Context

As demand grows for non-invasive, real-time diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound across clinical applications, there’s a need for integrated, modular technological solutions that enable rapid device development to support evolving clinical and patient needs.

Solution

TTP’s Software Defined Ultrasound (SDU) imaging system is a platform-enabling technology that provides a modular, expandable, and versatile reference design, allowing developers to accelerate their product journeys, and offering a flexible way to create novel ultrasound solutions at a lower cost in the lab – translating these into real-world products.

Result

SDU supports the efficient prototyping, iteration, and optimisation of novel ultrasound products, accelerating timelines, enhancing design precision, and helping manufacturers deliver versatile, high-performance ultrasound solutions for an evolving user base

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The Software Defined Ultrasound platform (“SDU”) represents our commitment to creating adaptable, scalable ultrasound solutions that respond to the fast-evolving demands of modern healthcare. By providing a modular and flexible platform, we’re enabling developers to bring innovative ultrasound devices to market faster and with greater confidence in their performance and adaptability. This platform truly supports our clients in achieving impactful outcomes, from early concept to final design.

Jamie Collin
Project Lead, TTP

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Accelerating innovation in ultrasound: a platform for developing novel ultrasound imaging products

The medical ultrasound market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, driven by the need for non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tools across a broad range of clinical specialties. Today’s ultrasound technology provides versatile imaging solutions, from portable, point-of-care systems to high-end, cart-based machines utilised in hospitals and specialised clinics. Additionally, therapeutic ultrasound—especially high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)—is gaining traction as a non-invasive treatment option in fields like oncology and pain management. Advances in AI, miniaturisation, and wireless technology continue to expand ultrasound’s capabilities, solidifying its role as an indispensable tool in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

At TTP, we understand that innovation in ultrasound requires a seamless integration of transducer and drive electronics development. This synergy is at the heart of our device development approach, enabling us to drive virtually any transducer, develop a wide range of transducer types, and support our clients through every stage of their product journey.

Our SDU platform embodies this commitment to integration and flexibility, offering a modular, versatile solution that empowers our clients to prototype and iterate on groundbreaking applications at an accelerated pace.

Key benefits of SDU include:

• Full access to RF data for comprehensive analysis and customisation

• Modular design in units of 16 channels, scalable to thousands of channels to support a range of configurations

• Flexible TX/RX patterns for developing advanced imaging modes and integrating AI-driven imaging enhancements

Beyond our electronics platform, TTP’s end-to-end transducer development capabilities further set us apart. We specialise in both bulk piezoelectric devices (including thickness mode, bending mode, and Langevin-type devices) and advanced MEMS transducers, prototyped in our in-house microfabrication facility. Our MEMS offerings span capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) and piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) technologies, which enable us to support applications in imaging, therapy, drug delivery, and industrial use. By combining robust transducer expertise with cutting-edge drive electronics,  SDU guides clients through the product development cycle—accelerating timelines, enhancing design precision, and ultimately delivering versatile, high-performance ultrasound solutions that meet the demands of modern healthcare and beyond.