A LabVIEW-based operating system for parallel transmit systems

Parallel transmit technology in the clinical setting has yet to receive widespread adoption. To retrofit existing clinical systems for multi-channel transmit, dedicated hardware and a flexible, user-friendly software interface must be developed. We have designed a LabVIEW-based software system to drive an 8-channel parallel transmit system and provide a straightforward interface for the pulse designer. The software system plays out the RF envelopes, controls hardware settings and calibrations, performs some power sequencing, monitors the RF waveforms, and pre-distorts the RF envelopes for linearization, placing the system operational burden on the software system, rather than the user. The system supports transmit-SENSE applications, allowing for amplitude and phase control on each channel. The software system facilitates a quick switchover between the existing 3T GE clinical system and the parallel transmit system.