MODULE 10

TROUBLESHOOTING

Overview 10-3
Objectives 10-3
Purpose 10-3
Instructions 10-3
Powering Up and Down 10-4
Powering Up 10-4
Proper Power Down 10-4
Improper Power Down 10-4
System Logs 10-5
Power on Log 10-5
Keystroke & Error Logs 10-5
Technical Assistance 10-6
System Troubleshooting 10-7
Quick Tips 10-10
Common Symptoms and Fixes 10-11
General Approach 10-11
No Power 10-11
System Does Not Power On 10-12
System Powers Itself Down 10-12
Supplemental Error Code Descriptions 10-16
System Lockup Problems 10-20
System Power Off Problems 10-21
Error Messages 10-21
Scanner Troubleshooting 10-22
Channel Circuitry 10-22
Analog Processing 10-22
Scanner Power On Errors 10-23
Scanner Failures 10-24
Channel Failures 10-24
Summing Delay Line (SDL) 10-24
Receiver (RCV) 10-26
Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

Mixer Clock (MXK) 10-27

Interpolating Gain Driver (IGD) 10-27
DIMAQ™ Workstation Troubleshooting 10-28
DIMAQ Power On Errors 10-28
Video Problems 10-29
Function or Format Problems 10-30
Image Quality Problems 10-30
Ethernet Status LED Description 10-32
DICOM Problems 10-32
Troubleshooting Software Problems 10-34
Software Error Logs 10-34
Troubleshooting Questions 10-36

REVISION HISTORY

QRC P/N-REV INITIATOR APPROVAL DATE

59169 Rev. X3 J. Koeper S. Williams 7/16/99 Incorporate reviewer comments

Beta

A3174 59169 Rev. 1 J. Madarasz S. Williams Dec. 2000 Initial Release

Module 10-2 Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59169 Rev. 1

Acuson Confidential Overview

OVERVIEW
OBJECTIVES • Understand how to troubleshoot system problems by grouping
them into problem categories, and using the appropriate
isolation tools and techniques.
• Given a broken system and all of the necessary test equipment,
isolate the failure down to two FRUs.

PURPOSE Troubleshooting is the heart of a service engineers job. When a

system doesn’t work, it is important to get it up and running as
quickly as possible. Whether it is operator error, a faulty FRU, or a
software bug, the service engineer must learn how to resolve the
problem.

INSTRUCTIONS The instructor will provide the opportunity to troubleshoot systems

with failures. Use the following suggested procedure for analysis
and troubleshooting. Some problems will be obvious and others
may require some investigation or testing to find the problem.
1 Turn on the bugged System.
2 Determine the symptom of the problem. Write it down and
categorize it as: no power, functionality/format problem, lockup,
image quality, or error message.
3 If necessary to determine the problem, image the carotid and/or
phantom to check the main modalities including: 2-D, PW, CD,
AEGIS® Digital Image and Data System, and Cine.
4 Use any troubleshooting tools that may be helpful: hardware
diagnostics, testing power supply voltages and ohms, testing DBL
signals, looking at error logs, etc.
5 Contact an Instructor for evaluation when the possible FRUs have
been narrowed down to one or two assemblies. Please ask for input
or information at any time in the process.
6 Clear the diagnostic logs when done and move on to another
problem.

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

POWERING UP AND DOWN

POWERING UP It is desirable to allow the system to go through full power on
diagnostics once per day. That is the default configuration which is
selectable in the diagnostic menu. The diagnostic bypass (RESET
SPACE BAR) can be used when desired during troubleshooting. It
should NOT cause system problems.
Always wait for AEGIS® system to connect before pressing any
keys on the system. If AEGIS system does not connect it is possible
and o.k. to use the system for imaging without the AEGIS system
capability.

CAUTION! Do not power up the system immediately after it has been powered
down. Wait 10 seconds.

PROPER POWER The system should only be powered down by pressing the on/off
DOWN button. This will only work when the system and AEGIS system are
fully operational in a scanning state. A message will come to the
screen “Writing images to Disk” it should only take ~10 seconds
until it powers down.
If not powering down, Reset the system, wait for complete power
up and AEGIS status line, then power down the system. It is
recommended not to power down by turning off the circuit breaker
or pulling the power cord out.
If Reset doesn’t work and you need to power down, do so from the
diagnostic menu.

CAUTION! Do not power down by turning off the circuit breaker or pulling the
power cord out. If the system is locked up, go to the diagnostic menu
(Reset, Test). Then press the power button to power off the system.

IMPROPER POWER Do NOT pull the power cable from the wall outlet while the system
DOWN is still on.
Do NOT flip the breakers to shut the machine down unless you are
troubleshooting a system problem that forces you to do so.

NOTE: During Troubleshooting that is not related to AEGIS system, it may be

helpful to turn AEGIS system off. (This can be done in Engineering
Menu 601 or by removing the DCI.) This shortens power on time and
protects the hard drive from corruption that can result from hard power
off.

Module 10-4 Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59169 Rev. 1

Acuson Confidential System Logs

SYSTEM LOGS
The system has multiple logs that may be of help to you in
Troubleshooting.

POWER ON LOG • The power on log is accessed from the Customer or

Manufacturing menus in diagnostics.
• Any power on errors will be stored in the log until you go into
the log from the Manufacturing menu to delete them.
• See the MSM STB for more information.

KEYSTROKE & The system has keystroke and error logs similar to the 128XP®
ERROR LOGS Ultrasound system.
Access the keystroke and error logs in the Engineering menu #107

LOG DESCRIPTION

Error Message Log Displays any errors logged by the system

microprocessors.

Error Keystroke Log Logs the last 100 keystrokes prior to the last
error message.

Current keystroke Log Logs the last 100 keystrokes.

SCP CMD Queues Logs operations by the SCP.

