Transducers & Accessories
Verasonics Vantage and Vantage NXT Research Ultrasound Systems are designed to support a wide variety of transducer technologies. To facilitate the work of researchers, Verasonics collaborates with the world’s leading transducer manufacturers to offer high-quality transducers for many research applications. For specific ultrasound transducer development needs beyond our offerings, the Verasonics sales team can facilitate introductions to these manufacturers.
Verasonics Systems supports technologies ranging from single-element transducers to arrays with thousands of elements, from conventional PZT and single crystal technology to leading-edge CMUT, PMUT, and other MEMS technologies. They include standard linear, curved, and phased arrays, novel concave arrays, matrix and row-column arrays, ring arrays, and even catheter-based arrays. From pulse-echo to pitch-catch to passive monitoring and receive-only arrangements, the Verasonics Systems are uniquely capable of enabling an ever-expanding variety of research applications.
Humanscan General Imaging Transducers
Verasonics offers a series of general imaging transducers in collaboration with Humanscan to provide typical medical ultrasound-style probes for research imaging needs. These transducers are suitable for a wide range of biomedical imaging applications using the UTA 408-GE adapter.
The GE-408-pin Backshell kit connector provides excellent grounding and shielding for optimal data collection; Verasonics is adding transducers with this connector option so that researchers have access to the best performance possible.
These transducers are compatible with all Mid-Frequency and High-Frequency configurations of Vantage and the Vantage NXT 256, 128, and 64LE systems using the UTA 408-GE.
These transducers are also compatible with the Vantage NXT 64 and 32LE Mid-Frequency and High-Frequency configurations using the NXT UTA 408-GE-MUX adapter.
L11-5gH
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of Elements | 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.3 |
| Elevation Focus (mm) | 18 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | -52 ±3 |
C5-2gH
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of Elements | 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.475 |
| Elevation Focus (mm) | 60 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | -50.5 ±3 |
P4-2gH
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of Elements | 96 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.2 |
| Elevation Focus (mm) | 80 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | 62.5 ±3 |
Verasonics General Imaging Transducers
L11-5v
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Number of Elements | 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.3 |
| Elevation Focus (mm) | 18 |
| Sensitivity (dB) | -52 ±3 |
| Compatibility | All Mid and High Frequency Configurations of the Vantage and Vantage NXT Systems |
GE High Performance Transducers
Many high-performance transducers from General Electric that utilize the DLP-408 connector are compatible with Verasonics systems using the UTA 408-GE transducer adapter. The following probes are available from Verasonics.
L3-12-D Linear Array
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 6.5 |
| Bandwidth | 85% |
| Number of Elements | 256 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.20 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 22 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 5.0 |
| MUX | Yes |
| Compatibility | Vantage and Vantage NXT 256 and 128 |
C1-6-D Curved Linear Array
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 3.4 |
| Bandwidth | 95% |
| Number of Elements | 192 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.35 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 66 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 11.5 |
| Radius of Curvature (mm) | 56.8 |
| Compatibility | Vantage and Vantage NXT 256 |
M5Sc-D Phased Array
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 2.8 |
| Bandwidth | 90% |
| Number of Elements | 80 x 3 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.23 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 77 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 13.0 |
| MUX | No |
| Compatibility | Vantage and Vantage NXT 256 |
IC5-9-D Intracavitary Curved Linear Array
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 5.8 |
| Bandwidth | 75% |
| Number of Elements | 192 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.138 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 35 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 6.0 |
| Radius of Curvature (mm) | 10.1 |
| Compatibility | Vantage and Vantage NXT 256 |
9L-D
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 5.3 |
| Bandwidth | 75% |
| Number of Elements | 192 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.23 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 28 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 6.0 |
| MUX | No |
| Compatibility | Vantage and Vantage NXT 256 |
Matrix Array Transducers for Volume Imaging
Matrix Arrays enable ultrafast acquisition of volume data. Utilizing 1024 elements in a 32×32 grid, available in 3 and 8 MHz models, these transducers are compatible with the Vantage NXT and Vantage 256-channel Research Ultrasound Systems. Verasonics provides example scripts for multiplexed acquisition sequences using a single 256-channel system or the two-system configuration. Scripts are also provided for direct acquisition with four 256-channel systems for one-to-one channel-to-element connections.
The M3dV and M8dV are the latest additions to Verasonics’ transducer offerings, featuring a new monolithic design over previous versions of these transducers. The uniformity of element position across the array will enhance image reconstruction and offer improved image quality.
