Multi-channel Raw-Data Acquisition for Ultrasound Research

Ultrasound is widely used in diagnostic applications where novel methods and techniques are continuously developed and proposed. The test of new techniques often requires the access to the raw echo-data saved from each of the multiple elements which compose the modern array probes. Given the high number of receiving elements and the high Analog-to-Digital sampling rate, tens of GB of data are typically generated in few seconds. Only a small number of research instruments are equipped to save raw data, but the saved quantity is often not sufficient. In this paper we describe a memory board that, coupled to the Ultrasound Advanced Open Platform (ULA-OP), can save up to 36 GB of data, sampled at 50 MHz, from 64 probe elements. Two novel applications developed by using the data from this board are discussed as well.