SCC CMD Queues Logs operations by the Scan Converter.

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
For any service related questions or technical assistance or for
information on Acuson’s service offerings, call the Acuson
HelpDesk at 1-800-922-8766 in the United States, or refer to the
contacting Acuson section or the DIAGNOSTICS Menu on the
system for local numbers outside the US.
The following information may be required when you call Acuson
for technical assistance or to submit a problem report:
• Name and phone number of the person who found or
experienced the problem
• System type and serial number
• Brief description of the problem
• Description of expected performance
• Phone number to connect remotely to the system via the
modem.

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Acuson Confidential System Troubleshooting

SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
Acuson systems have an exceptional record of dependability and a
customer service network ready to respond to your individual
needs.
The purpose of this section is to familiarize service personnel with
the basic troubleshooting of the Aspen™ ultrasound system. Service
personnel are expected to be familiar with the use of basic test
equipment (DVM, oscilloscope, etc.) and basic ultrasound theory.

WARNING! This manual is intended for use by trained service personnel. There are
lethal voltages inside the Aspen system. Bodily harm and possibly
death, and damage to the system may result if untrained individuals
attempt to service the system.

NOTE: Each Aspen system comes with a modem that allows the Acuson
HelpDesk to dial into the system to diagnose problems remotely. It is
important to have an analog telephone line available to connect the
modem on your Aspen system so that the HelpDesk can assist in
resolving system problems.

P/N 59169 Rev. 1 Aspen Service Training Manual Module 10- 7

 Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

Symptom Type

Failures on the Aspen system can be broken down into five main
symptom types as follows:
• No power
• Functionality or image format problems
• Locked-up system
• Image quality problems
• Error messages
Following are the general characteristics of each symptom type, a
definition of each, and some basic guidelines for troubleshooting
each symptom type.
Table 10-7 Symptom Type Definitions and Causes of Failures

SYMPTOM TYPE DEFINITION CAUSES

No power The system does not turn on or turns
itself off. There is no power to fans or
lights. There are no raster lines on the
monitor when the brightness and
contrast levels are high.
Typical power problems happen
because power is not coming from the
wall, the circuit breakers are off, or
there is a failure in the power-on
circuitry.

Functional or image The system is still accepting keyboard
format problems commands but the alphanumeric,
graphic, or image format is missing,
incorrect, or displaced.
The microprocessors are
communicating, but the boards
themselves are not able to carry out
the imaging or formatting
instructions.

Hung or locked system The system no longer accepts
keyboard commands. You may still
get an image in the image area. These
failures usually happen as you go
from one mode into another, for
instance, going into or out of color
imaging.
System hang ups or lock ups are
typically caused by a breakdown in
microprocessor communications.
They usually happen as you are going
from one mode into another, as
multiple microprocessors try to
communicate. This can be a result of a
hardware and/or software problem.

Image quality problems The image format is correct but there
is a problem with the quality of the
ultrasound signal coming out of the
Scanner. Examples could be: the
image is defocused, poor penetration,
channel dropouts, or excessive noise.
Image quality problems usually relate
to a failure in the Scanner subsystem
or the A/D section of the Scan
Converter within the DIMAQ
workstation. The transmitters may not
be focusing correctly, or the receive
timing delays are incorrect.

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Acuson Confidential System Troubleshooting

SYMPTOM TYPE DEFINITION CAUSES

Error messages The system responds with an error Error messages can happen for any
message as the result of a specific key number of reasons, from a printer out
being pressed or at power up. This of paper to illegal transducer use.
implies that some operating condition
of the system or peripherals is being
violated.

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

QUICK TIPS
The following are some useful tips which may help in quick
diagnosis of certain typical failures.
Table 10-8 Quick Tips

Symptom Type Quick Tips

No power • The assemblies involved are the power cord, AC Box, Main
Power Supply, Iso Xfmr Box, ZSMB, ZSCMB, UIC, IOB, and
any of the connecting cables.
• Verify that the system is plugged into a functional wall
outlet.
• Verify that another instrument works in the same wall outlet.
• Verify that the plug held by the bracket at the lower back of
the system is securely connected.
• Verify that the main breaker is on.
• Make sure you are pressing the correct power on button. The
power switch is located on the front of the system just below the
monitor.
• If only monitor and peripherals are not getting power then
check the Iso Xfmr Box circuit breakers, and the AUX circuit
breaker.
• Check if a power supply error is indicated on the IOB’s 7-
segment LED display (behind the back door.)

Image format or functional The boards involved depend on the modality, e.g., 2-D, M-mode,
problems Spectral or Color Doppler or AEGIS system.

Hung or locked systems The boards involved are the UIC, IOB, SVC, ZSCP, FEC, DSP, RP,
or WFP.

Image quality problems The boards involved are the XMT, XDY, ZDL, ZIP, RCV, APD,
MXK, SDL, DCC, VDT, IFD, DBL, AQP, RP, and CDM.

Error messages Check the User Manual, the Transducer Manual, or the
Administrative Manual for the meaning of error messages.

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Acuson Confidential Common Symptoms and Fixes

COMMON SYMPTOMS AND FIXES

GENERAL • Note the event(s) that caused the failure.
APPROACH • Identify the assemblies involved.
• Use any available tools to isolate between assemblies.
• Replace assemblies as needed until the problem is corrected.
Table 10-9 Normal Operations

EVIDENCE OF NORMAL SYSTEM OPERATION CONCLUSION

System images, fans are on, decimal point on IOB display The power system is most likely
is illuminated, but no other segments are illuminated. functioning properly.

All modalities function as described in the User Manual. All subsystems are functioning
properly.

All peripherals are functioning as described in the The peripherals and the system’s
Administrative Manual. Input/ Output interface are functioning
properly.

