Configuration Report, Version Report, and Encryption Strings

The Aspen ultrasound system is an upgradeable machine. The way it is handled is through the Encryption Strings, and installed hardware. Aspens under contract with Siemens were upgraded to the latest software prior to being cut off by the manufacturer. Since it is no longer supported there are a few useful things to know to keep your Aspen in tip-top shape.

Refer to the "Customer Service Rep Menu" topic for accessing the CSR menu, which is where everything I'll discuss here is stored.

Configuration Report: What is it, and why should we care?
I start with the configuration report first, because this is where you will go when you need to know what your Aspen can do. The configuration report tells you what options are installed, and what transducers are licensed for use. It's also directly connected with the Version Report and Encryption Strings sections.

Version Report: What is it, and why do I care?
System revision level, board revision levels, and Transducer Microcode. If someone asks you "What rev level is your system?", go to the Version Report, look for Syscon Revision 7.03 (or whatever you have). Transducer microcode is stored on the ZSCP (scan control processor) inside Flash SIMM's. The microcode basically tells the Aspen what type of probe is being plugged into the ZDL (distribution left -- basically where you socket the probes). If you do not have a particular probe listed on the Version Report you will NOT be able to use that probe, even if you have it licensed by Siemens/Acuson.

Encryption Strings: What is it, and you need to care about this.
As the name implies these are encrypted codes that the Aspen deciphers. This is translated into the configuration report, where you're able to see what options are licensed. It is a proprietary encryption which means you have to rely on the manufacturer to provide you with licensing. It is IMPERATIVE that you copy your encryption strings down somewhere, either print it out, or write it down and keep it with your system. The SVC2 has a small battery on it, that keeps the system from losing the encryption strings (stored on BBM -- battery backed memory/ram) while the ultrasound is OFF. Everything can be recovered if you follow simple easy steps such as writing down the Encryption Strings, and backing up Presets/Studies onto an MO (magneto optical) disk. They're 3.5" floppy disks that are basically smaller re-writeable CD's.