Netroda Technologies Heritage Foundation

ESAOTE BIOMEDICA

SIM CFM 7000 Challenge

Manufacturer ESAOTE BIOMEDICA S.p.A. / Biosound U.S.A.
Introduced 1990 ^[1]
Production Date 10/1994 (Est.)^[2]
Model/Serial 970 7008 010 SN: 04422
Technology CW & PW Doppler, Color Flow Mapping
Probe Types Mechanical Sector-Scanner Phased Annular Array (AA)
Architecture Motorola 68K-Type CPU @ 10 MHz
Software Custom Real Time OS + APP PROM Cartrige

The SIM CFM 7000 represents a transitional generation of ultrasound machines, combining custom ASIC beamformers with embedded control CPUs before the widespread adoption of PC-based architectures. It was one of the first machines to feature 2D Color Flow Mapping (CFM). The SIM CFM 7000 was used by early adopters and supported annular array probes.

Because of the small probe size and its inherent functionality, requiring only a narrow beam entry, many devices were repurposed after their initial lifecycle for mobile veterinary applications. This makes complete units very rare, and fully functioning annular array (AA) probes even rarer.

History, Purpose & Use Cases of the Device

The SIM CFM 7000 Challenger was used for Color Flow Mapping (CFM) in human biology to examine vascular cavities in early cardiology applications. Color Flow Mapping Doppler imaging is based on the Doppler effect, a phenomenon in which the frequency of a wave changes due to the relative motion between the source and the observer—similar to the pitch shift of a siren as an ambulance drives past. The development of 2D Color Flow Mapping Doppler was the result of decades of research and collaboration among universities and companies worldwide.

ESAOTE BIOMEDICA was formed around 1982 and is the result of a Joint Venture between a spin-off Company (EsaControl) of the Italian Power Research and Manufacturing company Ansaldo, that formed Esaote together with the company OTE Biomedica (Officine Toscane Elettromeccaniche) from Florence. It Acquired Biosound Inc. (U.S.A.) in 1990 and completet the Merger in 1992.

Software and Ecosystem

The PROM-Cartide System Software and Architecture introducted on the SIM CFM 7000 was used until at least 2000 in the successor models (AU3, AU4), highlighting the sophistication and isolation of the Ecosystem and inherent Challenges to modernize the Data Acquiry Board, IO and to implement x86-Computerization that competitors had achieved far before in the mid 1990's. Directly derived models based on the SIM CFM 7000's Architecture were marketet until at least 1999. Long product runs and iterative, careful iterations are common with medical devices due to low production quotas and complex, expensive regulatory work.

During Startup, the System performs a Power-On Self Test checking all vital components, including the Microprocessor, System Memory, The EPROM, the Application Cartridge, Image Memory (VRAM) and searching for attached Probes. in the SIM CFM 7000 the Circular Connector for the probes on the Rear of the machine contain a Solder-bridge/Resistor indicator of attached the probe type. The System only supports Annular Array Probes. The Transducer communication is primarily analogue, therfore all ADC Conversion is done inside the machine.

To be continued...

External View

Technical details

System Boards & Internal Components

Overview of the main system boards and internal components, including identification numbers and links to detailed parts lists.

Board Name & ID Number	Name	Description	Parts List
RGB II (1) ID: 950 0432	Video/Image Memory	The RGB II Board is responsible for buffering and storing image in video memory, also holds the cine framebuffer. The board is contained 3 times, and each of them is identical in components.	View Parts →
RGB II (2)
RGB II (3)
MEMORY CONTROL II ID: 950 0122	Memory Control Board	--	View Parts →
CPU II ID: 950 0434	CPU Board (Main Processor)	The Brain	View Parts →
TIMING ID: 950 0023	Timing Board	--	View Parts →
PROCESSING III ID: 950 0316	Advanced Image Processing	--	View Parts →
CORRELATOR • Empty
MTI • Empty
FFT ID: 950 0021	Fast Fourier Transform	--	View Parts →
DOPPLER ID: 950 0020	Doppler Effect Processing	--	View Parts →
SCAN CONTROL IV ID: 950 0128	Scan Controlling	--	View Parts →
AUX II ID: 950 0304	Auxiliary Interfacing	--	View Parts →
US BOARD III ID: 950 0315	Ultrasound Transducer Interfacing	--	View Parts →

The System is powered by a Switching mode power supply trough a filtered mains input. It contains additional boards for the Integrated 9-inch Monochrome CRT and the RGB/Composite external interfaces for Color monitor and printers.

Each Board must only be placed on it's exactly specified position on the system backplane. The Baseboard uses DIN 41612 Eurocard Interconnection with System Bus, Power and board-specific connection lanes. The Ultrasound Transducer board attaches 6 Coaxial channels connected directly to the transducer selector that is located behind the transducer connectors, and is additonally directly connected to the Doppler board using 2 coaxial channels. All other connections between the control boards are routed through the mainboard and the DIN connectors.

Internal View

Sources and Refereces

[1] A History of People and Technology, Page 38, Milestones: The first Portable Ultrasound Color System with Multifrequency Annular Array (ESAOTE BIOMEDICA SIM CFM 7000 Series, Introduced 1990), Published by ESAOTE S.p.A., 2005

[2] Device Production Date has been estimated based on informations on production Dates of specific components or subcomponents included in the device.

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