NO POWER Power supply failures can cause a variety of failure symptoms

throughout the system and it may not be immediately obvious that
a faulty power supply is to blame. For this reason, it is prudent to
verify power supplies when troubleshooting any failure.
A seven segment error display is used to report power supply and
fan failure errors. Figure 10-1 shows the error display and provides
a summary description of the error codes. The error display is
behind the back door on the IOB board.

POWER
SUPPLY . DECIMAL POINT ONLY (V-STANDBY ON)
ERROR 0. POWER FAIL WARNING
DISPLAY 1. HODC OVER CURRENT
2. HODC OVER VOLTAGE
3. CODC OVER CURRENT
4. CODC OVER VOLTAGE
LINK 5. SCANNER FAN FAIL
6. SC, PPS OR DISK FAN FAIL
POL 7. SYSTEM OVERTEMP
10 BASE-T COL
LEDS
RX
TX

Figure 10-1 IOB 7-Segment Error Display and Ethernet LEDs

.

CAUTION! If a power subsystem failure occurs which latches an error code on the
7- segment display on the IOB board, the system’s main circuit breaker
must be turned off for 30 seconds in order to clear the error.

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 Module 10 - Troubleshooting
SYSTEM DOES NOT
POWER ON
CAUTION!
SYSTEM POWERS
ITSELF DOWN
SYMPTOM
The system turns off
unexpectedly, fans off, all
lights off, etc.
See sections below.
The system turns off 20 to
30 seconds after being
turned on.
System shuts down with
no error code.
System shuts down with
an Error Code “0”
displayed (i.e., Main
Power Supply Fail
Warning).
Module 10-12
Acuson Confidential
The following table provides information on what to do when the
Aspen system does not power on. Be sure to clear power supply
errors by unplugging the system or turning the Mains circuit
breaker off for 30 seconds each time before retrying the system for
proper power on.
Turn power off, and unplug the system before removing or installing
any power supply assembly. Do not remove or install a PCB or power
supply assembly with the power on.
The following table provides information on what to do when the
Aspen system powers itself off. Be sure to clear Power Supply
errors by unplugging the system or turning the Mains circuit
breaker off for 30 seconds each time before retrying the system for
proper power on.
Table 10-10 Troubleshooting a system that powers itself down
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Power system error condition has Check for error codes displayed on the
occurred. IOB.
Over temperature condition has Ensure that the side clearance
occurred. requirements are met.
Fan problem. Blocked, stopped, or unplugged fan,
see error code 5, or 6, below.
This can happen when a transient Start examining as for error codes 1 to
happens too quickly to be captured. 4, below.
Intermittent AC power: Black or Wait for AC line to be stable, and
brown out. within specifications.
Check for proper AC power at the
wall outlet, it should be:
90VAC to 127VAC for 115VAC
systems
207VAC to 253VAC for 230VAC
systems
Intermittent AC main power cord(s). Check to see all cables, especially the
external power cord, are fully seated.
Check for proper AC power at the
Main Power Supply (unplug the black
primary AC input cord, J19, and
measure voltage on the cord), it
should be as stated above.
Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59169 Rev. 1
Acuson Confidential
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
System shuts down with One or more of the DC power supplies
an Error Code “1” is shorted to ground, or to another DC
displayed (i.e., Main voltage.
Power Supply HODC
over current)
One or more PCB is drawing too much
current.
The PPS may have a short to ground
or the +300V which feeds the PPS may
be getting loaded down. This
condition normally takes a few
seconds to develop.
Faulty IOB.
Misreported Error Code.
System shuts down with One of the +5V digital power supplies
an Error Code “2” is being “margined” to a voltage
displayed (i.e., Main above ~5.8V by the DAC on the IOB.
Power Supply HODC
over voltage).
Faulty Main Power Supply.
Faulty IOB.
Misreported Error Code.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1 Aspen Service Training Manual
Common Symptoms and Fixes
REMEDY
Check for power supply shorts by
measuring the impedance of
appropriate power supply outputs
with the system AC power
disconnected. Continue at the next
step to further isolate power supply
shorts.
Unplug half of the boards in the
Scanner to isolate, then continue
reducing by half until the faulty
board(s) are isolated.
If the problem was not found in the
Scanner, repeat the half split isolation
with the DIMAQ workstation PCBs,
hard drive, MO drive, DFB, UIC, ZAP,
MSE, ECG and HPR.
Check power supply cables for
cracked insulation, cracked connector
housings, or improper (reversed)
wiring.
Unplug the PPS connection, and try
the system again.
Replace IOB.
Treat as an Error Code 2 and
troubleshoot accordingly.
Could be a hardware or a software
problem. Unplug the Scanner digital
power harness (the 24 pin connector
on the Scanner motherboard, which
originates from J17 and J18 of the Main
Power Supply). This will help isolate
whether it's the Scanner digital
margin control or something else.
Replace the Main Power Supply.
Replace IOB.
Treat as an Error Code 1 and
troubleshoot accordingly.
Module 10- 13
 Module 10 - Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
System shuts down with One or more of the DC power supplies
an Error Code “3” is shorted to ground, or to another DC
displayed (i.e., Main voltage. See explanation of error codes
Power Supply CODC in Table 5-7.
overcurrent).
One, or more PC boards is drawing
too much current.
Faulty IOB.
Misreported Error Code.
System shuts down with One of the “clean” DC outputs of the
an Error Code “4” Main Power Supply is over-voltage.
displayed (i.e., Main
Power Supply CODC Faulty Main Power Supply.
overvoltage). Faulty IOB.
Misreported Error Code.
System shuts down with Scanner exhaust fan(s) are:
an Error Code “5”
displayed (i.e., Scanner stuck, or running too slow,
fan fail) unplugged,
Scanner fans not getting DC voltage.
Faulty IOB.
Module 10-14 Aspen Service Training Manual
Acuson Confidential
REMEDY
Check for power supply shorts by
measuring the impedance of
appropriate power supply outputs
with the system off and AC power
disconnected. Continue at the next
step to further isolate power supply
shorts.
Unplug half of the boards in the
Scanner to isolate, then continue
reducing by half until the faulty
board(s) are isolated.
If the problem was not found in the
Scanner, repeat the half split isolation
with the DIMAQ workstation PCBs,
hard drive, MO drive, DFB, UIC, ZAP,
MSE, ECG and HPR.
Check power supply cables for
cracked insulation, cracked connector
housings, or improper (reversed)
wiring.
Replace IOB.
Treat as an Error Code 4 and
troubleshoot accordingly.
Replace Main Power Supply.
Replace IOB.
Treat as an Error Code 3 and
troubleshoot accordingly.
Check for obstruction.
Check connection, including the IOB–
J8 connection.
Check the fan voltage with a voltmeter
at the Main Power Supply (J14, pins 7
and 8), and also at the Scan Converter
fans red and black leads. The fan
voltage should be between 7.5 to
16.0VDC.
Replace IOB.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1
Acuson Confidential
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE
System shuts down with Scan Converter exhaust fan(s), PPS fan
an Error Code “6” and disk drive bay fan are:
displayed (i.e., Scan
Converter, PPS, or disk stuck, or running too slow,
drive bay fan fail) unplugged,
Scan Converter fan not getting DC
voltage.
PPS and/or disk drive bay fan not
getting DC voltage.
Faulty IOB.
System shuts down with System is over 65°C.
an Error Code “7”
displayed (i.e., System
overtemperature)
One or both of the thermal sensors is
unplugged or defective.
IOB–J8 connection is loose or missing.
Faulty Main Power Supply.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1 Aspen Service Training Manual
Common Symptoms and Fixes
REMEDY
Check for obstruction.
Check connection, including the IOB–
J8 connection.
Check the fan voltage with a voltmeter
at the Main Power Supply (J14, pins 7
and 8), and also at the Scan Converter
fans red and black leads. The fan
voltage should be between 7.5 to
16.0VDC.
Check the fan voltage with a voltmeter
at the Main Power Supply (J14, pins 3
and 4), and also at the PPS and Disk
Drive fans red and black leads. The
fan voltage should be 12.0VDC.
Replace IOB.
Cool down the system. Check for the
required side and back clearance
requirements and blocked filters.
Check and replace.
Check this and related cables.
Replace Main Power Supply.
Module 10- 15
 Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

