Continuous-Wave 3.5MHz Ultrasound Check Source
Traceable measurement of the acoustic power output of ultrasonic diagnostic and therapeutic equipment is essential for compliance with regulatory, safety and quality standards. To meet this need, the calibration of measuring equipment such as radiation force balances and power meters should be checked regularly against reference standards. The Continuous-Wave Ultrasound Check Source has been developed as a cost-effective route to providing traceability to National Measurement Standards. It is designed to produce a known acoustic output power at diagnostic and lower-end therapeutic levels.
Key Features
- Simple to use
- Robust and portable
- Very stable
- Output power selectable: 10mW, 100mW or 1W
- Traceable to National Measurement Standards
- A choice of certificated calibration options
Technical Specification
| Excitation | 3.5MHz, continuous-wave |
| Transducer | 19mm diameter, unfocussed |
| Nominal power output | 10mW, 100mW and 1W - front-panel selected, intermediate "off" |
| Stability | Power output stable to better than+/- 2.5% during 1000 hours of use |
| Calibration accuracy | +/- 7% as standard (see Option 1 or Option 2 below) |
| Electrical input | Supply voltage 80V to 250V, 50Hz to 60Hz, universal |
| Environmental | Recommended normal operating temperature range 19°C to 25°C. Conforms to BS electrical safety standards and EMC regulations – CE Marketing Designed such that the transducer cannot be readily disconnected from the unit |
NPL reserves the right to change the specification without notice
Calibration Options
The NPL Check Source is supplied with a choice of certificated calibration options:
| Option 1 | Calibration of power output against a secondary standard radiation force balance - accuracy = +/-7% (95% confidence) |
| Option 2 | Calibration of power output against the NPL primary standard radiation force balance - accuracy = +/-4% (95% confidence) |
Full characterisation of the transmitted ultrasound field at 100mW in accordance with IEC 61157 (1993) is also available, in addition to Options 1 or 2, upon request.
Re-calibration against national measurement standards is recommended at least at yearly intervals. NPL provides the above calibration Options 1 and 2 for certificated re-calibration.
Contact Precision Acoustics Ltd to discuss your specific requirements.
