVC overlays graphics on the spectral Doppler display and 2-D
image, and sends the system video image to the VPB.
The VPB performs a digital-to-analog conversion, and routes
output to the IOB. The VPB also performs progressive-to-interlaced
and all other video format conversions, (i.e., composite, component
Betacam & Y-C) for output to peripherals.
The IOB buffers the video. At this point, the system image is
complete and available at the IOBs output, ready to be presented to
the monitor and peripherals for display.
NOTE: WFP is also involved in Doppler data transfer from the DSP to the RP.
Figure 5-9 shows a block diagram of Doppler boards for the spectral
Doppler data path.

Module 5-20
IOB SCSI CABLE
DIGITAL COLOR HD
I&Q IMAGE
FEC ZFEB CRP DCI
AEGIS IOB
STORE/
REVIEW
MO
DOPPLER ETHERNET
I&Q JPG
I&Q DAQ I/F
DOPPLER B/W
AUDIO AUDIO
PRINTER
I&Q
DSP ZAP VIA UIC
DIGITAL VIA IOB
I&Q SVC
COLOR
PRINTER
SPECTRAL
WFP
VCR
M-MODE VPB
SETUP & INITIATION
MONITOR

US SYSTEM
Figure 5-9 Spectral Doppler Data Path

VIDEO 2-D IMAGE
US AQP RP CDM
2-D 2-D
SPECTRAL SPECTRAL
UI
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

COLOR DOPPLER The following DIMAQ workstation boards support Color Doppler:
DATA PATH • Flow Estimator Calculator (FEC)
• Flow Estimator Buffer (ZFEB)
• Color Reconstruction Processor (CRP)
As in the case of spectral Doppler, the BBQ board in the Scanner
also supports Color Doppler.
All color flow data is developed from the Doppler I&Q signals. In
Color Doppler, the digitized I&Q output from the DAQ is sent to
the FEC.
The FEC converts the digital Doppler data to Color Doppler
velocity data (i.e., flow rate and direction), and sends it to the ZFEB.
The ZFEB stores the most recent frame of Color Doppler data for the
real-time image, and also stores multiple frames for Cine mode
playback. The output of the ZFEB is sent to the CRP.
The CRP synchronizes the Color Doppler data to the TV line rate,
and sends it to the SVC in video raster format. The actual color
assignments based on the Color Doppler data are done by the SVC.
The SVC overlays (or combines) the Color Doppler data with the
2-D image and display graphics. The SVC sends this system video
image to the VPB.
The VPB performs a digital-to-analog conversion, and routes
and all other video format conversions (i.e., composite, component,
Betacam and Y-C) for output to peripherals.
complete and available at the IOB output, ready to be presented to
Figure 5-10 shows a block diagram of the Color Doppler data path.

Module 5-22
IOB SCSI CABLE
DIGITAL COLOR HD
I&Q IMAGE
FEC ZFEB CRP DCI
AEGIS IOB
STORE/
REVIEW
MO
DOPPLER ETHERNET
I&Q JPG
I&Q DAQ I/F
DOPPLER B/W
AUDIO AUDIO
PRINTER
I&Q
DSP ZAP VIA UIC
DIGITAL VIA IOB
I&Q SVC
COLOR
PRINTER
SPECTRAL
WFP
VCR
M-MODE VPB
SETUP & INITIATION
MONITOR
Figure 5-10 Color Doppler Data Path

US SYSTEM
VIDEO 2-D IMAGE
US AQP RP CDM
2-D 2-D
SPECTRAL SPECTRAL
UI
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

M-MODE DATA PATH The Waveform Processor (WFP) board in the DIMAQ workstation
supports the M-mode functionality in the system.
M-mode ultrasound lines are received from the Scanner and
digitized by the AQP. The WFP acquires the digital M-mode data
and stores it in its buffers. It then initiates an M-mode transfer to the
RP, and sends setup information to the RP for generation of the M-
mode buffer removal addresses.
The RP generates the removal addresses, and accesses the M-mode
buffers via the remote interface cable. The M-mode data is
transferred to the RP. The RP then routes the DATA to the CDM.
The CDM stores the data in its image and Cine memories. The
M-mode (and 2-D) data from the CDM, and the waveform graphics
and erase bar from the WFP, are sent to the SVC.
The SVC overlays graphics on the M-mode display and 2-D image,
and sends the system video image to the VPB.
The VPB performs a digital-to-analog conversion, and routes its
and all other video format conversions (i.e., composite, component,
Betacam and Y-C) for output to peripherals.
complete and available at the IOB output, ready to be presented to
Figure 5-11 shows a block diagram of the M-mode data path.

Module 5-24
IOB SCSI CABLE
DIGITAL COLOR HD
I&Q IMAGE
FEC ZFEB CRP DCI
AEGIS IOB
STORE/
REVIEW
MO
DOPPLER ETHERNET
I&Q JPG
I&Q DAQ I/F
DOPPLER B/W
AUDIO AUDIO
PRINTER
I&Q
DSP ZAP VIA UIC
DIGITAL VIA IOB
I&Q SVC
COLOR
PRINTER
SPECTRAL
WFP
VCR
M-MODE VPB
Figure 5-11 M-mode Data Path

SETUP & INITIATION
MONITOR

US SYSTEM
VIDEO 2-D IMAGE
US AQP RP CDM
2-D 2-D
SPECTRAL SPECTRAL
UI
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

CINE OPERATION Cine allows storage of the most recently acquired image and strip
data and allows playback of those frames at various speeds.
The Scan Converter acquires, and allows playback of, image and
strip data (spectral Doppler and cardiac M-mode) via the Cine Data
Memory board (CDM).
The Scan Converter within the DIMAQ workstation receives the
analog ultrasound data and the I&Q signals from the Scanner, as
described earlier. The Cine RAM on the CDM stores the most
recently acquired frames of grayscale image data, Doppler data,
and M-mode data. The FEB stores frames of Color Doppler. The
WFP stores the physio traces and derived waveforms.
AEGIS® DIGITAL The AEGIS system in the Aspen system provides static images and
IMAGE AND DATA dynamic clips acquisition and review. Refer to Figure 5-12 for the
MANAGEMENT AEGIS system data path.
SYSTEM AEGIS system functionality is supported by the following
assemblies:
• Digital Compression Interface (DCI)
• JPEG Compression board (daughter board)
• Hard Drive
• MO Disk
The DCI performs the acquisition and review functions for AEGIS
on the Aspen system. Upon initiation of an image capture, the
system image is sent from the SVC to the DCI image buffers. The
DCI/JPG compresses the image for storage and sends it to the hard
disk or MO disk via a SCSI interface.
The JPEG board provides an alternative compression/
decompression technique to the RLE (Run Length Encoding)
technique that is resident on the DCI.
The AEGIS system is also the heart of the stress echo application.
Figure 5-12 shows a block diagram of the AEGIS system data path.

