CodeAcq Modules

Acquisition Systems for Single and Multi-Channel Applications

CodeAcq offers ultrasonic acquisition systems suitable for a wide range of single- and multi-channel applications. All products are based on our low-voltage, signal encoding technology to enable high-quality signal acquisition in a low-power, efficient and cost-accessible package.

Our products are available as fully enclosed end-use modules with USB-C connectivity, or as bare-board PCBs for OEM customers (using either SPI or USB communication). All devices are provided with a standard user manual, and USB devices are provided with an example script for system operation in both Python and Matlab.

Need something else? Our CA modules are suitable for most ultrasonic applications, but if you have an application with additional requirements, let us know! We’ll be happy to discuss bespoke system options to meet your needs.

Available Devices

CA1

Fully featured single-channel system for pulse-echo or pitch-catch applications

CAμ

Miniature single-channel system for pulse-echo applications

CA1-MUX

CA1 with additional multiplexer add-on for sequential multi-channel applications

CA8

Multi-channel acquisition system with up to 8x individually controllable channels

CA1 – Single-channel Acquisition System

OEM System

Full Module

Overview: The CA1 is a standalone fully capable single-channel ultrasonic acquisition system. Built around quasi-periodic signal encoding, the CA1 can match industry standard signal quality in a small, efficient package. Suitable for ultrasonic NDT/SHM and research applications.

Features:

  • Compact footprint at just 65x30mm PCB area
  • Low-power consumption
  • USB (OEM or Full) & SPI (OEM) communications
  • On-device low-latency code demodulation
  • Multiple TOP-CS code parameters to chose from
  • Pulse-Echo or Pitch-Catch options using on-board receiver switch
  • Suitable for a wide range of transducer frequencies
  • Negligible transmit ring-down for contact transducer applications

Interested in learning more about the capabilities of the CA1? Contact Us to access the full device data sheet or arrange a call to discuss pricing.

Full Specification

Dimensions:

  • OEM PCB: 65x30x10mm
  • Full device: 71x36x24mm

Power Supply:

  • Single supply operation: 4.5-5.5V (via USB or pin header)
  • Max current draw: 250mA (20MHz / 80MHz mode)
  • Min current draw: 150mA (625kHz / 5MHz mode)
  • Max OEM current draw (without USB bridge): 200mA

Reception:

  • Receiver frequencies: 4x transmit frequency (low-resolution) / 8x transmit frequency (high-resolution)
  • Input impedance: 50Ohm
  • Input range: ±3V
  • Input bandwidth: 0.03-125MHz
  • Hardware ADC Resolution: 10bit
  • Signal Resolution Modes: 24bit / 16bit / 8bit
  • Signal Length: 1-16,000 samples
  • Max Signal Dynamic Range: 100dB
  • Filter Options: Sequence Compression Filter / Full Matched Filter (out-of-band noise suppression)

Connectors:

  • USB-C (OEM or Full variants)
  • Male pin headers (OEM)
  • 2x UFL coax connectors (Tx and Rx lines, pulse-echo or pitch-catch modes selectable on-device)

Communications:

  • SPI – up to 15Mbps (OEM variant)
  • USB – USB2.0 via FTDI SPI-to-USB bridge (OEM or Full variants)

Transmission:

  • Transmit amplitude: ±3V (pitch-catch mode) / ±2V (pulse-echo mode)
  • Transmit frequencies: 625kHz / 1.25MHz / 2.5MHz / 5MHz / 7.5MHz / 10MHz / 20MHz
  • Transmit modes: Wideband (L8000-1cyc) / Narrowband (L4000-2cyc) / Fast (L1000-2cyc)
  • TOP-CS phase encoding – code gain 30-40dB (equivalent to 250V standard pulsing)
  • Max PRF: 250Hz (mode dependent)

CAμ – Miniature Single-channel System

OEM System

Full Module

Overview: The CAμ is a standalone, miniature single-channel ultrasonic acquisition system. Based around the same architecture as the CA1 but with a reduced feature set, the CAμ is our most cost-accessible entry level device. Suitable for all pulse-echo applications.