SUPPLEMENTAL The following table is a supplement to the one above and provides
ERROR CODE additional detail of each error code. Where applicable, it lists the
DESCRIPTIONS specific voltages from the Main Power Supply that are associated
with an error, and explains possible reasons for each error.
Table 10-11 Supplemental Error Codes Descriptions

ERROR CODES POSSIBLE CAUSES EXPLANATIONS

Error Code “0” AC Power Fail Warning This indicates the AC power has failed
(generated by the Main Power or momentarily dipped below
Supply). ~90VAC for 115VAC systems
~207VAC for 230VAC systems
System operation can only resume
after AC power is restored and the
user turns on the system.

Error Code “1” High Output DC Over Current. This usually results from a PCB or
other FRU load on one of the
Generated by the Main Power Supply
associated power supplies having a
after it has encountered an output
short or for other reasons drawing too
current that is higher than allowed on
much current from the respective
one or more of the following DC
power supply.
outputs:

+5V Scan Converter Digital, Powers the digital circuitry in the Scan
Converter.

+5V Scanner Digital, Powers mostly digital circuitry in the

Scanner.

+12V Fan Powers the three Scanner fans, and the

two Scan Converter fans.
(~8 to 16VDC, dependent on system
temperature),

+12V Peripheral, Powers the hard drive, MO drive, disk

drive bay fan, and Programmable
Power Supply fan.

+12V Relay, Powers the relay in the Isolation

Transformer box.

300VDC. Powers the Programmable Power

Supply.

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Acuson Confidential Common Symptoms and Fixes

ERROR CODES POSSIBLE CAUSES EXPLANATIONS

Error Code “2” High Output DC Over Voltage.
Generated by the Main Power Supply
after it has encountered an output
voltage that is higher than allowed on
one or more of the following DC
outputs:
This usually results from the Main
Power Supply over margining one of
the associated power supplies due to
incorrect voltage sense feedback from
the respective power supply or other
Main Power Supply failure. Only the
over-voltage monitored supplies are
listed.

+5V Scan Converter, Powers the digital circuitry in the Scan

Converter.

+5V Scanner Digital, Powers mostly digital circuitry in the

Scanner.

+12V Fan Powers the three Scanner fans, and the

(~8 to 16VDC, dependent on system two Scan Converter fans.
temperature),

300VDC. Powers the Programmable Power

Supply.

Error Code “3” Clean Output DC Over Current. This usually results from a PCB or
other FRU load on one of the
Generated by the Main Power Supply
associated power supplies having a
after it has encountered an output
short or for other reasons drawing too
current that is higher than allowed on
much current from the respective
one or more of the following DC
power supply.
outputs:

+5V Analog (Scanner), Powers various analog circuits in the

+7.5V (Scanner), Scanner.

–7.5 (Scanner),
+15V (Scanner),
–15V (Scanner),

+12V (Scan Converter), Powers video and other circuitry in

the DIMAQ workstation.
–12V (Scan Converter).