Module 5-26
IOB SCSI CABLE
DIGITAL COLOR HD
I&Q IMAGE
FEC ZFEB CRP DCI
AEGIS IOB
STORE/
REVIEW
MO
DOPPLER ETHERNET
I&Q JPG
I&Q DAQ I/F
DOPPLER B/W
AUDIO AUDIO
PRINTER
I&Q
DSP ZAP VIA UIC
DIGITAL VIA IOB
I&Q SVC
COLOR
PRINTER
SPECTRAL
WFP
VCR
M-MODE VPB
SETUP & INITIATION
MONITOR
Figure 5-12 AEGIS System Data Path

US SYSTEM
VIDEO 2-D IMAGE
US AQP RP CDM
2-D 2-D
SPECTRAL SPECTRAL
UI
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

ECG AND PHYSIO The Physio Interface allows the ECG module to display an ECG and
SIGNAL PROCESSING an auxiliary signal on the video monitor, and the Physiologic
module to display heart sound, pulse, and respiration. These
signals may be used to trigger the 2-D image update in pulsed
Doppler or M-mode, or they may be used as a time base when
reviewing the Cine memory.
NOTE: The ECG and Physio modules are not designed for use in conjunction
with electrotherapy or diathermy equipment.
The ECG and Physio modules mount just below the user interface.
Three cables are connected to the ECG module: the power cable P1,
physio interface cable P2, and the phono jack P4. The power and
physio interface cables also connect to the Physio module.
The power cable supplies +12V and –12V to the ECG and Physio
modules. These voltages are provided by the Main DC power
supply. The R-wave beeper signal is passed to the ZAP board via
the phono jack on the ECG. The beeper may be routed to the
speakers via the ZAP board.
The physio interface cable contains the signal and status lines used
by the Aspen system. These signals include the ECG wave,
auxiliary wave, heart sound, pulse, respiration, and trigger signals.
The status lines include ECG channel on/off, auxiliary channel on/
off, phono on/off, pulse on/off and phono mode. These signals are
sent to the WFP board in the DIMAQ workstation. The WFP uses
the signals to reconstruct the waveforms on the video monitor or to
coordinate the 2-D image updates in triggered mode.
EXTERNAL VIDEO Video input from the external video source is routed via the IOB
DISPLAY board to the Video Processor Board. The VPB digitizes this video
and converts it to progressive video, if required, before routing it to
the SYSCON Video Controller (SVC). From SVC, the video is routed
to the DCI board for AEGIS acquisition, if required, and to the VPB.
The VPB converts this video to analog video and routes it to the IOB
for display on the monitor.

EXTERNAL
External EXTERNAL
Video Source VIDEO
VIDEO
DIGITIZED
IOB PROGRESS. SVC
VPB
VIDEO
ANALOG ANALOG
Monitor
PROGRESS. PROGRESS.
VIDEO VIDEO
Figure 5-13 External Video Display Path
AUDIO Audio data is generated from several sources in the system and is
used by the system loudspeakers or headphones, and external
VCRs. See Figure 5-14 for the audio data path. Sources and
destinations are:
• The ZAP board generates Doppler audio from the DSP Doppler
I&Q signals, which are sent via the IOB. Doppler audio can be
selected by software for output to system speakers and/or the
IOB. The IOB routes it to external VCRs.
• During VCR playback, the IOB routes VCR audio to the ZAP
(Audio Processor Board). The ZAP amplifies the VCR audio
and sends it to system speakers or headphones.
• The ECG module creates a beeper to indicate the R-wave. The
beeper is routed to the ZAP where it is amplified. The R-wave
beeper output can be selected by software for output to system
speakers or headphones and/or the IOB. The IOB routes it to
external VCRs.
Microphone The system microphone is used to create audio annotation. The
audio annotation is routed to the Audio Processor board (ZAP)
where it is amplified. The microphone output can be selected by
software for output to the IOB. The IOB routes it to external VCRs.
The microphone data cannot be sent directly to the system speakers.
Volume Control The User Interface Controller (UIC) controls volume for audio sent
to system speakers. ZAP audio destined for the speakers is sent to
the UIC. Volume-controlled audio is returned to the ZAP for power
amplification. The audio is routed to the Monitor System Equalizer
board (MSE), and then to system speakers. When headphones are
used, the MSE is bypassed.

The UIC also generates audio for user interface (UI) feedback. The
UIC mixes UI audio with the volume-controlled audio it sends back
to the ZAP, so UI audio is sent only to the speakers and cannot be
captured by VCRs
.
LEFT & RIGHT

UIC SPEAKERS
MSE
MSE
DOPPLER DOPPLER
DSP
I&Q I&Q
I&
HEADPHONES
ZAP MICROPHONE
IOB LEFT
RIGHT ECG BEEPER
VCR
VCR
AUDIO
Figure 5-14 Audio Data Path

USER INTERFACE
NOTE: The volume control knob is located under the softkeys on the monitor
assembly.
The user interface consists of two major subassemblies:

• User Interface Controller (UIC)
• User Interface Panel (UIP)
The user interface provides the interface between the user and the
Aspen system. The UIC has a processor that monitors the status of
the user controls. When changes occur, this processor sends an
interrupt to the System Control Processor on the SVC board. The
SVC then initiates the sequence of events needed to configure the
Aspen system.
The user interface is designed in a modular fashion. The UIC board
mates to the switch assembly (UIP) via stand offs and hard
connectors. The trackball, QWERTY keyboard (UIQ), User Depth
Control (UDC), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), Reset Test Board
(RTB), Selector Switch board (SSW), and Front Panel Light board
(FPL) assemblies are connected with ribbon cables to the UIP.

Acuson Confidential DIMAQ Workstation Layout
DIMAQ WORKSTATION LAYOUT

The following circuit board descriptions are listed alphabetically by
the three letter acronym of each board. A brief functional
description of each board is provided. See the Scanner Assemblies
section for information about the boards in the Scanner.

TO/FROM
AQP -RP
HD & MO
DIGITIZED 2D DISKS
34793
J1
RP
Module 5-32
J2
PHYSIO INTERFACE
34782
FAN
CDM
REMOTE BUS
34790 J3
SPARE
J4 A-D BUS
AQP 33496
J5
WFP
J6
DSP
NOT CONNECTED J7
DAQ
SPARE DOPPLER DIGITAL

J8
14535
J9
FEC
NOT CONNECTED J10
FEB
J11
J12
CRP
J13

SVC AEGIS
VIDEO BUS
34788
VIDEO BUS J14
DCI 42135
SPARE J15 Audio
SCSI BUS
ETHERNET
Ethernet
51047
BUS
AUI
J16
VPB 34781
FAN
J17
IOB
Figure 5-15 Scan Converter DIMAQ Workstation Board Layout

UP
REAR
Acuson Confidential
P/N 59154 Rev. 1

OF SYSTEM
Acuson Confidential Software Architecture
SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE
SYSTEM SOFTWARE The SVC (System & Video Controller board) has the software and
the main microprocessor to control the whole system. SYSCON
(System Control Software) resides on SIMMS J7 and J8 on the SVC.
In addition to SYSCON, the “flash SIMMS” on the SVC also have
the power on diagnostics and hardware diagnostics. The
programmed SIMMS are very stable and can be removed from the
SVC and used on another board without any corruption to the
software.
The SYSCON revision controls how the system functions overall. If
an Aspen system has SYSCON Rev. 6.0, the system is referred to as a
“6.0” system. Each revision of SYSCON adds additional features
that are made available to the customer if purchased. The 5.0
software contained several changes to how the user interface
operates and a 5.0 or higher Aspen system has a user interface
equivalent to Sequoia systems.
The ZSCP also has two flash SIMMS that hold Scanner control
software and transducer microcode.
Initialization When the system is powered up, the SVC board is the first to
initialize. However, the SVC requires a clock from the RP to be
functional. The SVC also requires a “bootprom” programmable
PLCC part in order for it to initialize its microprocessor and boot up
properly. If the SVC, RP, or SVC bootprom are not functional, the
system software will never even start up and a completely blank
screen will appear with the power on. The diagnostics will also not
be accessible.
If the SVC and its bootprom are functional, it will proceed to start
up the rest of the system. It will communicate with all of the
DIMAQ boards, the UI, and Scanner. If any of the boards to not
respond to the SVC, the system will not power up properly. (With
Aspen 6.0 software or higher, a boot error “02” with the missing
board will appear. At previous versions of software, the system may
lock up with a blank screen.)
Also refer to “Power Up Sequence” on page 40.
Bootproms Many of the other boards in the system also have microprocessors
and therefore also have programmable bootproms to start up the
board.
NOTE: The bootproms must match the SYSCON in the system. If you replace
any boards with bootproms or SIMMs, place the programmed parts on
the new board.
The following is a list of the boards and bootprom locations:

RP U08 UIC U19 FEC U145, U146 SVC U29
DCI U105 WFP U37 ZSCP U69 & U72

Boot As mentioned, many boards in the system (except for Scanner

Troubleshooting channel boards and the DCI) and bootproms need to be functional
in order for the system to power up. If the SVC cannot communicate
with boards, the system will lock up. Fortunately diagnostics
should usually still be accessible.
• The “Z” command in diagnostics is very useful to troubleshoot
boot problems. Enter Manual Diagnostics as described in
Module 8 and then type Z <RETURN>.)
Software and Hardware Configuration Report - SN 30424
Aspen Release 6.000 03/23/00
BOOT PROM VERSIONS
SVC2BOOTMON 36.101 Wed Jan 12 16:02:17 2000
DCIBOOT 35.205 Mon Jul 19 16:05:25 1999
FECBOOT 31.201 Tue Nov 12 12:57:10 1996
RPBOOT 32.102 Mon Feb 24 15:10:29 1997
SCPBOOT 31.105 Thu Apr 18 09:49:16 1996
UICBOOT 35.201 Fri May 21 14:25:51 1999
WFPBOOT 31.104 Tue Jul 9 17:09:10 1996
DIAGNOSTICS VERSIONS (not important...)
Scanner Present
CRP
DAQ
DCI2
DSP
FEC4
IOB2
RP3-NTSC
SCP4/ZSCP
VPB2-NTSC
UIC2
WFP
ZFEB
ZIP
ZDT
Keep a printout of the Z command for each system. If a system is

not powering up, run Z and compare to the stored printout. Look
for the following:
• The bootproms should all be listed and the proper revision. The
required bootprom revision is dependent on the SYSCON
revision.
• Any bootprom that says “NO RESPONSE” did not
communicate with the SVC and could be the cause of the
problem.
NOTE: The FEC sometimes reports “no response” but is functioning. Type Z! to do the
query a second time to confirm the results.

• Also verify the board listing at the bottom of the Z command.

Any boards that are not functioning may be missing from the
list.
• It may also be useful to run the power on diagnostic suite and/
or additional board diagnostics to troubleshoot more. See
Module 8.
DATA STORAGE
BBM In addition to system software and a bootprom, the SVC also has
Battery Backed Memory (BBM). This memory holds user or system
specific information to affect how the system operates. The battery
on the SVC ensures that the data is maintained when the system is
off or when the SVC is removed from the system. If the battery is
removed or loses its charge, the BBM data will be lost and the
system will no longer function.
BBM on the SVC has the following system specific data:
• Encryption: turns the system “on” to use various features and
transducers depending on what the customer has purchased.
• User Presets: Stores any user specific presets that have been
saved.
• Peripheral Setups
• Diagnostic Logs
AEGIS Data In addition to BBM on the SVC, some system specific information is
Backup stored on the system hard disk specific to AEGIS. The hard disk
stores the following data:
• AEGIS parameters: AEGIS portion of user presets. Controls
AEGIS storage and printing.
• DICOM parameters (only customers who purchase DICOM)
• Networking information: IP address, server, and printers.
(only customers who purchase a feature requiring networking.)
Backup of User Aspen systems with 6.0 software or higher, have a feature that
Data enables service engineers to store User Presets including AEGIS
parameters to an exam MO. This feature is in the Engineering Menu
and will be discussed in the Configuration Module 7.
A current MO with user presets should be maintained for every
system. In addition, keep a printout of the Encryption, Peripheral
setup pages, DICOM and Networking pages. If anything happens
to the SVC or hard disk, this information can be restored.
AEGIS SOFTWARE The AEGIS portion of the system runs separate from SYSCON, and
ARCHITECTURE they communicate after the system (SYSCON) is powered up and in
imaging mode. AEGIS runs off of software on the hard disk and is
controlled by the DCI (Digital Compression Interface board.) When
the SVC is starting up the other boards in the system, it starts up the
DCI which in turn starts up the hard disk and AEGIS initializes.
SYSCON goes through its normal power up sequence without
regard to AEGIS. When SYSCON has completed powered up and
initialized the transducer, it then goes out to check if AEGIS is
functional and ready to communicate.

NOTES ABOUT Some important notes about AEGIS:

AEGIS • A SYSCON reset does NOT affect AEGIS. Once AEGIS is up
and running, a reset on the system only resets the SVC and
SYSCON. When SYSCON initializes it will again try to connect
to AEGIS, but AEGIS was unaffected.
• To reset AEGIS - power cycle the system.
• AEGIS cannot affect the system power up sequence. The DCI
and/or hard disk can be broken or missing and the system will
power up and image fine.
• AEGIS runs off the hard disk and is therefore susceptible to
software corruption. Be careful to power the system down
properly to take care of the hard disk. See the following
troubleshooting notes.
• AEGIS can be turned “off” in the Engineering Menu described
in Module 7. It is beneficial to turn AEGIS off when
troubleshooting various parts of the system where the system
might be power cycled a lot.
• If the AEGIS software is “hung” or not responding, it will keep
the system from powering down properly.
• Always try to power down properly with the power button or
see the following troubleshooting section. If power is removed
suddenly from AEGIS, the hard disk will get corrupted.
• Recommend that your customers power cycle at least once per
day or if they are having any problems with AEGIS. It is similar
to a computer in that a reboot for a fresh start is often very
helpful.

AEGIS Hardware There are four components to AEGIS: the DCI the JPEG boards,
Components hard disk, and MO drive. These are all connected within the system
via SCSI cables.
• The DCI starts up hard disk, controls AEGIS and communicates
with the SVC and SYSCON. The DCI compresses the static
images digitally without any loss of data. The DCI can be
removed from the system and the system will still image, but
AEGIS will not function. If the customer has an “AEGIS
network” they will have a QV150 connected to the Aspen
system and will not use the DCI for AEGIS.
• The JPEG board is called a “piggyback” board because it fits on
top of the DCI. The JPEG board is used for clip storage and
compression only. It compresses clips with the JPEG format to
make them smaller and take less memory. JPEG compression is
called “loss” because some of the digital data is lost in the
storage and compression process.
• The hard disk has all of the software that runs AEGIS. It also
stores the AEGIS parameters, DICOM and networking
configuration and all the patient exams. The hard disk connects
to the DCI through three connecting SCSI cables. The SCSI
cables and connectors are very fragile and should be treated
with care. The SCSI cables are the most common hardware
failure related to AEGIS.
• The MO disk drive allows for the customer to store AEGIS
exams onto a DICOM formatted MO disk. The MO drive is also
used by service engineers to backup user presets and perform
upgrades. The MO drive may get damaged (dirty) if the system
filters are not kept clean. (Note: The MO disk not functioning
will not keep the system from powering up.)
Troubleshooting SYSCON will try to connect to AEGIS after it has completed the
AEGIS Power Up system initialization. If AEGIS does not respond, SYSCON will
report “AEGIS not responding”. The user must then hit the softkey
labeled “continue” and they will have the ability to image with the
system without AEGIS.
CAUTION! Do NOT power down when AEGIS doesn’t connect without

troubleshooting! Serious corruption to the hard disk can occur and the
user may lose all AEGIS configuration and exams.
Because AEGIS is software based it checks for software corruption

at every power up. AEGIS may be fixing software corruption and
not connect to SYSCON. If the system was powered down while the
hard disk is fixing the corruption it will likely not be able to recover.

