4. First Use
4.1. Unboxing and setting-up the device
The device is delivered to the user pre-assembled and boxed.
The unboxing of the device should be performed with utmost care.
The user must connect the components and set up the entire system as described in this section before running the first acquisition.
Caution
If the device was placed in an environment with climatic conditions that sharply diverge from normal office conditions, it should undergo a process of acclimatization before the first use. This comprises of leaving the device out of the transport packaging for a minimum of 12 hours.
The packaging should include:
us4R-lite™ device (with a selected probe adapter) – 1 pcs.;
power brick supply (AC/DC) – 1 pcs.
for model with PCIe interface:
PCIe host adapter card – 1 pcs.;
PCIe cables + ferrites (where applicable) – 2 pcs.;
for model with Thunderbolt interface:
Thunderbolt cable – 1 pcs.;
(optional) PC system controller – 1 pcs.;
(optional) ultrasound probe(s).
In case of any missing items, the Customer is advised to contact the Manufacturer.
Before the first use, it is necessary to ensure that the room has ample space, stable ground and 120/230VAC mains power source.
The device should be placed to facilitate a safe operation: the power cables must be neither strained nor hanging too loose in a manner that may lead to tripping, wrenching out of cables or otherwise damaging them through breaking or cutting.
Procedures using the us4R-lite™ should not be performed if the device is in proximity to another working ultrasound device. Ultrasound probes can cause interference, resulting in a falsification of the image.
A proper operation of the device is described in the next chapters of this manual.
4.2. Power supply connection
User should use the power adapter delivered with the us4R-lite™ system, and connect it to the device as shown in the figure (Fig. 2.4)
A loss of mains power during operation will result in an immediate shutdown of the device. The us4R-lite™ will enter standby mode once the mains power is restored. ON/OFF button must be pressed to power the us4R-lite™ back on. After power on the host PC must be restarted to restore the communication with the system.
Caution
To shut down the us4R-lite™ in case of malfunction, remove the mains power cable from the electrical socket. The electrical sockets should be situated in proximity to the device and be easily accessible.
4.3. Probe Adapters
Several adapters are available for use with the us4R-lite™ system. Please ensure that your device is equipped with one. The list of adapters can be found in Ultrasound Probe Adapters section (see: Section 2.3).
Always keep the ultrasound probe connected to the us4R-lite™ system during operation. It is required for the proper functioning of the device.
Caution
Never unplug the probe from the device during transmission, and never transmit with no load! This can result in damage to the transmission unit of the us4R-lite™.
4.4. System setup
The us4R-lite™ should be positioned so that operation is safe — i.e. on a stable, flat surface in a place with no risk of spillage on the device and away from the sources of interference and radiation. To limit unintentional radiation from the device, the provided ferrites for PCIe cables should be mounted on each cable, on both ends of the cable and as close to the connectors as possible. The external power supply and/or power strip should be placed nearby the device.
The heat is dissipating by the us4R-lite™ system during normal work conditions and may slightly increase the temperature of the device surroundings. The ventilation holes on each side of the device must remain uncovered to ensure free flow of air. Covering the ventilation holes risks overheating, shutting down or damaging the us4R-lite™. The power and probe cables must not be strained or hang too loosely in a manner that may lead to tripping, mechanical damage, wrenching the cables out of the socket and/or damaging them through breaking or cutting. The audio frequency noise is coming from the fans and sometimes from the HV power supply during transmit during normal work conditions.
4.5. Software installation and firmware update
The device is delivered with the current stable version of the firmware pre-installed.
User has to prepare his host PC only:
Check and install the PCIe adapter card (for models with the PCIe interface) as described in the Section 2.7.1.
Install the required software according to instructions provided here.
If, for any reason, a firmware update is required, please follow the instructions provided here. Always ensure that compatible software, firmware, and hardware components are used; otherwise, when running the examples, a version incompatibility message for the software and firmware will appear.
Links to the ARRUS™ SDK package documentation are available here.
4.6. Running the acquisition
Before first run of the acquisition, you must ensure that:
The device has been set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines from Section 5, and all steps described in the sections from Section 4.1 to Section 4.5 are ensured.
Proper probe adapter has been installed.
An external host PC has been prepared (all required software and drivers are installed).
Step-by-step instruction:
Connect the supplied power adapter to the us4R-lite™ (DC jack) and to the mains (the power cable).
Connect the ultrasound probe.
Connect the us4R-lite™ to the host PC
Now, turn on the us4R-lite™ device by clicking the ON/OFF button.
Turn on the host PC (It is crucial for proper functioning to turn on the us4R-lite™ prior to turning on the host PC.)
Before login check the color of the LEDs on the back of the PCIe card (for PCIe connection only) – 2 LED indicators should light up GREEN, see Fig. 4.1.
Fig. 4.1 The host PC: the PCIe card interface with 2 connected PCIe cables and the PCIe links LEDs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If any of the LED indicators light up ORANGE, please reboot the PC. Keep rebooting until both LEDs turn green.
Make sure to check that the device and its software is starting correctly. If any errors are signaled by the device or messages displayed on screen, proceed according to instructions.
Follow the instruction on how to run “plane wave imaging” example script on your setup. Python examples are provided here and described here. For Matlab you can find example scripts here. Please remember to use the provided configuration file (.prototxt)!
Once the test is over, close the image window.
The host PC can now be turned off by shutting down the operational system as normal.
Turn off the us4R-lite™ by pressing the ON/OFF button.
Caution
Never unplug the probe from the device during transmission, and never transmit with no load! This can result in damage to the transmission unit of the us4R-lite™.
Caution
Running the us4R-lite™ device with the proper configuration file is crucial. Always ensure that the parameters entered there are correct and aligned with the intended ones, especially those concerning the probe adapter and the desired transmission voltage. In extreme cases, using incorrect parameters can result in damage to the transmission unit of the us4R-lite™
4.7. Setting high-voltage (HV) supply for the transmitters
Caution
Voltages above 46.7VAC peak or 70VDC constitute a life hazard according to EN 61010-1 and great care must be takes when using the power supply at voltages above this level!
The system TX voltage (so called HV – High Voltage) is one of the most crucial parameters from the system/probe safety point of view. Because the us4R-lite™ is a research system, it enables the user to change many TX parameters (TX scheme, PRF, TX voltage, pulse length, etc.).
However, some combinations of the TX parameters can be dangerous for the connected ultrasound probe and/or the system itself!
Therefore, the user is fully responsible for verifying a safe set of TX parameters that can be used with the connected probe in a given application. Our recommendation is to start experimenting with lower HV voltages, e.g., 10V instead of 50V, and gradually increase the voltage after ensuring that the signal from all transducer elements is received correctly.
Application of an excessive TX voltage or power to the probe can (will) result in damage to the system and/or the probe!
We strongly advise to use the lowest TX voltage possible – as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA rule). Also, please consult us4us® and the probe producer to get advice on the max TX voltage and power that can be delivered to the probe.