Low-cost Magnetic Resonance Console Architecture using an Open Source for Laboratory Scale Systems

Abstract

MRI systems with proprietary hardware must use pulse programming, which is less expensive. Pulse programming consoles use Digital Signal Processor, Complex Programming Logic Device, and microcontrollers, which are typically restricted to particular architectures. General–purpose, extremely affordable electronics board featuring these architectures are now capable enough to be directly implemented in MRI consoles. Here we present the architectural details of various consoles with novel designs and their limitations. Finally, we propose a console design which was created utilising widely accessible Arduino Boards to connect to Pulseq-GPI implementations at a reduced cost of $225