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April 8, 2026Electronics0 citationsOpen Access

Design and Implementation of a High-Resolution Real-Time Ultrasonic Endoscopy Imaging System Based on FPGA and Coded Excitation

HGHaihang GuUniversity of Shanghai for Science and Technology FSFujia SunUniversity of Shanghai for Science and Technology SHShuhao HouUniversity of Shanghai for Science and Technology

Key Points

This study aims to design a high-resolution, real-time ultrasonic endoscopy imaging system using FPGA technology.
Developed a real-time imaging system based on Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA.
Implemented 4-bit Barker code for coded excitation to enhance signal strength.
Utilized a multi-channel analog front end with time-gain compensation for signal processing.
Created a Low-Voltage Differential Signaling interface for high-speed data transfer.
Achieved real-time B-mode imaging at 30 frames per second.
Obtained an axial resolution of 0.13 mm, differentiating 0.1 mm microstructures.
Improved signal-to-noise ratio by approximately 4.5 dB at 40 mm depth compared to conventional methods.

Abstract

High-frequency endoscopic ultrasound is crucial for the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors. However, achieving high axial resolution, deep tissue signal-to-noise ratio, and real-time data processing simultaneously remains a significant challenge in hardware implementation. This paper proposes a miniaturized real-time high-frequency imaging system based on the Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA. To overcome attenuation limitations of high-frequency signals, we employ a 4-bit Barker code-encoded excitation scheme coupled with a programmable ±100 V high-voltage transmission circuit. This effectively enhances echo energy without exceeding peak voltage safety thresholds. At the receiver end, the system utilizes a multi-channel analog front end integrated with mixed-signal time-gain compensation technology. Furthermore, to address transmission bottlenecks for massive echo data, we designed a Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) interface logic based on dynamic phase calibration, ensuring stable, high-speed data transfer to the host computer via USB 3.0. Experimental results with a 20 MHz transducer demonstrate that the system achieves real-time B-mode imaging at 30 frames per second. Phantom testing revealed an axial resolution of 0.13 mm, enabling clear differentiation of 0.1 mm microstructures. Compared to conventional single-pulse excitation, coded excitation technology improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by approximately 4.5 dB at a depth of 40 mm. These results validate the system’s capability for high-precision deep imaging suitable for clinical endoscopy applications, delivered in a compact, low-power form factor.

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