A new combined open research platform for ultrasound radio frequency signal processing

Two interconnected electronic platforms were designed to realize an experimental, modular and expandable system allowing the researchers to develop and to test different ultrasonic investigation techniques. The first experimental characteristic of this system lays in its capability to operate in real time with ultrasonic radio frequency (RF) signals, starting from the ultrasonic illumination function, down to acquisition, processing, storage and visualization. The second characteristic is the system interactivity with allow to modify the operation appropriately while observing results at critical steps. The two combined platforms can be considered in two different manners; an experimental open laboratory system, but also a clinical instrument when a specific configuration is chosen for a particular application. The expandability and the flexibility of this combined platform make its employment possible in non destructive testing where linear and phased array probes are being gradually introduced as well.