Software control architecture for characterization of a 48-element 30-MHz linear array

The purpose of this system is to have the capability to characterize the performance of very high frequency transducers and arrays. The analog front end is computer controlled by a set of de-multiplexers and multiplexers. The output of the multiplexer network is connected to a TGC array, which is interfaced to a high-speed data acquisition system. A software GUI (Graphical User Interface) has been design to accomplish this task. A programmable digital I/O interface allows collection of RF channel data and has the capability to be interfaced to a very high frequency analog beamformer under construction. The system front-end electronics (pulsers, receivers, T/R switches, multiplexers, and demultiplexers) have been characterized. The digital I/O signal interface has been integrated and tested. The hardware front end has been integrated to the array interface distribution panel. The individual transducer elements impulse responses have been evaluated and the performance of the array has been tested with a wire test phantom to characterize lateral and axial resolution.