Matrix Array Transducer Specifications
| M3dV | M8dV | |
|---|---|---|
| Center Frequency | 3.0 MHz | 8.0 MHz |
| Bandwidth | >50% | >50% |
| Number of Elements | 1024 (32×32) | 1024 (32×32) |
| Pitch | 0.3 mm | 0.3 mm |
| Elevation Aperture | 9.6 x 9.6 mm | 9.6 x 9.6 mm |
| Cable Length | Main cable = 1m; sub cables = 1m | Main cable = 1m; sub cables = 1m |
| UTA Compatibility | UTA 1024-MUX or UTA 256 Direct | UTA 1024-MUX or UTA 256 Direct |
Verasonics UTA 1024-MUX Adapter
Verasonics’ Universal Transducer Adapters (UTA) enable Vantage systems to operate matrix array transducers through a unique small-format connector. The MUX switch topology allows switching apertures between transmit and receive modes. It connects each channel to up to four elements in parallel and permits particular types of transmissions using larger apertures (e.g., plane wave).
Row-Column Array Transducers
In partnership with Vermon, Verasonics offers the RC6gV and the RC15gV Row-Column Array transducers for volume imaging research applications. Row-column arrays may provide a more cost-effective approach to high frame rate volume imaging because they can eliminate the high-channel-count requirement of many matrix arrays, and do not require multiplexing.
RC6gV
The RC6gV features orthogonally oriented arrays of 128 elements each, with a 0.2 mm pitch and 100% bandwidth.
Supported on the Vantage NXT 256 mid-frequency and high-frequency systems / Vantage 256 standard frequency and high-frequency systems, this transducer requires the UTA 408-GE adapter.
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency | 6 MHz |
| Number of elements | 256 (128 x 2) |
| Bandwidth (-6dB) | >90% |
| Pitch | 0.2 mm |
| Element width | 0.175 mm |
| Element length | 25.6 mm |
| Active aperture | 25.6 x 25.6 mm2 |
| Cable Length | 2 m |
RC15gV
The RC15gV innovative transducer features orthogonally oriented arrays of 80 elements each, with a 15 MHz center frequency, 0.11 mm pitch, and 80% bandwidth.
Verasonics provides example scripts for imaging and simulation support for the transducer with the Vantage NXT and Vantage 256 Research Ultrasound System.
The RC15gV is compatible with Vantage NXT mid and high frequency configurations, as well as Vantage standard and high frequency configurations, using the UTA 408-GE adapter.
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency | 15.0 MHz |
| Number of elements | 160 (80 x 2) |
| Bandwidth (-6dB) | 80% |
| Pitch | 0.11 mm |
| Element length | 8.8 mm |
| Active aperture | 8.8 x 8.8 mm2 |
| Cable Length | 2 m |
Single Crystal High Frequency Transducers
Verasonics offers two single crystal, high frequency linear array transducers designed for imaging of small animals and superficial structures.
These probes are made by Vermon.
L35-16vX
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 28 |
| Bandwidth (-6 dB) | >60% |
| Number of Elements | 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.07 |
| Elevation width (mm) | 0.8 |
| Maximum voltage (V) | ±40 |
| Cable length (m) | 1 |
This probe provides highly detailed images of small anatomical structures, and can also do Doppler.
The L35-16vX is compatible with the High Frequency configurations of the Vantage and Vantage NXT 256, 128, and 64LE using the UTA 260-D or 260-S.
L22-14vX
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 18 |
| Bandwidth (-6 dB) | >60% |
| Number of Elements | 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.10 |
| Elevation width (mm) | 1.6 |
| Maximum voltage (V) | ±40 |
| Cable length (m) | 2 |
The Verasonics L22-14vX is available in two models:
- The standard L22-14vX with an elevation focus at 8mm
- The long focus L22-14vXLF, with an elevation focus at 20mm
The standard model provides high-resolution imaging and Doppler for structures within 1cm of the transducer face. The long focus model allows imaging of deeper structures, or structures that are distant because of a standoff, such as may be used for monitoring therapy.
Both are compatible with Mid and High Frequency configurations of the Vantage and Vantage NXT 256, 128, and 64LE using the UTA 260-D or 260-S.
Focused Ultrasound Transducers
Verasonics offers six FUS transducer pairings. These transducer pairings are designed to advance biomedical research in ultrasound-guided focused ultrasound (USgFUS).
