Ultrasound for Research · I/O synchronisation

Synchronise ultrasound with external equipment

Many research setups need the ultrasound scanner to run in step with other equipment — signal generators, lasers, motion capture, EMG or a second scanner. ArtUs scanners provide line, frame and scan-state signals in both directions through six coaxial connectors.

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Rear panel of ArtUs EXT-2H with six SMA synchronisation connectors

6 × SMA

3 inputs, 3 outputs

Line & frame

Trigger and sync signals

≈ 20 µs

From input edge to acquisition

3.3 V CMOS

Inputs 5 V tolerant

Availability

I/O synchronisation is standard on ArtUs USS-2H. ArtUs EXT-1H, EXT-2H and CEXT-1H can be equipped with an optional I/O module; I/O modules must be ordered separately.

Standard

ArtUs USS-2H

I/O synchronisation is built in — no additional module is required.

View scanner Optional I/O module

ArtUs EXT-1H

Available with an I/O module, ordered separately.

View scanner Optional I/O module

ArtUs EXT-2H

Available with an I/O module, ordered separately.

View scanner Optional I/O module

ArtUs CEXT-1H

Available with an I/O module, ordered separately.

View scanner

MicrUs and SmartUs scanners have their own synchronisation port — see the synchronisation utilities.

Signals

The same six signals on every ArtUs scanner with I/O.

Outputs

Scanner → external device
  • Line outputfalling edge

    Marks the start of data acquisition for one ultrasound line. Stays at logic 0 at the end of the line.

  • Frame outputfalling edge

    Marks the start of data acquisition for one frame. Returns to logic 1 at the end of the frame.

  • ScanStart output

    Logic 0 in FREEZE state, logic 1 in SCAN state.

Inputs

External device → scanner
  • Line inputrising edge

    Starts acquisition of one ultrasound line approximately 20 µs after the edge.

  • Frame inputrising edge

    Starts acquisition of one frame approximately 20 µs after the edge. The number of frames per trigger is configurable; 0 means continuous scanning.

  • ScanStart inputrising edge

    Toggles between FREEZE and SCAN at each edge, like the Freeze button.

SMA femaleConnectors, 50 Ω coaxial cable with SMA male plug
2.5 / 3.3 V CMOSInput level, 5 V tolerant
3.3 V CMOSOutput level
Outputs: automaticInputs are configured in ArtUs Sync Options

How to set it up

  1. 1

    Connect

    Connect the external equipment to the scanner's SMA connectors with 50 Ω coaxial cables.

  2. 2

    Configure

    Run ArtUs Sync Options, enable synchronisation and select the input mode — for example Ultrasound Frame Input and the number of frames per trigger.

  3. 3

    Activate

    Start Echo Wave II, or press the Probe button if it is already running, to apply the settings.

Example setup 1

Two ArtUs, two PCs, one signal generator

A signal generator drives the Frame input of both scanners, so frames from two PCs are acquired in step.

Example setup 2

Two ArtUs, one PC with two monitors

Twin scanners on a single PC, synchronised by an external signal generator through the Frame input.

Step-by-step instructions, timing diagrams and frame-rate tips are in the ArtUs I/O Module User Guide.

360° view

Move the mouse across a photo, drag it on a touch screen, or use the slider to rotate the scanner.

ArtUs EXT-1H with installed I/O module, view 1 of 24
ArtUs EXT-1H with installed I/O module
ArtUs EXT-2H with installed I/O module, view 13 of 24
ArtUs EXT-2H with installed I/O module
ArtUs CEXT-1H with installed I/O module, view 1 of 24
ArtUs CEXT-1H with installed I/O module

Downloads

EXEArtUs Sync Options, v1.6For ArtUs EXT-1H/2H and USS-2HPDFArtUs I/O Module User Guide, v3.4Signals, timing diagrams and example setupsEXEArtUs Compact Sync Options, v1.2For ArtUs CEXT-1HTXTArtUs Sync Options readmeInstallation notesTXTArtUs Compact Sync Options readmeInstallation notesWEBMicrUs / SmartUs synchronisation utilitiesOn the Research Tools page

Need synchronisation in your setup?

Tell us what you would like to synchronise, and we will suggest the right scanner and I/O configuration.

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