Features:

  • Compact footprint at just 30x30mm PCB area
  • Lowest power consumption
  • USB (OEM or Full) & SPI (OEM) communications
  • On-device low-latency code demodulation
  • Suitable for a wide range of transducer frequencies
  • Negligible transmit ring-down for contact transducer applications
  • Narrowband and wideband code options

Interested in learning more about the capabilities of the CAμ? Contact Us to access the full device data sheet or arrange a call to discuss pricing.

Full Specification

Dimensions:

  • OEM PCB: 30x30x5mm
  • Full device: 36x36x20mm

Power Supply:

  • Single supply operation: 4.5-5.5V (via USB or B2B connector)
  • Max current draw: 180mA (20MHz / 80MHz mode)
  • Min current draw: 120mA (625kHz / 5MHz mode)
  • Max OEM current draw (without USB bridge): 130mA

Reception:

  • Receiver frequencies: 4x transmit frequency (low-resolution) / 8x transmit frequency (high-resolution)
  • Input impedance: 50Ohm
  • Input range: ±1V
  • Input bandwidth: 0.03-125MHz
  • Hardware ADC Resolution: 10bit
  • Signal Resolution Modes: 16bit / 8bit
  • Signal Length: 1-6,000 samples
  • Max Signal Dynamic Range: 80dB
  • Filter Options: Sequence Compression Filter / Full Matched Filter (out-of-band noise suppression)

Connectors:

  • USB-C (OEM or Full variants)
  • Molex male B2B connector (OEM)
    • Part number: 529910208
    • Female mate: 539160208
  • 1x UFL coax connectors

Communications:

  • SPI – up to 15Mbps (OEM variant)
  • USB – USB2.0 via FTDI SPI-to-USB bridge (OEM or Full variants)

Transmission:

  • Transmit amplitude: ±1V
  • Transmit frequencies: 625kHz / 1.25MHz / 2.5MHz / 5MHz / 7.5MHz / 10MHz / 20MHz
  • Transmit modes: Wideband (L4000-1cyc) / Narrowband (L2000-2cyc)
  • TOP-CS phase encoding – code gain 30dB (equivalent to 200V standard pulsing)
  • Max PRF: 100Hz (mode dependent)

CA1-MUX – Multiplexer-based Multi-channel System

Overview: The CA1-MUX builds upon the CA1 by integrating low-voltage fast-switch multiplexers, bringing sequential multi-channel operation at a fraction of the cost and power.

Features:

  • MUX add-ons with 8-channel, 16-channel and 32-channel variants available (8-channel with USB add-on shown)
  • Independent Tx and Rx MUX lines for pulse-echo, pitch-catch and matrix applications
  • All the features of the CA1, now with multi-channel use

Interested in learning more about the capabilities of the CA1-MUX? Contact Us to access the full device data sheet or arrange a call to discuss pricing.

CA8 – Fully Parallel Multi-channel System

Overview: The CA8 uses the same internal architecture as the CA1 but with up to 8x individually controllable transmitter and receiver channels. Using our advanced TOP-CS modulation technology, this device can operate all channels truly simultaneously without concern of crosstalk, and can even reproduce a full matrix of data from a single acquisition event.

Features:

  • USB-C connectivity without any external power supplies needed
  • Individually controllable channels to allow up to 8x pulse-echo, 8x pitch-catch, or even a full matrix of data to be captured at once
  • Available with both USB & SPI communication modes for simple onward integration
  • Available with 2 channels (CA2), 4 channels (CA4) or 8 channels (CA8) depending on channel, size and power consumption requirements (CA8 shown)

Interested in learning more about the capabilities of the CA2/CA4/CA8? Contact Us to access the full device data sheets or arrange a call to discuss pricing.