Software How to tell if AEGIS is fixing software corruption:

Corruption
• Watch for a message at power up that says “AEGIS fixing hard
disk”. This message will be reported by SYSCON after the
system initialization. If AEGIS does not finish fixing the hard
disk within a minute, SYSCON will “time-out” and stop
waiting.
• If the “fixing AEGIS hard disk” message appeared, but then
timed out to display “Aegis not responding”, RESET the system
and try again. (Do NOT power down!) The reset will just reset
SYSCON and ask it to try to connect to AEGIS again. If AEGIS
has finished fixing the corruption it will connect up.
• If AEGIS still won’t connect, put your ear near the hard disk
and listen to hear it spinning. Alternatively take the front bezel
off the disk drive bay and look for the light on the hard disk to
verify that it is working on something. Anytime you can see or
hear the hard disk working - RESET and do NOT power down!
• Sometimes it is helpful to recommend to customers to leave the
system alone for several minutes after seeing the “fixing AEGIS
hard disk” message. After they return, RESET the system and it
should connect as long as AEGIS has finished fixing the
corruption.
• Remember that SYSCON only allows AEGIS a minute to fix
corruption and then gives up. SYSCON will not continue to
wait - RESET must be requested manually.
Hardware If SYSCON reports “AEGIS not responding - cannot connect to
problems AEGIS” and you have not seen any signs of software corruption, it
is likely a hardware problem. Troubleshoot the hardware with the
following procedure:
• Go to manual diagnostics as described in Module 8 and run
diagnostic tests 6C4 and 6E8. These are two quick tests that
verify the communication from the DCI, through the SCSI
cables, and perform a read/write to the hard disk (6C4) and the
MO (6E8). (Note that 6E8 requires an exam MO inserted.)
• If both SCSI test fail, it is likely the fuse (to the hard disk and
MO) or a SCSI cable. Verify the fuse and SCSI cables are
connected and seated properly.
• If one SCSI test fails, it is likely a bad hard disk. (The MO drive
will not keep the system from powering up.)
• If neither test fails, run the AEGIS diagnostic suite which takes
up to 30 minutes. This will thoroughly test the DCI and
communication with the system.
• If NO diagnostic tests fail, it is likely a serious software
corruption problem. An Acuson Customer Engineer can reload
software.
Troubleshooting SYSCON is designed to wait for AEGIS to close an exam and
AEGIS Power shutdown the hard disk softly before allowing the system to power
Down off. If AEGIS doesn’t respond to SYSCON after pressing the power
off button, the system will lock up with a message on screen.
“Please wait for system to power off...”

In case that you have a system that locks up at power down try the
following in this order:
1 RESET and let the system power up to imaging mode. Try the
power down again. This is least damaging and should save an open
exam if possible.
2 Press RESET then Test to go to the Customer Diagnostic Menu.
Power down from this menu. It may take a minute or more, but this
works 90% of the time and still powers the hard disk down softly.
3 Only if the above methods don’t work:
• Press RESET and then press the power button a few times in the
first few seconds until the system powers off.
• If all else fails, use the circuit breaker or pull the power cord.

POWER UP SEQUENCE
SCANNER DIMAQ Workstation

System Control (SVC)
2
PONMON
3 SYSCON Keyboard
Dual Port Ram System SET-UP, Controller
Move Out of the WAY,
Scan Control and Monitor Operator
Processor Controls
Beamformer
Set-up
Wave Generation
and Reception Scan Conversion
52 7
S3 S4 Strip
Radiology 8 u Processors
Doppler
Ultrasound Scan Line Data Raster

S2 Scanner States S5 Processing Commands Video CRT
Xducr
Color
Cardiology
42 63 Doppler
S1 S0
Xducer Init/ Scanner
Autocal Interface
Digital Image Mangement

11 8 Aegis
Network
Review
Stations
PPS Main Powersupply DICOM
Printers
POWER SUPPLIES MO Disks

Acuson Confidential Power Up Sequence
PC SYSTEM The Main Power Supply is a low noise power supply that will
POWER-UP accept AC voltages ranging from 85V to 264V and provide DC
voltages from -15 to 300 volts where needed. When the system is
11 plugged in, an AC voltage gets presented to the Main Power Supply
which generates a 5V standby voltage to run the power-on circuitry
(i.e. the User Interface-UI, and the Peripheral Interface Controller-
PIC). When the “on” button is pushed, the Main Power Supply
supplies provides voltages to all of the system components.
NOTE: Open the back door of a system and look at the 7 segment LED. If the
period is illuminated then the stand-by voltage is present.
POWER-ON Once Power is turn on, the main 68020 microprocessor (on the
DIAGNOSTICS SYSCON Video Controller - SVC) jumps to a piece of code called
“PONMON” and starts executing instructions. After it checks the
2 serial port to see if anyone is trying to remotely control the system,
it starts running power-on diagnostic.
SYSCON SET-UP After running power-on diagnostics the processor jumps to a

AND CONTROL program called SYSCON, which is the main program for real-time
system control. SYSCON then communicates with the nine other
3 microprocessors and the real-time hardware so that the system can
generate and display ultrasound lines. After the hardware has been
programed, SYSCON moves out of the way and monitors the
ultrasound lines, until the time that someone changes an operator
setting and SYSCON has to reprogram the hardware for the new
format.
NOTE: The Aspen splash screen appears on the monitor during Step 3.
TRANSDUCER Shortly after jumping to SYSCON transducer initialization occurs.

INITIALIZATION / The Scanner reads the transducer port and finds out which
AUTO-CALIBRATE transducer is installed. It then goes out and gets all of the software
necessary to run that transducer (called microcode) from the
42 Memory Expansion Board (MEX) and delivers it to the high speed
information delivery boards (the Dual Channel Controllers) where
it can be sent throughout the Scanner in order to generate
ultrasound lines. During this step, the ZDL clicks twice.
After the microcode is delivered the system fires some practice
lines. It uses one receiver channel at a time, feeds in a know signal,
and insures that each channel is outputting the correct voltage. If
any channels are low the microcode for that channel can be adjusted
and the voltage can be brought up. This process is called
autocalibration. When all of the channels are calibrated the system
is ready to start real-time imaging.

WAVE GENERATION Once programed the Scanner continues in an infinite loop of six
AND RECEPTION Scanner states. Each time goes though the six Scanner states one
ultrasound line is generated and delivered to the DIMAQ
52 workstation for processing and display. The actions during the
Scanner states are as follows:
• SS0 - the processor state - during this state the Scan Control
Processor (SCP) checks its Dual Port Ram to see if there were
any changes in the operator settings. If not, it knows it has to
fire the next consecutive ultrasound line.
• SS1-3 -the information delivery states - during these three states
all of the 1s and 0s necessary to fire the particular line gets
delivered (i.e. transmitters are told when to fire, and how much.
Receivers are programed with their gain values, etc.). The line is
now ready to be fired.
• SS4 - the transmit state - all of the transmitters start firing at
different times, in order to create a focus wave front.
• SS5 - the receive state - during this time the receivers are turned
on and the ultrasound reflectors are being passed to the
DIMAQ workstation. At the same time, high speed information
gets delivered in order to manipulate the receive channels in
real-time. This process, called Computed Sonography, causes
significant improvements over phased array imaging.
TRANSFER OF Ultrasound lines are fired the same way, no matter what type of line
ULTRASOUND DATA / is being fired (Doppler, Color, B Mode, etc.) the only difference is
SCANNER INTERFACE the way the information is packaged and, the way the DIMAQ
workstation processes them to extract specific image data. All of the
63 products modes are achieved using the DIMAQ workstation.
When the Scanner is in its receive state, the DIMAQ workstation is
in a acquisition state. That is to say, when the receivers are on the
QIMAQ workstation had better be taking digitized image data and
storing it in a RAM some where because, if you wait to long it will
be gone.
At the same time, the DIMAQ workstation needs some additional
information before it can process and display it. First of all, how do
I process it - is it a Doppler or B Mode line?, Where do I put it on the
CRT?, etc. All of this processing information is sent over a digital
bus called the Scanner Interface Bus. This bus contains everything
the DIMAQ workstation needs to acquire, process, format, and
display an ultrasound line - like Line #, Line Type, Clocks, Start of
Line (SOL), etc.
SCAN CONVERSION The Scan Converter should be looked at as four independent sub-
systems (B Mode, Strip Doppler, Flow Mode, and M Mode). With
7 ultrasound lines coming up one at a time, each sub-system monitors
the Scanner interface bus and jumps to life when it sees its own Line
Type (all of the other sub-systems stay idle).