The FUS transducers offer high efficiency over a broad bandwidth and highly uniform acoustic output at the radiating surface, ideal for focused ultrasound applications. Coupled with a high-resolution phased array transducer mounted coaxially, these transducer pairings provide users with an ideal combination for this level of research and experimentation.
These transducers are developed by Sonic Concepts.
FUS-01, FUS-02, FUS-03 Transducer Pairings
FUS -01, -02 & -03 Bundles (0.5, 1.1 & 2.0 MHz, respectively) include FUS and imaging transducers to provide 1D therapeutic focusing under ultrasound guidance. These solutions provide an interleaving capability between the FUS therapy and imaging using Verasonics’ FUS 2D GUI or FUS 3D GUI on the Vantage and Vantage NXT platforms.
FUS Transducer Specifications
Ø64 mm f/1.0 focused annular array transducer
Transmit efficiencies up to 90% over a 40% bandwidth
50 mm (between 25 and 75 mm) of axial focal steering from the exit plane of the transducer, as defined by -3 dB from the acoustic maximum
Includes a coupling cone for non-immersion applications and is a target for self-testing (CT-100)
IP-105 Imaging Transducer Specifications
Single crystal technology
64-element phased array
5.0 MHz center frequency
Watertight housing with rotational and vertical adjustability
FUS-04, FUS-05, FUS-06 Transducer Pairings
FUS-04 -05 & -06 Bundles (0.5, 1.1 & 2.0 MHz, respectively) include FUS and imaging transducers to provide 3D therapeutic focusing, where both lateral and axial steering are required. These solutions provide an interleaving capability between FUS therapy and imaging, using Verasonics’ FUS 2D GUI or FUS 3D GUI on the Vantage and Vantage NXT platforms.
FUS Transducer Specifications
Ø150 mm f/1.0 FUS transducer
Transmit efficiencies up to 80% over a 40% bandwidth
Includes coupling cone for non-immersion applications and target for self-testing (CT-300)
An optional bladder coupling system is available to provide a membrane at the transducer exit plane
IP-104 Imaging Transducer Specifications
Single-crystal technology
128-element phased array (note: only 64 elements available if using FUS-04 with Vantage 128 or Vantage 64LE configuration)
3.5 MHz center frequency
Watertight housing with rotational and vertical adjustability
CMUT High Frequency Transducers
Kolo Medical is a leader in next-generation semiconductor (silicon) ultrasound transducer technology. Kolo’s Silicon Wave transducer technology offers a practical alternative to PZT transducers for broad bandwidth and high-frequency imaging applications. This transducer provides unparalleled imaging performance for pre-clinical imaging, including mice and rats, and for other superficial imaging applications.
This transducer is compatible with the High-frequency configurations of the Vantage and Vantage NXT 256, 128, and 64LE using the UTA 260-S and 260-D.
L38-22v CMUT High Frequency Linear Array
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 30 |
| Bandwidth | 60% |
| Number of Elements | 256 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.069 |
| Elevation focus (mm) | 8.0 |
| Elevation Aperture (mm) | 1.8 |
| MUX | Yes |
Imasonic Transducers for NDE and Materials Science
For research in NDE/NDT applications, Verasonics offers two phased array transducers designed and manufactured by Imasonic SAS. These two 5 MHz linear phased arrays are available with either 64 or 128 elements. Both are compatible with all Mid and High frequency Vantage and Vantage NXT system configurations.
Imasonic P5-128vN and P5-64vN transducers
| Transducer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 5 |
| Bandwidth (-6dB) | >60% |
| Number of elements | 64 or 128 |
| Pitch (mm) | 0.5 |
| Elevation Width (mm) | 10 |
| KERF / Inter Element Spacing (mm) | 0.1 |
| Acoustic Design | Hard Face |
| Matching Layer | Front face with improved resistance for use in direct contact |
| Cable length (m) | 1.5 |
| Connector | IPEX connector EMC |
| Compatible UTA Adapter | UTA 160-SI/8 LEMO |
Reconditioned Transducers
Verasonics systems are compatible with many popular ATL/HDI transducers that utilize the DL260-pin ZIF connector. This is an economical approach for testing new algorithms and applications that are potentially damaging to probes.
