Topic: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

http://www.u-d-s.com/personal/Proper_Aspen_PS.jpg

This is what your Power Supply cage should look like. I will update with more detail when I have time.

http://www.u-d-s.com/personal/Proper_Aspen_Config.jpg

The Scan Converter handles all of the scanner data conversion to an image format.

I'll break down what each board does in another post.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Boards in the Scan Converter and their functions:

AQP: Acquisition Processor - PN 31292

The Acquisition Processor digitizes 2-D and M-mode analog Ultrasound Video data that is passed from the Scanner. It receives input from the VDT (Video Detector) via the DBL (Distribution Board Left) and IOB (Input/Output Board), then sends the digitized output to the RP (Reconstruction Processor) board. Digitized M-mode data is routed to the WFP (Waveform Processor) for generating M-mode strip displays.

The AQP is controlled by the Scan Converter processor on the RP. There is no microprocessor on the AQP.

AQP Functions:

  • Digitizes 2-D and M-mode US Video for Scan Converter processing

  • Crossfades transmit zone regions, virtually eliminating the 'stitching artifact' common to older generation systems.

  • Captures complete ultrasound video frames, which is the most substantial factor in eliminating the 'windshield wiper' effect common to older generation systems

  • Provides axial and azimuthal filtering for smoothing of the image

  • Controls transfer of data to the RP3

AQP Power Supplies:

  • +5V Scan Converter

  • +12V Scan Converter

  • -12V Scan Converter

AQP Troubleshooting Aids:

Control Inputs to the AQP: 10 MHz Scanner Reference Clock

  • Originates from Scanner Timing Generator (STG5)

  • Path to AQP: STG5, SMB (Scanner Motherboard), ZDT (Distribution Top), IOB2, SCMB (Scan Converter Motherboard), AQP

  • Interface Cable: Scanner Control (ZDT-J4, IOB2-J3)

Data Inputs to the AQP:

  • US Video

    • Originates from Scanner/VDT3

    • Path to AQP: VDT3, SMB, DBL4, IOB2, SCMB, AQP

    • Interface Cable: Scanner Analog (DBL4-J9, IOB2-J9)

  • M-mode Data

    • Originates from Scanner/BBQ4

    • Path to AQP: BBQ4, SMB, DBL4, IOB2, SCMB, AQP

    • Interface Cable: Scanner Analog (DBL4-J9, IOB2-J9)

  • Line #/Type and SOL (Start of Line)

    • Originates from Scanner / ZDT

    • Path to AQP: ZDT, IOB2, SCMB, AQP

    • Interface Cable: Scanner Control (ZDT-J4, IOB2-J3)

Control I/O Interfaces on AQP

  • AQP/RP2-3 Interface

    • Interface Cable: AQP/RP2-3 Interface Ribbon Cable

  • AQP Control

    • Interface: S.C. Local Bus (SCMB P2 Connector)

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

No USB connector. It is a fairly old piece of equipment (1990's - early 2000), based on the 128XP/10 architecture with some newer features. Not to mention that it doesn't run on a very robust operating system. It's a Lynx based OS, very basic, very barebones with customized programming to suit the needs of the ultrasound, and thats about it. Adding USB connectivity probably wasn't cost effective for Siemens/Acuson... at the time.

Even the Sequoia didn't have USB capability until fairly recently. The addition of the flat panel LCD and the switch over to Siemens ownership, I think in the 2002 area? The Aspen is however no longer in production, and as such is no longer being updated. Last revision upgrade was 7.03 (imagegate) which updated the user interface to a more 'modern look'... changed the AEGIS operating system around a bit... but not much more to it than that.

Despite all that, it still has DICOM capability and a magneto optical disk drive, so transferring studies to your computer isn't as impossible as it used to be, just a little difficult if you don't have the right tools.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

I would need your immediate assistance. Our Ultrasound machine is not powering up and it indicates no fault at the rear seven-segment display showing a red dot.
I can hear it clicking when the front start up key is pressed. There seems to be no supply going to the Scan data converter section. The two fuses located on top of the power supply cages are ok.

what could be the next thing to look for.

thanks.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Have you tried another power outlet? I would do that, and then check the AC input at the bottom, make sure the circuit breakers are in the UP position. I would then look at the power cable where it plugs into the ultrasound machine, make sure it's not burned up.

If none of that seems to be an issue, it could be the MDI power supply. Those do have a fairly high failure rate, but they aren't terribly expensive to either repair or replace.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Thank you Todd. i have noted your points and will focus on the main AC input and the MDI power supply.
Last night i did some more test on the machine and realised that the main input is not providing auxiliary power (e.g. to the printer) but it does to the MDI power supply.

No i didn't try another power outlet for the unit but used a stabilizer out let to check if the printer was ok i.e removing it from the aux. section and had it connected directly to the stabilizer supply. Since the stabilizer only has an IEC female connector, the unit power cable cannot be connected to it. Nonetheless, i can move the unit to another outlet as you advised.

