A software-defined approach to ultrasound system development
How flexible system architectures can reduce redesign cycles in ultrasound R&D
Developing novel ultrasound systems often means starting again with each new concept. Conventional hardware platforms tend to be rigid: signal processing is embedded in dedicated electronics, architectures are fixed, and integrating new probes, algorithms or imaging strategies can require significant redesign.
For development teams exploring new ultrasound technologies, this lack of flexibility can slow experimentation and increase technical risk.
Engineering lessons from developing a modular ultrasound platform
To explore an alternative approach, TTP's Imaging team embarked on a journey to develop a software-defined ultrasound (SDU) platform designed around modular hardware and flexible software control, making it possible to explore different system configurations without repeatedly redesigning the underlying architecture.
We share the architectural decisions, technical trade-offs and practical engineering challenges encountered while building the SDU platform, highlighting lessons that may be useful for teams designing new ultrasound systems or exploring alternative imaging approaches.
This e-book outlines the technical challenges encountered in developing the SDU platform and the engineering decisions used to address them, drawing on eight years of experience building a modular andadaptable ultrasound architecture.
Discover more: A software-defined approach to ultrasound system development
Modular architectures: designing systems that can scale
One of the core challenges in ultrasound development is that many systems are built around fixed channel counts and tightly coupled hardware architectures. This can make it difficult to explore new imaging strategies or adapt systems to different probe configurations.
The SDU project explored a modular architecture based on stackable channel modules that can scale from small experimental setups to much larger systems while operating as a coherent platform.
The approach highlights how designing for scalability from the outset can make it easier to evaluate alternative system configurations without repeated redesign.
Explore the role of modular architectures in ultrasound R&D.
Synchronisation and architecture: keeping systems coherent as they grow
As ultrasound systems scale, synchronising signals across multiple boards and channels becomes increasingly challenging. Timing errors can quickly degrade imaging performance.
The development of the SDU platform required careful consideration of clock distribution, communication protocols and FPGA-based control to maintain precise synchronisation across modular hardware components.
These experiences underline how early architectural decisions about synchronisation can determine whether systems remain flexible as they expand.
Find out about the synchronisation challenges in modular ultrasound systems
Meet us at
Engineering for experimentation and productisation
Many ultrasound systems developed for research require significant redesign before they are suitable for regulated medical products. One aim of the SDU project was to explore architectures that allow experimentation while keeping productisation considerations in mind.
Design choices such as modular hardware, flexible software interfaces and early attention to EMC constraints help reduce the gap between research systems and deployable medical technologies.
The lessons from the project highlight how architectural flexibility can support both early-stage experimentation and the transition toward stable, test-ready systems.
Learn more about designing ultrasound systems for long-term flexibility
Our areas of focus:
Medical Devices & Drug Delivery
Our approach and capabilities
We deliver across the entire life of a project, from opportunity discovery to production engineering. Discover how our interdisciplinary teams of experts collaborate to tackle the toughest product development challenges.
Our campus and facilities
Our award-winning campus has been designed with a clear vision. To create space which can suport our people and our clients as we develop and deliver the very best technology solution.
Software capability at TTP
Engaged in all stages of software and product development, our software capability at TTP covers the full spectrum—from in-depth analysis and system architecture to prototype design, implementation, and test development.
Manufacturing capability at TTP
Working seamlessly with our development teams, we take clients' products through prototype builds, clinical trials, pilot manufacture and more. Using TTP Manufacturing reduces uncertainty, risk and time to market for our clients.
Meet some of the team
Jamie Collin
Paul Galluzzo
Marco Grasso
Talk to us about your next project
We help clients with all stages of their most complex and challenging technology and product development projects.
If you're considering the next steps along your innovation journey, why not get in touch?