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 Module 10 - Troubleshooting
ERROR CODES POSSIBLE CAUSES
Error Code “4” Clean Output DC Over Voltage.
Generated by the Main Power Supply
after it has encountered an output
voltage that is higher than allowed on
one or more of the following DC
outputs:
+5V Analog (Scanner),
+7.5V (Scanner),
–7.5 (Scanner),
+15V (Scanner),
–15V (Scanner),
+12V (Scan Converter),
–12V (Scan Converter).
Error Code “5” Scanner Fan Fail.
Upon power up this error is not
generated for the first 20 seconds.
Upon power up this error is not
generated for the first 20 seconds to
allow the fans to come up to proper
speed.
Error Code “6” Scan Converter Fan Fail.
Upon power up this error is not
generated for the first 20 seconds to
allow the fans to come up to proper
speed.
Module 10-18 Aspen Service Training Manual
Acuson Confidential
EXPLANATIONS
This usually results from the Main
Power Supply over margining one of
the associated power supplies due to
incorrect voltage sense feedback from
the respective power supply or other
Main Power Supply failure.
Powers various analog circuits in the
Scanner.
Powers video and other circuitry in
the DIMAQ workstation.
This can occur if one or more of the
three Scanner fans is:
stuck or locked (not turning),
running extra slow,
unplugged,
Also the cable on the IOB–J8 could be
unplugged.
This can occur if one or more the
following fans:
Scan Converter fans (2),
Disk bay fan,
PPS fan are:
stuck or locked (not turning),
running extra slow,
unplugged,
Also, the IOB–J8 cable, or other
internal cables are unplugged.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1
Acuson Confidential Common Symptoms and Fixes

ERROR CODES POSSIBLE CAUSES EXPLANATIONS

Error Code “7” System overtemperature. This can occur if:

The system is very hot in either the
Scanner card cage area or the Scan
Converter area (i.e., above 65°C).
One or both of the temperature
sensors located in the above areas are
unplugged.
The IOB–J8 cable is unplugged.
One or both of the temperature
sensors are defective.

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 Module 10 - Troubleshooting
SYSTEM LOCKUP
PROBLEMS
CAUTION!
SYMPTOM
System lock-ups during
an exam as described in
the specific examples
below, or for any other
system lock-up during an
exam.
The system never gets
into imaging mode.
The system hangs only
with some transducers.
The system fails only in B-
mode.
The system fails only in
Spectral Doppler mode.
The system fails only in
Color Doppler mode.
The system locks up
when trying to access
peripherals.
Module 10-20
Acuson Confidential
The following table provides basic guidelines to fixing system lock-
up problems.
Turn power off, and unplug the system before removing or installing
any power supply assembly. Do not remove or install a PCB or power
supply assembly with the power on.
Table 10-12 Troubleshooting system lockup problems
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Software bug or hardware problem. Most lock-up situations can be
temporarily fixed by pushing the
RESET button or power cycling the
system.
Reset or power cycle the system in
order to recover, and continue the
exam.
For persistent system lock-ups:
First run system diagnostics or call the
Acuson HelpDesk to have them run it
remotely for you.
If diagnostics does not uncover a
hardware problem, verify with the
HelpDesk that it is not a software bug.
If it is not a software bug, the rest of
this table provides some general
troubleshooting guidelines for specific
types of lock-ups.
Bad RP, SVC, IOB, ZD, power Replace each in turn, and retry.
supplies or cables.
Incorrect configuration Verify the system configuration with
the HelpDesk.
Bad ZSCP, DBL, ZDT, AQP or SVC.
Bad DAQ, DSP, or WFP.
Bad DAQ, FEC, ZFEB, or CRP.
The system or its peripherals may not
be configured correctly. Press CODE-
SETUP and refer to the Aspen System
Peripheral and Transducer Manual for
configuration information.
Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59169 Rev. 1
 Acuson Confidential Common Symptoms and Fixes

SYSTEM POWER OFF The Aspen system is equipped with a hard drive. At any point in
PROBLEMS time the user may have open studies, and the system could be
writing to the hard drive. To prevent loss of studies or damage to
the hard drive, the system uses a software controlled power off.
Therefore, at times, when the software is hung, it will not receive a
power off request (to safely close studies and shut down the
system), and the system will not power off when the ON/OFF
button is pushed.

CAUTION! DO NOT pull the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker.

Table 10-13 System not powering off

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY

The system will not
power off with the power
switch.
The system is hung, and is not
receiving the power off request or
cannot act on the power off request.
Press RESET and allow the system to
return to imaging mode. Then try
powering off with the power switch
again.
If the above does not work, then try
powering down from the Diagnostics
menu. To do this, press and hold
TEST for one second immediately
after pressing RESET. Then try
powering off with the power switch
again once the Diagnostics menu
appears.
If all else fails, use the main circuit
breaker to power off the system. Note,
however, that the next time the system
is powered on it will display a “Fixing
hard drive” message, and will take
between 5 and 20 minutes to recover.

ERROR MESSAGES The following table provides basic guidelines to troubleshooting

certain error message conditions.
Table 10-14 Error Messages

CHECK IF THEN

For power on errors The message indicates a failure of an Replace the failing assembly.
assembly.

For the activity that It happened when accessing a Refer to the peripheral manufacturer’s
caused the message peripheral. user manual for more information.

There were no external interfaces. Refer to the Aspen User Manual for
more information.

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

SCANNER TROUBLESHOOTING
When troubleshooting Scanner operational problems, it is valuable
to think of the Scanner in three sections
• Channel Circuitry
• Analog Processing
• Digital Control.
This will allow you to focus your troubleshooting efforts on a
reduced set of boards and similar techniques may be used on each
class of circuit board.

CAUTION! Turn power off, and unplug the system before removing or installing
any power supply assembly. Do not remove or install a PCB or power
supply assembly with the power on.