I also removed the MDI module, cleaned it and reinstalled it. and then check the 5V DC between the thick black and red cables that connect to the scan data converter section but there was no 5V DC.

There is life in the machine upon power up but last for only a second and everything die out again. There use to be power to the MDI module because the LED lits up all as long as the mains is connected

I'll get back to you after the looking into the area you mentioned and if possible will call you. By the way is it possible to obtain a service manual for the machine online?

Thank you so much

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Feel free to call us, I think the number is located on the UDS home page.

We can discuss the service manual thing over the phone.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Todd, it seems a phone call will not be feasible at the moment due to the time difference. I'm in The Gambia, West Africa and I'm in office from 0800GMT to 1630GMT. I usually get an answering machine when i call +1-760-439-1701.

However, do you think the MDI module will have an input if the main mains input at the back of the machine has a fault?

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Well.. you could actually bypass the AC input at the back and plug the power cable straight into the MDI power supply, if you wanted. I would only use this for testing since the MDI does NOT have circuit breakers in it, and it is possible to fry the power supply if you have a power surge.

As long as you have 110v going into the ultrasound it should run unless of course theres a fault somewhere along the chain.

If you look at the picture I have at the top, near the very bottom of the MDI is a 2 pin cable, with a large power cable beneath that. You can plug the main power cord in there to see if the system will boot.

Are you using a transformer to change the voltage from 220v to 110v? Have you considered the possibility that the converter or UPS is damaged?

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

I did bypass the main AC input and had the mains cable direct to the MDI power supply by the system didn't boot up. Our mains is 220 but, does the machine steps down the power at any point?

The inverter i was using is in good condition. It is use to power Sirius USD 200 tobel top ultrasound machine which displays High Voltage from time to time.

Do you think without the 5V DC from the MDI power supply, the machine will be able to boot? If the MDI power supply isn't giving this 5V DC when there is an AC in could it be that the fault lies at the MDI module?

Where else should we look at?

If you call me on +220 9829209, i'll call you back so that we can talk. but i'll like all our troubleshooting guide to be on this forum so that other engineers can benefit.

thank you.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Just to clarify, are you using a step-down transformer? the system only runs on 110v unless there are specific parts changed to accommodate 220v.

the system does not step down the power on its own without a separate AC input and isolation transformer that are ridiculously overpriced from Siemens, which leads us to selling our Aspens with external step-down transformers.

as for the 5vdc and the MDI... it is a very touchy power supply and if anything is missing it tends not to work. the 5vdc not being present would indeed prevent the system from booting on, it could be something simple inside the power supply unit, but I have not personally troubleshot it down to that level, we use a third-party service company to fix our units for a nominal fee.

we could always try shipping you a power supply module, at your cost, and if it works then we could do an exchange on the power supply. if it doesn't fix your issue, there will be no restocking fee, we would just need the return shipping taken care of. i hope you can see that as a fair arrangement.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Hi Todd,
there's is a transformer at the bottom of the scanner that i think is the transformer you're refering to.
However, should that transformer supply the MDI board? About the 5VDC, how important it is?

I was away for a short vacation but i'm now back.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

The system won't boot properly if its missing any voltage. The 5VDC pretty huge in the system, 90% of the scanner boards need both the 5v digital and 5v analog to function.

as for the transformer, the system has an isolation transformer thats controlled by a 12v relay output from the MDI (main DC power supply), the isolation transformer sends power to the PPS and monitor.

the transformer I'm referring to is the one at the bottom, but i was also talking about an external transformer to change the AC coming into the system from 220v to 120v.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Hello Tod,
I'm back again. Re 5VDC, I'm very much concern about this DC voltage. Is this generated from the MDI module? I now have the MDI module in the workshop but couldn't dagnose it further since there is not circuit diagram. But will try to troubleshoot for the 5VDC.

I will let you know the result.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Yes, the MDI power supply does generate the 5vdc. I know of a power supply repair company in Santa Ana, CA that works on these and I will send him an email requesting some sort of technical specs for the power supply.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Hi Todd,
I was able to take the MDI module home with me to work on it. I discovered a dry-join at the leg of a transistoron one of the two circuit boards found in the MDI. I then resoldered it along with other suspected areas.

I couldn't test it after that since i left the power cable back in the office. I will let you know by tomorrow if that helps.

Were you able to get in touch with the guy in Santa Ana, CA?

Thank you.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

I sent him an email but have not received anything back from him. I'll try calling as well. If you wanted to contact their company the website address is: www.siress.com --  should be phone number and email address stuff there.

Since you're what we call the "end user" they might be more inclined to help you out than to offer me the schematics.

Universal Diagnostic Solutions

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

Hello Todd,
I was wondering if we could workout some details for the MDI module to be sent for servicing since i cannot have it working.

Please do let me know what you think.

Re: Aspen Power Supply and Scan Converter Layout

I'll send you all the documentation I have on it, but if you're looking for a detailed diagram for all of the components within the module... I do not have that.

Have you had a chance to contact Siress via phone or email?

Universal Diagnostic Solutions