Verasonics systems also recognize many compatible transducers through the “computeTrans” function, including:
– L7-4
– L10-5
– L11-5
– L12-5 38mm
– L12-5 50mm
– CL15-7
– CL10-5
– C4-2
– C5-2
– C9-5ICT
– P4-1
– P4-2
– P6-3
and more
Sources of Reconditioned and Refurbished Transducers
These transducers are available from a variety of sources. We recommend the used equipment dealers identified below.
Priority Medical, Inc.
Geoff Updike
Ph: (615) 826-0582
T/F: (888) 768-6310
Cell: (615) 417-1693
email: [email protected]
website: http://www.prioritymedical.com
Transducer Development
The Vantage NXT platform can be a versatile tool for testing new transducer materials, creating new probe designs or applications, or simply performing quality assessment over a wide range of frequencies.
The flexibility and easy programmability of the Vantage NXT systems enable compatibility with a wide range of transducers used in various research fields. Some of the transducers that are compatible with Vantage NXT include:
2D or matrix arrays
Row-Column arrays
Random arrays and sparse arrays
Ring arrays
Concave and convex arrays
CMUT
PMUT, MEMS
NDT/NDE single-element and array probes
Catheter- and scope-based transducers
Vantage® NXT – improvements that will benefit transducer development
The proprietary Vantage NXT transmitter is closer in functionality to a traditional pulser-receiver, with shorter duration pulses possible due to the smaller time resolution and lower on-state duration.
Expanded frequency operating range allows development and testing of transducers with bandwidths beyond the capability of the Vantage system (for all MF, HF, and HIFU configurations).
Lower electrical output impedance allows for increased acoustic output at the same commanded voltage.
16-bit ADC resolution provides increased dynamic range for measurement of transducer element signals.
Real-time element data from all channels, with larger channel memory to store, allowing faster characterization of transducers.
Increased central clock frequency allows for higher fidelity measurement of transducer element data for characterization.
MUX improvements – faster clock enables faster MUX switching, leading to improved frame rates.
Connectors & Accessories
For the researcher or transducer developer who needs a flexible means of connecting new or custom transducers to the Vantage or Vantage NXT Systems, or who wants to change the connectors on existing probes, Verasonics offers a variety of solutions:
Micro-coax Connector with GE-408-pin Transducer Backshell Kit w/PCBs
As improved technologies have become available for connecting transducers, Verasonics is modernizing its connectors and accessories.
The GE-408-pin Backshell kit utilizes the ITT-Cannon DLP408R ZIF, with 408 pins supporting 256 element signals in the GE pin map configuration. Verasonics recommends this Backshell kit due to its excellent shielding and grounding properties, particularly for high-frequency transducers and/or in applications where the most signal fidelity is required.
Options:
- Zero-Ohm series tuning: Part # P02598
- No tuning (open circuit): Part # P02810
Assembled kit
Cable termination boards (set of 6)
Micro-coax Connector with 260-pin Transducer Backshell Kit w/PCBs
The 260-pin Backshell kit utilizes the ITT-Cannon DL5-260 ZIF, with 260 pins supporting 128 element signals in the ATL/Philips HDI probe family pin map configuration.
Options:
- Zero-Ohm series tuning:
Part # P01370 - No tuning (open circuit):
Part # P01371
Cable termination boards (set of 6): Part #P01288
Ribbon Cable Break-out Board
Assembly Left: Part # P01533
Assembly Right: Part # P01534
Offset Adapter
The Verasonics Offset Adapter connects to the 260-pin ZIF connector and provides I/O pin access inline to evaluate the signals from array transducers. With an adjustable shunt/jumper, and using one of 4 LEMO connectors, it also enables the user to drive a single element transducer with the 260-pin connector or to acquire data from a single element transducer. This adapter is available for all Verasonics research systems that use the 260-pin connector.
The Offset Adapter allows a user to configure four separate I/O channels with LEMO connectors in the following states:
- Pass the signal directly to an array transducer
- Drive a single element transducer via the LEMO connector
- Drive a single element transducer with an external source
- Observe a signal in-line with a transducer
Part # P01367-01 (Left) and P01367-02 (Right)
Termination Boards Package
For integrating custom, high-element count transducers and using them with the Vantage NXT and Vantage Systems, these termination boards enable the user to solder up to 128 micro-coax wires per board, then attach them to connectors inside the UTA adapter. The UTA-256 Direct adapter can accommodate 2 of these boards; the UTA-1024 MUX adapter can accommodate 8 of them.
Part # Po1971 – Package of 10 Cable termination boards for UTA-256 Direct / UTA-1024 MUX
Transducer Partners