Acuson Confidential Power Up Sequence
Each Scan Converter sub-system has the capability to complete the

following four tasks:
• Acquisition - During the receive time, the each Scan Converter
digitizes the Scanner data and sticks it in a ram - at which time
it has been acquired.
• Processing - In the Strip Doppler mode, for instance, the
Doppler Spectral Processor runs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
on the acquired signal to extract the doppler shifted
information.
• Format - Once the ultrasound information has been extracted
and is ready to display, it has to be put in a Image Memory so
that it comes out in the right place on the CRT.
• Display - Once the data has been formatted it has to be clocked-
out in sync. with the monitor raster beam (i.e. at standard TV
rates).
Once an ultrasound line is displayed on the CRT, the Scan
Converters are ready to respond to new lines coming from the
Scanner. This pattern continues indefinitely.
DIGITAL IMAGE In addition to being displayed on the monitor, images can be stored
MANAGEMENT digitally on the hard drive, MO drives, on network devices (using
the XYZ board). From there they can be reviewed, manipulated, and
8 sent other equipment - in a variety of formats. This preserves the
original quality of the images.

PCB ASSEMBLIES
APD Apodizer Board, P/N 10332
The Scanner has four Apodizer boards, each with 32 apodizer
channels, providing a total of 128 apodizer channels. The apodizer
channels adjust the aperture of the transducer array. The output of
an apodizer channel drives the apodizing amplifier section of an
associated Receiver channel.
The Apodizer boards are controlled by microcode on DCC0 via the
B bus.
AQP Acquisition Processor Board, P/N 31292

The Acquisition Processor board digitizes 2-D and M-mode analog
Ultrasound Video data (US Video) that is passed from the Scanner.
This board receives input from the VDT via the DBL and IOB, and
sends digitized output to the Reconstruction Processor (RP) board.
Digitized M-mode data is routed to the WFP board for generating
M-mode strip displays.
The AQP is controlled by the Scan Converter (SCC) processor on
the RP. There is no microprocessor on the AQP.
AQP Functions • Digitizes 2-D and M-mode US Video for Scan Converter
processing
• Crossfades transmit zone regions, virtually eliminating the
“stitching artifact” common to older generation systems
• Captures complete ultrasound video frames, which is the
most substantial factor in eliminating the “windshield
wiper” effect common to older generation systems
• Provides axial and azimuthal filtering for smoothing of the
image
• Controls transfer of data to the RP2
AQP Power • +5V Scan Converter
Supplies • +12V Scan Converter
• -12V Scan Converter
AQP Control Inputs to the AQP: 10 MHz Scanner Reference Clock

Troubleshooting
• Originates from Scanner Timing Generator (STG5)
Aids
• Path to AQP: STG5, SMB, ZDT, IOB2, SCMB, AQP
• Interface Cable: Scanner Control (ZDT-J4 IOB2-J3)

Acuson Confidential PCB Assemblies
Data Inputs to the AQP

• US Video
• Originates from Scanner/VDT3
• Path to AQP: VDT3, SMB, DBL44, IOB2, SCMB, AQP
• Interface Cable: Scanner Analog (DBL4-J9 IOB2-J9)
• M-mode Data
• Originates from Scanner/BBQ4
• Path to AQP: BBQ4, SMB, DBL44, IOB2, SCMB, AQP
• Interface Cable: Scanner Analog (DBL4-J9 IOB2-J9)
• Line #/Type and SOL (Start of Line)
• Originates from Scanner / <ZDT>
• Path to AQP: ZDT, IOB2, SCMB, AQP
• Interface Cable: Scanner Control (ZDT J4 IOB2 J3)
Control I/O Interfaces on AQP
• AQP/RP2 Interface
• Interface Cable: AQP/RP2 Interface Ribbon Cable
• AQP Control
• Interface: S.C. Local Bus (SCMB P2 connector)
AUX Auxiliary Continuous Wave Doppler Board, P/N 17332

The Auxiliary Continuous Wave (AUX CW) Doppler board
operates in one of two modes depending upon the type of CW
function being used.
In the first mode, an AUX CW transducer is used. This transducer
has a single piezoelectric transducer element for transmitting and a
second element for receiving. In this mode, the AUX board
generates the transmit pulses that drive the transducer. These
pulses are passed to the transducer via the ZDL. The receive signal
also enters the Scanner via the ZDL. The AUX board then filters out
the carrier/clutter component of the return signal and outputs the
AUX CARR signal to the BBQ board.
In the second mode, an Acuson imaging transducer is used. A
number of the transducer elements transmit continuously, while
others receive continuously. This process is more or less continuous
since it is possible to update the 2-D image periodically. The format
for transmit and receive is configured by the Scanner. The signal
processing is similar to normal Doppler operation with the
following exception: the IF FIL signal from the VDT is passed to the
AUX board for processing rather than being processed by the BBQ
directly. After the AUX board has separated the Doppler signal, it
passes the Doppler signal to the BBQ. Once at the BBQ, the signal is
processed in the usual manner.

BBQ Baseband Quadrature Board, P/N 32272

The Baseband Quadrature board is active only in Doppler modes. It
converts the IF FIL signal from the VDT to an “I” signal (in phase)
and a “Q” signal (quadrature). The I&Q signals preserve amplitude,
frequency, and phase information for subsequent processing by the
DAQ and DSP. When using continuous wave Doppler, the AUX
CARR signal is processed, not the IF FIL signal.
CDM Cine Data Memory Board, P/N 41632

The Cine Data Memory board provides the buffer storage area
necessary to perform time-base correction between the variable
frame rate ultrasound scan and the fixed frame rate TV raster scan.
The CDM also performs scan conversion from ultrasound scan
format to video raster format. Secondary functions include
persistence generation and gray level mapping (postprocessing). In
addition, the CDM continuously stores the most recently acquired
image and strip data, which may then be reviewed by the user. To
allow for maximum usage of available memory, the number of
video frames stored varies according to the format of the system.
The CDM has 4 MB of Cine memory expandable to 128 MB.
The CDM also provides Image Memory to facilitate the serial clock
output of video data to the SVC2. The Image Memory is dual
planed, providing frame oriented display update to aid in
eliminating the “windshield wiper” artifact. This allows
simultaneous capture and output of video data from the Image
Memory. One Image Memory plane provides video data output to
the SVC2 while the other is capturing a new frame of video data.
Output control and video timing for video data transfer to the SVC2
are supplied by the Reconstruction Processor (RP2) board. The
CDM2 board does not have a dedicated microprocessor; it relies on
the SCC processor on the RP2. The CDM2 board also receives its
state machines clock input from the AQP.
The Imaging Cine function is available with gray scale and Color
Doppler imaging. Strip Cine function is available with spectral
Doppler and cardiac M-mode. The CDM stores only the gray scale
portion of the image. Color Doppler frames are stored on the ZFEB.
CDM Functions
• Storage of image data for Cine review
• Time-base correction
• Persistence
• Postprocessing
• Temporal filtering (persistence) of incoming 2-D data
• DRAM storage of Cine data
• Dual Image Memory planes
• Lateral interpolation on Image Memory output data before data
is sent to the SVC

CDM Power Supplies

• +5V Scan Converter
CRP Color Reconstruction Processor Board, P/N 41622

The Color Reconstruction Processor board converts color data from
the scan format to the video format used by the monitor. It is used
in conjunction with the FEC and ZFEB. The CRP reads data from
the ZFEB in sync with the video raster. This data is then passed to
the SVC where it is combined with the 2-D ultrasound image.
DAQ Doppler Acquisition Board, P/N 19312

The Doppler Acquisition board is essentially a high speed analog-
to-digital converter. The DAQ receives and digitizes the analog I&Q
signals from the BBQ, and then routes these signals to the DSP and
FEC.
DBL Distribution Board Lower, P/N 34602

DBL Functions
• Interfaces the analog ultrasound video signal to the Scan
Converter within the DIMAQ workstation
• Routes signals of the SDL outputs
• Terminates the A and D bus
• Buffers the test point outputs and analog outputs
• Carries probe temperature information from UIC to Scanner
The DBL is controlled by microcode on DCC 1 via the D bus.
DCC Dual Channel Controller Board, P/N 21552, Aspen Ultrasound

The Dual Channel Controller board provides high speed data
transfer to control the functions of the Scanner. The DCC is basically
a high speed memory board that drives two digital buses: an 8-bit
data bus, and a 16-bit data bus. Both buses have an 8-bit address
bus. Two DCC boards are used in the Scanner. The DCC nearest the
top side of the Scanner, DCC0, drives the A and B buses. The other,
DCC1, drives the C and D buses. The A, B, C, and D buses carry
control information to the beamformer drive and video gain
processing sections of the Scanner.
During the scanning cycles, the DCCs output the necessary control
information onto the A, B, C, and D buses.