CHANNEL CIRCUITRY This includes transmission and receive cycles. The concerned
Scanner boards are:
XMT, RCV, SDL, APD
XDY, MXK, ZDL, DBL
This group includes the beamformer and beamformer driver
boards. Failures of these boards may result in defects localized at a
specific channel or channels. Typically these defects are most
obvious with linear transducers. The problem is obvious close to the
transducer and becomes less distinct deeper in the image. To
troubleshoot problems of this type, try swapping the boards
associated with the problem channels to another location. When the
defect moves, you have identified the defective assembly.
When the defect is not localized to specific channels, an effective
technique is to replace the suspected boards one at a time until the
problem is eliminated.
ANALOG VDT, IFD, IGD, BBQ, AUX
PROCESSING These boards process the combined ultrasound signals from all
channels. The IGD is included in this group because it controls gain
functions that influence all channels.
Failures of boards in this group result in loss of gain or resolving
power across all channels. Failures of the VDT and IFD affect only
2-D imaging, Doppler performance is unaffected. Failure of the BBQ
will affect all Doppler modes, but not 2-D imaging. Failure of the
AUX will affect only CW and AUX CW operation. The IGD can
cause problems in all operating modes.
Digital Control ZSCP, STG, DCC, MEX, TRM, ZDT
These boards control the functions of the Scanner and coordinate its
operation with the Scan Converter. Failures can affect all aspects of
Scanner operation.

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Acuson Confidential Scanner Troubleshooting

Although unlikely, failures of the Scanner motherboard may cause a

wide variety of symptoms. If changing other Scanner boards does
not correct a failure, the ZSMB should be changed.
SCANNER POWER Scanner power on diagnostics test the Scanner digital circuitry
ON ERRORS when the system is powered on or reset. If a fault is detected, one of
the error messages may be displayed on the video monitor. The
following table lists some examples of Scanner Power On messages
and likely causes.
Table 10-15 Examples of Scanner Error Messages

ERROR MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE/REMEDY

S.INTRPT Power On Error Error in the Scanner interrupt

circuitry.
Check ZSCP, STG, DCC, ZDT, IOB,
MEX and chassis interconnect cables.

DPR Power On Error Error in dual port ram (on ZDT)

Check ZDT, SCP, and IOB and
interconnecting cables.

ZSCP Power On Error Check ZSCP.

DCC Power On Error Check DCC and ZSCP.

MEMEX Power On Error Check MEX and ZSCP.

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SCANNER FAILURES
CHANNEL FAILURES Channel failures can be caused by any of the following boards:
XMT, XDY, SDL, APD, RCV, MXK. Figure 10-2 shows a typical
board dropout. With a linear format transducer connected to the
system, identify the faulty board by noting the location and width
of the image artifact. Swap boards one at a time with the power off
to try and isolate the problem. When the dropout moves, the faulty
board has been identified.
The width of the channel dropout can vary depending on the board
causing the problem and if the whole board is bad or just one
channel. There are 8 SDLs, XDYs, XMTs, 4 APDs and MXKs, and 16
RCVs. If there are 8 XMTs, one bad XMT can remove 1/8 of the
image or less if it is an individual channel failure.
The location of the dropout will generally help determine which
board is causing the problem. Dropouts on the left of the image area
will correspond to board 0 and the numbering increases as you go
towards the right of the image area.
With a sector transducer connected, it is very difficult to detect a
single dead Transmitter channel by inspecting the image.

Figure 10-2 Channel dropout

SUMMING DELAY An SDL failure can cause two dropouts in a linear format. Note that
LINE (SDL) the smaller dropout appears in the first centimeter as shown on the
horizontal graticule. The smaller dropout is more likely to provide
information about which board is causing the failure.
When using sector transducers, an SDL failure generally will
remove half of the image. Switch to a linear transducer to isolate to
a particular PCB.
Figure 10-3 shows a SDL failure in linear format. Figure 10-4 shows
a SDL failure in sector format. Note that a failure can look different
when you have a linear or sector transducer connected.

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Acuson Confidential Scanner Failures

Figure 10-3 SDL dropout in linear format

Figure 10-4 SDL dropout in sector format

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

Occasionally boards on the A-Bus can cause an overall system

problem similar to the one displayed below. Eliminate boards by
pulling them out (with the power off) until the problem goes away.
Figure 10-4 illustrates an SDL causing A-Bus crash. Beware of this
situation.

Figure 10-5 SDL causing A bus crash - BEWARE!

RECEIVER (RCV) Figure 10-6 illustrates a linear transducer image from a system with
a mixer failure on the RCV board in slot RCV9. Note the zigzag
lines running through the image. Isolating the particular faulty
Receiver board can be difficult. Try removing each Receiver board,
one at a time, and inspecting the image. When the faulty Receiver
board is removed, the lines disappear, leaving a dropout zone
corresponding to the removed Receiver board.

Figure 10-6 RCV board Mixer failure

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Acuson Confidential Scanner Failures

MIXER CLOCK Figure 10-7 illustrates Mixer clock lines on an image when the MXK
(MXK) board has failed producing mixer clock lines and not a channel
dropout.

Figure 10-7 Mixer Clock Lines

INTERPOLATING GAIN An IGD failure can cause gain problems (too much or too little
DRIVER (IGD) gain). Figure 10-8 illustrates the IGD causing too much receiver
gain. Figure 10-9 illustrates the IGD causing the loss of all receiver
gain information.

