New modular ultrasound system promises improved flexibility

Ultrasound technology could be applied more flexibly and affordably following the development of a new modular system by researchers in Germany.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft team have created a multichannel ultrasound platform that uses a modular configuration, allowing it to be adapted to a wide and varied set of applications.

Basic components like the main board, power supply and control software always remain the same, with application-specific components such as front-end boards attaching like building blocks.

The frequency range of the ultrasound waves can also be modulated, allowing the technology to be applied to a number of different uses and scenarios, from medical imaging to component testing and undersea exploration.

According to the researchers, this model offers significant cost-effectiveness benefits compared to the bespoke designs that are currently common.

Steffen Tretbar of the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT in St Ingbert said: "Complete systems are typically developed based on unique customer specifications. Within this context, that only allows them to be used for a very limited area – however, the development expenditure is really quite high."