The board part number is not changed for the Aspen Advanced;
there is only a board revision change.
DSP Doppler Spectral Processor Board, P/N 14922

The Doppler Spectral Processor board converts the time-domain
Doppler data digitized by the DAQ to frequency-domain data
suitable for display in spectral Doppler modes. This data is then
passed to the RP. The DSP also prepares data for use by the Audio
Processor (ZAP). This data is used to synthesize the Doppler audio
signal for the speakers.
ECG/PHYSIO Electrocardiogram Module, P/N 37918

MODULE The Electrocardiogram and Physio modules are accessories that can
be installed on an Aspen system. A system can have an ECG
module with no Physio module, or both modules. The combination
allows the display of an ECG or an auxiliary signal from a
specialized transducer. Auxiliary signals may include heart sounds,
respiration, etc.
The ECG and Physio modules mount under the User Interface of
the Aspen system. Three cables are connected to the ECG: the
power cable P1, physio interface cable P2, and the phono jack P4.
The ECG and Physio modules are powered by the +12V and the –
12V taken from the main power supply.
The ECG, auxiliary waveform, pulse and beeper signals and the
status lines, are passed to the WFP board in the DIMAQ
workstation via the ECG physio interface cable. The beeper signal is
passed to the ZAP circuit board via the phono jack.
WARNING! The ECG and Physio modules are not designed for use in conjunction
with electrosurgery or diathermy equipment.
To reduce the risk of electric shock or burns, use ONLY the patient cable
and leads supplied with the unit. Use of ECG cables other than those
supplied by Acuson could defeat the current-limiting and electrical
safety features of the ECG. For best performance and optimal recovery
time, use the Acuson silver-silver chloride electrodes. Additional
patient cables and lead kits are available from Acuson.
FEC Flow Estimator Calculator Board, P/N 36552

The Flow Estimator Calculator board is used in conjunction with a
ZFEB and CRP. The Flow Estimator Calculator extracts data from
the Doppler data that has been digitized by the DAQ. This data is
then passed on to the ZFEB.

IFD Intermediate Frequency Detector Board, P/N 30242, Aspen

Ultrasound
Intermediate Frequency Detector Board, P/N 52552, Aspen
Advanced Ultrasound
The Intermediate Frequency Detector board provides IF
frequencies, fixed response filters, and programmable magnitude
equalizers to shape and optimize frequency response for IF SUM.
Extends autocal to multiple IF frequencies.
The Aspen Advanced ultrasound version provides more IF filtering
options, and further extends the autocal support.
IGD Interpolating Gain Driver Board, P/N 26442

The Interpolating Gain Driver board performs a high speed
interpolation of the control words sent on the D bus. The control
words configure the IGD for a particular gain format. Five A/D
converters provide the following gain signals for use by the
Scanner:
• Receiver Gain
• Receiver Bias
• Transmit Power
• Video Gain
• Apodizer Bias
The apodizer reference level is also generated on the IGD board.
The IGD monitors the thermal sense line and provides a fail-safe
shutdown of XMT boards.
IOB Input/Output Board, P/N 41312

The Input/Output board (IOB) provides signal I/O between the
DIMAQ™ workstation and other internal sub-systems and
peripherals. Standard interface connectors are built onto the IOB2 to
allow peripherals and communication links to plug directly into the
board. The IOB2 also provides a 7-segment display for power
supply error reporting, and 5 colored LEDs for indicating status on
the Ethernet 10Base-T communication interface.

IOB Functions
• Terminates Scan Converter busses
• Provides a buffered digital interface to the ZSCP via the ZDTs
dual-port RAM
• Provides a buffered digital interface to the UICs dual Port RAM
• Provides serial and parallel I/O interfaces to peripherals
• Provides SCSI, Ethernet AUI, and 10BaseT interfaces to the DCI
and the outside world
• Provides Ethernet communication activity indicators
• Buffers various formats of video outputs to peripherals
• Multiplexes video inputs from peripherals to the VPB
• Provides audio interface to the Audio Processor board from the
DSP, and to/from VCR, and Betacam
• Provides video output loop back from the VPB for system video
calibration
• Multiplexes video inputs from peripherals to the VPB2
• Removes tape Autocal data from all hardcopy (non-VCR) video
outputs
• Provides thermal sensing and fan speed control
• Provide system power supply monitoring, control, and error
reporting
• Provides an interface for remote system control, including
Remote Diagnostics
IOB Power Supplies
• +5V Standby
MEX Memory Expansion Board, P/N 26142

The Memory Expansion board is used as a storage area for control
data (microcode) for various transducers.
The data set for a particular transducer is programmed into a set of
PROMs and then placed in sequential order on the MEX. When that
particular transducer is connected to the system, its ID code is read
and data from the corresponding microcode set is loaded into the
DCCs.
Data exits the MEX via the P bus. All the PROMs in a set must be
adjacent to one another and arranged in ascending order.
Additional boards may be installed in the system by setting the
address jumper (BD0, BD1, BD2) as appropriate for that board.

MSE Monitor Speaker Equalizer, P/N 40942

The Monitor Speaker Equalizer board balances the audio frequency
spectrum to match the acoustic performance of the system speakers.
MXK Mixer Clock Board, P/N 17932

Mixer Clock Board, P/N 53962, Aspen Advanced
The Scanner has four Mixer Clock boards, with 32 channels each,
providing a total of 128 channels. The Mixer Clock generates a
phased local oscillator signal to mix with the received ultrasound
signal, producing an intermediate frequency (IF). The output of
each mixer clock channel is used to drive the mixer section of each
associated receiver channel. The mixer clock frequency changes
with different transducer types.
The MXK boards are controlled by microcode downloaded to the
DCC1 via the C bus. Logic on the MXK board buffers and latches
control words from the C bus to configure the MXK boards for a
particular ultrasound line. Addresses for the MXK boards are
encoded into the motherboard connectors to identify each of the
four MXK boards in the Scanner.
The Aspen Advanced ultrasound version controls receiver mixer
artifacts, which are otherwise more apparent in Native Tissue
Harmonic Imaging.
Each Receiver pair IF output is connected to one SDL channel input
and is carried on lines IF 0 through 7. Each SDL channel is
associated with two receiver channels, thus the entire board services
16 receiver channels. The output of each SDL board is sent to the
Distribution Board Lower (DBL), where all eight SDL board outputs
are summed together.
The SDL boards are controlled by DCC0 via the A bus. Logic on the
SDL board buffers and latches the control words from the A bus to
configure the SDL for a particular ultrasound line. Addresses for
the SDL boards are encoded into the connectors in the motherboard
to identify each of the eight SDL boards in the Scanner.
RCV Receiver Board, P/N 17912

The Receiver board amplifies the low level signal from the
transducer elements and converts the received signal to an
intermediate frequency (IF) for further processing in the Scanner.
Gain signals from the Apodizer boards and the Interpolating Gain
Driver control the output level of the Receiver. The local oscillator
frequency used to produce the IF signal is generated on the STG
board.
There are 16 Receiver boards in the Scanner and 8 receiver cells on
each board, thus giving 128 total cells.