Figure 10-8 IGD causing too much receiver gain

Figure 10-9 IGD causing loss of all receiver information

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Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

DIMAQ™ WORKSTATION TROUBLESHOOTING

Failures of DIMAQ workstation boards can result in power on
errors or incorrect system operation.
DIMAQ POWER ON At least once a day at power on, a series of diagnostic tests is
ERRORS performed on the Scan Converter and other DIMAQ workstation
assemblies. Although the resulting error messages indicate specific
boards, the actual cause of failure may be a related board. The
following table lists some examples of Scan Converter power on
messages and likely causes. In addition to the FRUs listed below,
the SCMB can also be the cause of one or more of the listed power
up errors.
Table 10-16 DIMAQ Power On Errors

ERROR MESSAGE POSSIBLE CAUSE

AQP Power On Error AQP, RP, SVC, ZDT, STG, IOB, ZDT-
to-IOB cables

CDM Power On Error CDM, RP

CRP Power On Error FEC, ZFEB, CRP, Doppler Digital or

Remote bus cables

DSP Power On Error DSP, DAQ, WFP, Doppler Digital or

Remote bus cables

DAQ Power On Error DAQ, DSP, WFP, Doppler Digital or

Remote bus cables

DCI Power On Error DCI/JPEG, SVC, IOB, Hard Drive,

MO Drive, SCSI cables, Main Power
Supply

FEC Power On Error FEC, ZFEB, CRP, Doppler Digital or

Remote bus cables

IOB Power On Error IOB, SVC, VPB

SVC Power On Error SVC, RP, CRP, CDM, WFP

UIC Power On Error UIC, IOB, SVC, STG, UDC, UIP, LCD,
Main Power Supply

VPB Power On Error VPB, SVC, RP, IOB, SVC-to-VPB cable

WFP Power On Error WFP, DAQ, DSP, Remote bus cable

ZFEB Power On Error FEC, ZFEB, CRP, Doppler Digital or

Remote bus cables

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Acuson Confidential
VIDEO PROBLEMS
CAUTION!
Table 10-17 Troubleshooting Video Failures
SYMPTOM
System appears to be
operating normally,
except the system
monitor appears to be off,
not illuminated.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1
DIMAQ™ Workstation Troubleshooting
The following table provides troubleshooting tips for video
problems.
Turn power off, and unplug the system before removing or installing
any power supply assembly. Do not remove or install a PCB or power
supply assembly with the power on.
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Monitor brightness and/or contrast Adjust brightness and contrast to
controls are turned all the way down. proper settings or pull the knobs out
to use the preset (calibrated)
brightness and contrast setting.
System monitor video cable is not Check cable.
plugged in, IOB–J12 to the monitor.
System video is not being properly Increase the brightness control to see if
generated. CRT is lighting up at full brightness
and contrast. If there is a brightness
then the monitor is getting power but
not getting proper video.
AC power to the monitor is not Check the circuit breakers on the
present. Isolation Transformer box. First check
Isolation transformer circuit the primary input circuit breaker
breaker(s) have tripped. through a hole on the bottom left side
of the Iso Xfmr box. It is tripped (off)
when it is in the “out” position. Next
check the left circuit breaker on the
front of the Iso Xfmr box (see figure 1-
3 for location).
Push to reset either or both if
necessary.
Isolation Transformer Box is Check connections.
unplugged.
Power harness at Main Power Check connections.
Supply–J20 is unplugged.
AC Power connection to the monitor Check connections.
is unplugged.
Monitor has failed. Replace monitor.
Aspen Service Training Manual Module 10- 29
 Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

FUNCTION OR The following table provides basic guidelines to troubleshooting

FORMAT PROBLEMS format or functional problems. Most video problems caused by
hardware can be detected by System Diagnostics. Refer Diagnostic
Module for more information on running Customer Menu
diagnostics or contacting the Acuson HelpDesk to have remote
diagnostics done.

CAUTION! Turn power off, and unplug the system before removing or installing
any power supply assembly. Do not remove or install a PCB or power
supply assembly with the power on.

Table 10-18 Troubleshooting Format or Functional Problems

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE/REMEDY

The user controls do not work. Verify the User Interface functionality by running the Keyboard
Functionality Test. Refer to Diagnostics Module.

Bad UI component, IOB, SVC, or cables.

There is no image in the image area. Bad CDM, RP, AQP or SVC, or US video cable from DBL.
Also, check to ensure that a transducer is connected properly.

There is no Doppler data in the Bad DAQ, DSP, RP, CDM, SVC or cables.
spectral trace BUT there is a B-mode
image.

There are no Color data in the CD box Bad DAQ, FEC, FEB, CRP, SVC or cables.
BUT there is a B-mode image.

The 2-D image is misplaced. Bad RP, CDM or SVC.

The Color data is misplaced. Bad CRP or SVC.

The Spectral Doppler data is Bad WFP, RP, CDM or SVC.

misplaced.

There are no graphics in 2-D. Bad RP or SVC.

There are no graphics in Doppler. Bad WFP or SVC.

There is missing or misplaced Physio Bad ECG Module, WFP, SVC or the cables.
information.

The peripherals do not function. The system or peripherals may not be configured correctly. Press
CODE-SETUP and refer to the Aspen System Transducer and Peripheral
Manual for configuration information.

Bad VPB, IOB, cables or the peripheral.

You cannot store and retrieve images. Bad hard drive, MO drive, DCI/JPEG, SVC, IOB, or cables.

IMAGE QUALITY Failures of Scanner or Scan Converter in the DIMAQ workstation

PROBLEMS boards can result in image quality problems. The following is a
general overview of Image Quality troubleshooting.

