Verasonics has announced the latest Vantage NXT software release version 2.3.2. This update delivers new features and enhancements designed to improve your workflow and is now available for download via customer folders.
What’s New in Version 2.3.2
Quadrature Encoder Inputs
With this release, Vantage NXT supports hardware encoders to track position, movement, or rotation. Users can interface each system with three encoder inputs to precisely record and synchronize physical movement with ultrasound data acquisition. For use in applications such as automated scanning, robotic integration, or any workflow where knowing spatial position is critical, the following encoder functionality is provided:
- Pulse-on-position: Acquisitions can be programmed to trigger on absolute or relative values of any of the three encoder counts
- Real-time reading of encoder counts
Real-time Analog Input Synchronization
Users can now continuously capture and access analog input data, such as physiological signals or external sensor readings, while the ultrasound acquisition sequence is running.
This real-time access allows researchers to monitor and record analog signals in perfect sync with imaging or data collection, without needing to pause or interrupt the main sequence.
The feature is ideal for advanced research and applications such as:
- Real-time ECG or respiration monitoring during imaging
- Correlating external sensor data with ultrasound image frames
- Automation and feedback systems that use trigger levels for acquisitions
FUS 2D/3D GUI Software Support
The Vantage NXT platform now supports both FUS 2D and 3D GUI software, providing a unified and streamlined experience for focused ultrasound (FUS) applications. The software is designed to be compatible with Verasonics FUS-01/-02/-03 and FUS-04/-05/-06 transducer pairings.
The FUS 2D GUI program offers streamlined imaging and therapy planning for 1D focusing with support for B-mode imaging. It is ideal for intermediate-depth applications and provides real-time interleaving between imaging and therapy modes using Vantage NXT.
The FUS 3D GUI program expands capabilities with full 3D visualization, multi-angle reference scanning, and advanced treatment planning tools. Researchers can place individual or grouped foci, monitor therapy progress in real-time, and use Thermal Strain Imaging (TSI) for temperature-based feedback. The system also includes robust data logging and MATLAB integration for post-experiment analysis.
Together, the FUS 2D and 3D GUI programs offer a flexible solution for Ultrasound-Guided Focused Ultrasound (USgFUS) research from simple planar treatments to complex volumetric targeting.
Acquisition SDK Support for Vantage NXT 64 and 32LE Models
The Acquisition Software Development Kit (SDK) allows Vantage NXT users to program data acquisition sequences without MATLAB dependencies. Vantage NXT users have the option to select the MATLAB scripting model for programming or the Acquisition SDK for low-level programming of hardware acquisition sequences via a C language API.
Learn more about the Acquisition SDK Programming Model.
New 8 MHz Matrix Array Transducer
Verasonics is excited to share the introduction of the M8dV 8 MHz Matrix Array Transducer. Building on the monolithic design first introduced with the M3dV 3 MHz model, the M8dV delivers the same highly uniform element positioning and improved image quality performance, now optimized for the 8 MHz Matrix Array model.
Featuring 1,024 elements arranged in a 32 x 32 grid, the M8dV offers exceptional spatial resolution ideal for small-animal imaging, microvascular research, and applications requiring high-precision visualization. The M8dV is compatible with both the Vantage NXT and Vantage 256-channel systems.
Updated Essentials of Ultrasound on Vantage NXT
Verasonics is excited to announce that the Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging Course has been fully updated to support the Vantage NXT research ultrasound platform. Building on the course’s combination of guided lectures, interactive software simulators, and hands‑on laboratory exercises, this update enables learners to explore core ultrasound concepts using the advanced capabilities of the Vantage NXT.
Learn more about the Essentials of Ultrasound Imaging Course.
For questions on these updates or other Verasonics solutions, contact [email protected].