RP Reconstruction Processor Board, P/N 46252 (without DELTA®

differential echo amplification support)
Reconstruction Processor Board, P/N 46242 (with DELTA®
differential echo amplification support)
The Reconstruction Processor board receives digitized 2-D data
from the Acquisition Processor, and performs scan conversion to
support linear, Vector wide-view array, and curved array image
formats. The RP also provides autonomous control of the scan
conversion process by managing the AQP and CDM boards via its
dedicated Scan Converter Control (SCC) processor. This allows the
SYSCON processor (on the SVC) to handle chores other than scan
conversion. The RP is one of two boards that can control the Scan
Converter System Bus. The other System Bus master is the SVC. A
previous version of the RP (RP2) came in NTSC and PAL specific
versions. The current DELTA amplification and non-DELTA
amplification RP3 boards support both PAL and NTSC with a single
board via a suitcase jumper.
RP Functions • Receives and buffers digitized 2-D data from the AQP
• Receives and buffers digitized strip format data from the WFP
sent over the remote interface bus
• Provides control and CDM memory addressing for storage of
output data into image memory on the CDM
• Provides the addressing for removal of data from image
memory on the CDM
• Provides the output clock to produce irregular display formats
for all formats
• Provides signal processing for the DELTA amplification feature
in the DELTA amplification version of the board
RP Power • +5V Scan Converter
SDL Summing Delay Line Board, P/N 18132

There are eight Summing Delay Line boards in the Scanner. Each
board has eight summing delay line cells providing a total of 64
cells.

STG Scanner Timing Generator Board, P/N 35412

The Scanner Timing Generator board generates all of the timing
signals used in the Scanner. The heart of the STG is a 120 MHz
crystal oscillator which feeds a divider network and generates the
10 MHz REFCLK signal to which all timing in the Scanner and parts
of Scan Converter are synchronized.
A programmable timing generator located on the STG generates the
following signals:
• SOL - Start of Line
• SOT - Start of Transmit
• VSOT - Virtual Start of Transmit
• VSOR - Virtual Start of Receive
The period of each of these signals is programmed by the ZSCP, and
is dependent upon the depth of field to which the image is set. The
STG has two networks which generate the local oscillator clocks
and transmit delay clocks.
The STG is controlled by firmware on the ZSCP via the P bus.
Control words are buffered and latched by logic on the STG.
TRM Terminator Board, P/N 10412

The Terminator board terminates the B and C buses, and the mixer
phase and transmit phase buses, all of which are digital buses.
SVC SYSCON & Video Controller Board, P/N 41642

The SYSCON Video Controller (SVC) holds the main processor

(SYSCON Processor) for the Aspen system. It incorporates all the
functionality of the OC3 which is not handled by the RP, as well as
the CVC functionality. It also provides several modified or new
features. The main processor is a 68EC030, but it also gets added
computing power from the 68881 numeric co-processor. Both these
processors operate at 25 MHz. All clocks for the SVC2 are generated
by the RP, therefore, the SVC is “dead” if the RP's clock generation
scheme is broken. One of the major new functions of the SVC is the
4 MB of “code memory” is provides. This “code memory” is a Flash
PROM based memory which is used to store PonMon, operating
and diagnostic code for the RP, WFP, DSP, FEC, ZSCP, and SYSCON
operating code. The Flash memory is provided on two 2MB SIMMs,
and is expandable to 32MB. This feature allows the majority of
diagnostic and operating software for the system to reside
permanently in one location instead of having individual EPROMs
on the various other boards as in the 128/XP® ultrasound system.
On power-up, code is downloaded from the SVC to DRAM on each
board. There is still a need for separate PROMs on individual
boards to store the boot code, transducer microcode, and other
miscellaneous software. However, the code stored in these separate
PROMs are infrequently changed for a typical software upgrade
(transducer microcode may be the only exception here). Thus,
typical software upgrades are much simpler on the Aspen system
compared to the 128/XP ultrasound system. Data memory on the
SVC2 is provided on a single 4MB DRAM SIMM.
SVC2 Functions • Overall System Control
• SYSCON processing
• System Bus Interface (Bus Master)
• System Bus Arbitration
• Interrupt Control
• Graphics Control
• Combines 2-D and Color Doppler Data
• Combines Image and Graphics Data
• Non-Volatile Memory Storage of Operating and Diagnostic
System Code
• Real Time Clock generation
• Battery Backed Memory
SVC2 Power • +5V Scan Converter from the MDI power supply
Supplies • +12V from the MDI power supply
• -12V from the MDI power supply

UIC User Interface Controller, P/N 41302

The User Interface Controller board scans the operator controls and
informs the Scan Converter of any changes in the state of the
operator controls.
The UIC employs a microprocessor that monitors the keyboard and
special function buttons. An A/D converter on the UIC converts the
outputs of the DGC pots and gain pots to a digital signal, which is
also read by the microprocessor.
VDT Video Detector Board, P/N 47962

The Video Detector board is used to process the summed
ultrasound IF signal and convert it to an A-mode ultrasound video
signal. Signal processing functions such as IF filtering, log
detection, video filtering, and video preprocessing are also
performed on the Video Detector.
The VDT is controlled by microcode on the DCC 1 via the D bus.
Logic on the VDT buffers and latches control words from the D bus
to configure the Video Detector for a particular setup format.
VPB Video Processor Board, P/N 41652 (NTSC), 41752 (PAL)

The Video Processor board (VPB) converts video signals from one
format to another. The VPB performs format conversions for both
internal and external video sources. System video from the SVC
arrives at the VPB in a digital non-interlaced (progressive) format.
The VPB converts this digital RGB to analog RGB for display on the
system monitor.
It also converts the system video into interlaced RGB, Y-C (SVHS),
Betacam, and Composite. The system also accepts interlaced RGB,
Betacam, Y-C, and Composite as video input from external sources.
The VPB converts these to non-interlaced RGB signals to analog
video for display on the system monitor.
VPB2 Functions • Performs video format conversion for both internal and
external video sources
• Reads and writes Autocal Data to VCR tape to allow
measurements off VCR playback
• Allows freezing of full-color video from external sources (The
128/XP ultrasound system allowed only B/W freezes.)
• Allows color saturation adjustment of VCR playback video

XDY Transmit Delay Board, P/N 16942

Transmit Delay Board, P/N 53332, Aspen Advanced
The Transmit Delay board contains 16 individual transmit delay
channels. The output of each channel is used to drive the input
section of each associated transmitter channel which is carried via
lines 00 through 15.
Each channel processes the amount of delay needed to properly
phase the transmit signal for any particular ultrasound line. The
Transmit Delay board also outputs the selected number of transmit
pulses to deliver the required power from the transducer during the
transmit cycle.
The Transmit Delay boards are controlled by microcode on DCC0 or
DCC1, depending on the location of a particular board. The
information is carried over the B or C bus. DCC0 and the B bus
control Transmit Delay boards 0, 1, 6 and 7. DCC1 and the C bus
control Transmit Delay boards 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Logic on the Transmit Delay board buffers and latches control
words from the B or C bus to configure the Transmit Delay board
for a particular ultrasound line. Addresses for the Transmit Delay
boards are encoded into the motherboard connectors to identify
each of the eight XDY boards in the Scanner.
The Aspen Advanced ultrasound version supports extended
transmit capabilities for Native Tissue Harmonic Imaging.
WFP Waveform Processor Board, P/N 41612

The Waveform Processor board controls the scan conversion of
strips for M-mode and Doppler Spectral displays, including all
related graphics. It also reconstructs physio waveforms from data
provided by the physio modules (ECG and HPR). The WFP
receives Doppler Spectral data from the DSP, and M-mode data
from the AQP. Output from the WFP is sent to the CDM via the RP.
WFP Functions • Provides Strip Cine memory storage
• Generates the M-mode strip
• Generates waveform/strip displays
• Generates baseline and scales for waveform/strip displays
• Generates and positions the erase bar for waveform/strip
displays
• Initiates output transfer of M-mode and Doppler Spectral data
to the CDM via the RP
WFP Power • +5V Scan Converter