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Acuson Confidential
Table 10-19 Troubleshooting Image Quality Problems
SYMPTOM
Poor quality in any of the
imaging modes.
Poor B-mode quality.
Poor image quality in
only Spectral Doppler.
Poor image quality in
only Color Doppler.
Noise in the image.
Poor quality from stored
images.
Poor quality video or
audio on VCR playback.
P/N 59169 Rev. 1
DIMAQ™ Workstation Troubleshooting
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Current application is not consistent
with procedure being performed.
The operator is new to the system.
Poor video output.
Bad Monitor Convergence.
Artifacts in the image area.
Spectral Doppler boards.
Color Doppler boards.
Noise in the Scanner subsystem.
Noise in the power supply.
EMI coming from external sources.
This is the most likely cause.
Internal AEGIS system boards or
cables.
Bad (or old) video tape.
Bad VCR.
Bad cable assembly.
Bad video playback circuitry.
Aspen Service Training Manual
REMEDY
Change to correct application.
The image may not be optimized.
Contact the Acuson sales office for
advice on Aspen system image
optimization.
Refer to Chapter 6, System
Diagnostics and display the SMPTE
test pattern. If there is a video
problem, it is probably the IOB, VPB,
or SVC.
Refer to Chapter 6, System
Diagnostics, and display the
convergence test pattern. Replace the
monitor as necessary.
Slowly slide the probe across an
ultrasound phantom. Look for dark
areas in the image that do not move
with the rest of the image. If artifacts
are evident, replace Scanner boards or
AQP, RP or CDM in Scan Converter
until the problem goes away.
Check DAQ, DSP, or WFP.
Check DAQ, FEC, FEB, or CRP.
Replace Scanner boards as needed.
Use an oscilloscope to look for noise
on the power supplies. Replace as
needed.
Turn off lights and other equipment in
the area to see if that solves the
problem. Isolate the system as needed.
Check DCI/JPG or cables.
Record and playback with a new
video tape.
Try a new VCR.
Try a new cable.
VPB, SVC or the IOB.
Module 10- 31
Module 10 - Troubleshooting Acuson Confidential

ETHERNET STATUS The Aspen system provides a set of LEDs to display the status of
LED DESCRIPTION Ethernet activity. These LEDs are located inside the rear panel, just
below the power Supply Error LED.
Table 10-20 Ethernet Status LED Description.

LED COLOR FUNCTION

LNK Green Indicates a successful Ethernet

link

POL Amber Indicates incorrect polarity

COL Red Indicates any collisions

RX Amber Indicates packet reception

TX Amber Indicates packet transmission

DICOM PROBLEMS The following table provides information on troubleshooting

DICOM problems.
Table 10-21 DICOM Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM REMEDY
DICOM echo failed. Check with the customer that My calling AE is entered correctly on the
server (PACS).
Check the status of the (PACS) server machine. Is it down?
Deleted DICOM device and re-enter all parameters.
DICOM association error Check that the Aspen system is configured into the PACS with the
when exporting a study to correct Calling AE title on both the Aspen system and the PACS server
a DICOM server or printer. sides.
Check that the port number is configured correctly.
Reset Aspen system by powering system off.
DICOM service error Read the server’s DICOM Conformance Statement to see if it supports
during export. any of the 4 transfer contexts that Aspen system uses to transfer static
images.
Read the server’s DICOM Conformance Statement to see if it supports
any of the 3 transfer contexts that Aspen system uses to transfer clip
images.
Check that the server has enough disk space to store images.

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SYMPTOM REMEDY
DICOM service error Read the DICOM printer’s conformance statement to determine:
during print.
if it supports either Grayscale or Color meta SOP classes.
if the printer supports the display format used by Aspen system to
print images.
if the printer supports the paper size Aspen system tries to print.
Reset system.
Reboot printer.
Check the printer
is it out of paper?
is there a paper jam?
is it out of color ribbon or toner?
No DICOM printer Reset system after adding a new DICOM printer at the ACUSON:
available at the AEGIS: DICOM CONFIGURATION MANAGER.
SYSTEM WIDE
FUNCTIONS.
Unable to send images to Set images to ‘P’ (print) ‘Prints if they are at ‘S’ (skip) at the review
printer. mode. See the User Manual.
Check for valid printer format selected at AEGIS: SYSTEM WIDE
FUNCTIONS against the format at the ACUSON: DICOM
CONFIGURATION MANGER.

* note if the system powers up to a blank screen and the fans are on,
you can isolate the SCP by disconnecting J4, J5, and J6 ZDT cables.

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TROUBLESHOOTING SOFTWARE PROBLEMS

System hangs during normal operation can be caused by software
or hardware. If you cannot resolve a problem with hardware, the
HelpDesk can help determine if it could be a software problem. It is
helpful to be familiar with the Error Logs in the system.
SOFTWARE ERROR Engineering Menu 107 provides access to the software error logs in
LOGS the system.

Figure 10-10Keystroke and Error Log menu

Error Message Log
The Error Message Log will list any software errors that have
occurred during system operation. These errors may be helpful in
troubleshooting, although the information provided is often cryptic.
Errors listed can be caused by software or hardware and not all
errors indicate a problem.

Figure 10-11Error Message Log

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Acuson Confidential Troubleshooting Software Problems

Error Keystroke The Error Keystroke Log stores and displays the last 100 keystrokes
Log before the most recent error in the message log. This log is
sometimes used by the HelpDesk in troubleshooting suspected
software problems.

Figure 10-12Error Keystroke Log

Copy Logs to Disk Engineering Menu 122 provides this menu that allows copying of
all the system logs to a blank MO disk. This function is sometimes
used after a system crash to send stored data to the HelpDesk for
analysis and help troubleshooting.

Figure 10-13Copy Logs to Disk - Engineering menu 122

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TROUBLESHOOTING QUESTIONS
1 The system won’t power up (with no LED displayed). Explain the
steps to troubleshoot the problem.

2 There is no video in the image area on the monitor. Which FRUs

could cause this and are there any tools that would be helpful to
narrow it down?

3 Which boards can cause channel dropouts?

4 There is an image dropout in 1/8th of the image area (in linear

format.) How can this be narrowed down to one FRU?

5 Are there any situations where it would NOT be recommended to

swap Scanner boards around to isolate a failure?

Module 10-36 Aspen Service Training Manual P/N 59169 Rev. 1