Embedded gpu implementation for high-performance ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Methods of increasing complexity are currently being proposed for ultrasound (US) echo-graphic signal processing. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) resources allowing massive exploitation of parallel computing are ideal candidates for these tasks. Many high-performance US instruments, including open scanners like ULA-OP 256, have an architecture based only on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and/or Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). This paper proposes the implementation of the embedded NVIDIA Jetson Xavier AGX module on board ULA-OP 256. The system architecture was revised to allow the introduction of a new Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) communication channel, while maintaining backward compatibility with all other embedded computing resources already on board. Moreover, the Input/Output (I/O) peripherals of the module make the ultrasound system independent, freeing the user from the need to use an external controlling PC.