XMT Transmitter Board, P/N 20992

Transmitter Board, P/N 53322, Aspen Advanced
The Transmitter board produces a negative polarity, high energy
pulse burst to drive the transducer elements and produce an
ultrasound wave.
Each transmitter board contains 16 individual transmitter channels.
The output of each channel is connected to one transducer element
via lines 0 through 15. Lines 0 through 15 are also connected to the
input of the receiver channels. The pulses that drive the transmitters
are generated on the Transmit Delay board.
The output amplitude of all 128 transmitter channels is controlled
by the Interpolating Gain Driver via line VXMT. The Transmitter
boards are controlled by DCC-0 via the A bus.
Logic on the Transmitter board buffers and latches control words
from the A bus to configure the transmitter pulse amplitudes for a
particular ultrasound line. Addresses for the Transmitter boards are
encoded into the connectors in the motherboard to identify each of
the eight Transmitter boards in the Scanner.
There are eight Transmitter boards in the Scanner and 16 transmitter
channels on each Transmitter board, providing a total of 128
transmitter channels in the Scanner.
The Aspen Advanced ultrasound version provides sophisticated
shaping of the output transmit pulse. The desired waveform is
programmed ahead of time by system software via the A Bus, and
generated according to the amplitudes requested by the A Bus
during line firing, and the timing control provided from the XDY.
ZAP Audio Processor Board, P/N 45512

The Audio Processor board performs two basic functions related to
the handling of audio functions: generation of left and right audio
based on the I&Q signals, and the routing of audio signals based on
the configuration of the system and control signals from the
SYSCON Video Controller (SVC).
Inputs available to the audio signal switching matrix include:
• Left/right audio generated from I&Q signals
• VCR left and right audio
• Beeper from ECG module
• Onboard microphone
These signals may be routed to the following outputs:
• Headphones left/right
• Speakers left/right
• VCR record left/right

ZDL DL Transducer Interconnect Board P/N 46602

The DL Transducer Interconnect board is located along the front left
side of the Scanner card cage. DL connectors mounted on the ZDL
protrude through the opening at the front of the Aspen system and
provide a receptacle to which DL transducers are connected. Two
transducers may be connected at a time; however, only one
transducer port is active at any particular time. Active port selection
is under operator control using the TRANSDUCER key. The ZDL
carries electrical signals to and from the DL transducer and the
Scanner motherboard..
Figure 5-16 ZDL-Connector

ZDT Distribution Board Top, P/N 41172

• Z Bus Interface—Interfaces between the ZIP, ZDL, and the
P bus.
• PPS Interface—Controls the Programmable Power Supply’s
generation of the transmit voltages.
• Allows interrupts between the Scanner and Scan Converter.
• Communicates real-time line scanning control information
between the Scanner and Scan Converter.
• Allows the ZSCP processor access to the resources and
interfaces of the ZDT for generic ZDT control by the ZSCP.
• Provides A bus Interface between the Scanner Digital
Subsection and the Xmit and SDLs of the Beamformer.
• Provides the Start Of Frame signal.
• Distributes a number of system-wide synchronization signals.
• Terminates the P Bus.
• Z Bus Interface—Interfaces between the ZIP, ZDL, and the
P bus.
• PPS Interface—Controls the Programmable Power Supply’s
generation of the transmit voltages.
• Allows interrupts between the Scanner and Scan Converter.
• Communicates real-time line scanning control information
between the Scanner and Scan Converter.
• Allows the ZSCP processor access to the resources and
interfaces of the ZDT for generic ZDT control by the ZSCP.
• Provides A bus Interface between the Scanner Digital
Subsection and the Xmit and SDLs of the Beamformer.
• Provides the Start Of Frame signal.
• Distributes a number of system-wide synchronization signals.
• Terminates the P Bus.
• Generates the power-on reset for the rest of the Scanner.
ZFEB Flow Estimator Buffer Board, P/N 45792

The Flow Estimator Buffer board is used in conjunction with a FEC
and CRP. It receives data from the FEC and extracts velocity and
variance data. These parameters are then stored. The ZFEB is
capable of storing the most recently acquired frames of color
information for use in conjunction with Imaging Cine. This data is
then read out by the CRP in sync with the video raster. The color
spatial persistence function is performed on the ZFEB.

ZIP MP Transducer Interconnect Board, P/N 38072

The MP Transducer Interconnect board is located along the front
right side of the Scanner card cage. An MP connector mounted on
the ZIP, protrudes through the opening at the front of the Aspen
system and connects to the transducer. Active port selection
between the MP and DL transducers is under operator control
using the Transducer Switch option. The ZIP carries electrical
signals to and from the MP transducer and the Scanner
motherboard.
Figure 5-17 MP-Connector
ZSCP Scanner Control Processor Board, P/N 46212

The ZSCP controls the operation of the Scanner. The heart of the
ZSCP is a 386 microprocessor and related support devices. The
microprocessor is driven by the 40 MHz clock generated on the STG
board. The ZSCP software is downloaded from the DIMAQ
workstation by Flash- resident firmware on the SVC. This allows
the Scanner operating system to be upgraded with the rest of the
system software.
The SCP communicates to the other digital control boards via the
P bus.

Acuson Confidential System Architecture Questions
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE QUESTIONS

1 Which section in the Scanner cannot be removed in
troubleshooting?
2 Which board is mostly responsible for image quality?
3 Which board creates the Doppler data?
4 What is the purpose of the STG and how can it be verified?
5 How can it be determined if the transmitters are firing?
6 What board provides digital communication to DIMAQ

workstation?

DIMAQ 7 The system is having an M-mode problem but 2-D is working fine.
WORKSTATION What could be causing the problem?
8 Which board stores the Battery Backed Memory (BBM)?
9 Where is the main system processor and system operating

software?
10 Which board creates the PW Doppler waveform data? What about

the PW graphics?
11 What can be done to determine if the system is outputting video

from the Scanner?

Acuson Confidential System Architecture Questions
SOFTWARE 12 What will happen at power up if the CDM board is not responding?
13 How can you verify which boards and microprocessors are seen by
the SVC?
14 At which step in power up does the DL click?
15 What should be done if the system says “AEGIS not responding” at

power up after displaying a message “Fixing AEGIS hard disk”?
16 A system will not connect to AEGIS. AEGIS diagnostics all pass.

What is the next step?


Acuson Aspen - System Architecture

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MODULE 5

External Video Display 5-27

QRC P/N-REV INITIATOR APPROVAL DATE

59154 Rev. X3 J. Koeper S. Williams 7/99 Incorporate reviewer comments

A3174 59154 Rev. 1 J. Madarasz S. Williams Dec. 2000 Initial Release

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Figure 5-1 Scanner Block Diagram

Aspen Service Training Manual

LINE NO, TYPE SCAN

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TRANSMISSION During the transmission cycle, the following steps occur:

ZDT DCC 0 DCC 1 STG

Figure 5-2 Scanner Transmit and Control Block Diagram

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MXK 0-127 APD 0-127

STG MXK APD

Figure 5-3 Scanner Reception Diagram

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XMT RCV AP 0-127 APD VDT

Figure 5-4 Gain and Processing Block Diagram

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DOPPLER Two boards provide preliminary processing of Doppler signals in

Figure 5-5 Scanner Doppler Processing

ASPEN ADVANCED™ Aspen Advanced ultrasound Systems are equipped to support

NATIVE™ TISSUE Native™ Tissue Harmonic Imaging Processing is an imaging mode

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VERIFYING THE SCANNER

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Signal: 10MHz REF CLK Signal: 100kHz PER CLK

Signal: US VIDEO - 2-D Signal: PW w/Update

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ZSCP SDL 0-15

Figure 5-6 Scanner Board Locations

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DIMAQ WORKSTATION ARCHITECTURE

Figure 5-7 Basic Scan Conversion Principle

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In addition to basic Scan Conversion, this subsystem performs other

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Figure 5-8 2-D Data Path

Aspen Service Training Manual

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SPECTRAL DOPPLER The following DIMAQ workstation boards support spectral

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Aspen Service Training Manual

Figure 5-9 Spectral Doppler Data Path

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Figure 5-10 Color Doppler Data Path

Aspen Service Training Manual

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Figure 5-11 M-mode Data Path

Aspen Service Training Manual

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Figure 5-12 AEGIS System Data Path

Aspen Service Training Manual

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