How Intel Core and Xeon Processor-based System Host Boards Advance C-arm Devices Today and Tomorrow

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1 How Intel Core and Xeon Processor-based System Host Boards Advance C-arm Devices Today and Tomorrow The latest Intel Core and Xeon processors together with Portwell s SHB technologies deliver higher performance, better visual capabilities, greater reliability, enhanced security, and flexible configuration and expandability American Portwell Technology, Inc. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

2 Contents Overview... 2 A C-arm Device... 2 System Architecture... 3 Server Grade Backplane... 4 PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) with Single Processor... 5 PICMG 1.3 Half-Size Single Board Computer... 6 PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) with Dual Processors... 7 The 4 th Generation Intel Core Processor and Xeon Processor E3 v3 Product Families and the Next Generation... 8 Conclusion Overview C-arm X-ray devices are an integral part of every large hospital s surgical rooms. They are widely used in vascular procedures, such as angiography, pain management and cardiac catheterization, as well as orthopedic surgeries. Depending on configurations, most C-arms support 2D imaging technology. Advanced models support 3D imaging that demands much greater processing and graphics power on a real-time basis. In C-arm system design, ability to scale to handle this range of needs and imaging technology advancements is a major consideration. Due to long cycles of system development, field tests and regulatory approval and certification, C-arms require embedded computing systems supporting longevity. To handle real-time image and signal processing, these computers use high-performance Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors with powerful integrated graphics capabilities to capture and render precise images and videos for surgeons to view pathological conditions during the surgery. PICMG 1.3 System Host Boards (SHBs) are ideal computing platforms for powering C-arm devices. Adopting 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 product family, Portwell has developed a series of PICMG 1.3 SHB solutions. The latest Intel Core and Xeon processors together with Portwell s SHB technologies deliver higher performance, better visual experiences, greater reliability, enhanced security, and flexible configuration and expandability for developing C-arm devices today and tomorrow. A C-arm Device A C-arm (see Figure ) is a medical imaging device that is based on X-ray technology. Its name is based on the c- shaped arm used to connect the X-ray source and detector to one another. The c-shaped arm allows it to move horizontally, vertically, and around the swivel axes in almost any angle, so patients in the tight space of an operating room can be easily positioned and accessed with minimal effort during procedure. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

3 Most basic C-arm models come with 2D image functions and a primary user interface. More sophisticated C-arms include highly efficient intraoperative 3D imaging modules with greater precision and safety levels in delivering 3D quality images of computed tomography (CT). The most advanced C- arms deliver complex graphics processing functions that work in tandem with the navigation systems for intraoperative imaging during surgery, particularly orthopedics, traumatology, vascular and cardiology procedures. These devices provide high-resolution images in real time allowing the surgeon to monitor progress at any point during the operation and immediately make any necessary corrections, ensuring high levels of precision in complicated, minimally invasive and open surgery. Touchscreen user interfaces offer an intelligent workflow that makes operating C-arms easy and intuitive. The synchronized touchscreens on the monitor cart and the C-arm offer clear and easy-tofollow workflow icons that guide operators through all steps during the preparation and scanning process. Operators simply select the desired option from a list of anatomical programs. The system automatically adjusts settings to the area of interest, always ensuring the best image quality and lowest radiation dose. In addition, with adaptive image processing software and related algorithms, the C-arm system automatically delivers enhanced image quality via settings for specific anatomical conditions, filtering the noise from the environment, enhancing the image edge for better quality, optimizing the dose usage, and adjusting the pulse frequencies for less exposure of radiation. X-ray Tube Controls Controller Card Image Construction Portwell Solutions Signal Processing LAN C-arm Motion Controls D/A Storage Wi-Fi Figure 1 Illustrated Block Diagram of a C-arm X-ray Device Based on Portwell s PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) System Architecture ISO ISO 9001 ISO

4 Portwell starts a C-arm project with the goal to support on the same computer system both 2D and 3D configurations, as well as to make the optional features mentioned above easy to add. After sufficient system-level analysis, a building block architecture (see Figure 1) using a PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) and backplane is chosen. The architecture offers scalability that enables the customer to not only select the SHB and graphics card (if required) with the right amount of processing power, but also add different peripheral cards for a number of I/Os, based on the desired configuration for the C-arm system. In addition to scalability, we target many other goals that are important to surgical imaging applications: quick time to market, reliability, serviceability, long life cycle, ease of use, low power, compact design, and high programmability of operations. Figure 1 Portwell s Building Block Architecture Enables a Complete Solution that Scales Up for Various Configurations Server Grade Backplane The configuration of the backplane, PBPE-08P41 (see Figure 2), provides sockets for various boards and cards. From the left of the backplane, the first socket is the PICMG 1.3 socket for System Host Board (SHB). The SHB provides options for either single or dual processors to deliver a range of processing performance (described in the next sections). The next slot supports PCIe x8 I/O cards for additional connectivity. The next two PCIe x16 slots support optional graphics and video capture cards for fulfilling specific customer requirements. The rest of the slots are for the PCI interface, where the servo and other machine control cards can be plugged in. For projects that need a PCIe x4 interface instead of PCI, there is a derivative version of this backplane. The backplane also provides four USB 2.0 ports on board for connection of peripheral devices. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

5 Figure 2 The Portwell PBPE-08P41 PICMG 1.3 Backplane PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) with Single Processor For a 2D C-arm configuration, which is relatively less demanding in terms of data processing, the customer can select the Portwell ROBO-8112VG2AR SHB (see Figure 3) as the heart of the computing platform. Specifically, the computing platform uses serial ports to control motion and receive images from the C-arm. After being processed with image-enhancement software for noise reduction and contrast and brightness adjustment, the images can be displayed on flat panel touchscreens with a colorful, intuitive and easy-to navigate user interface. In addition, the system supports USB 3.0, providing upgraded bandwidth from 480Mbps to 5Gbps, greatly reducing the time for data transfer. The SHB also integrates dual Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect to the network by either wired or wireless (WiFi) network. The Portwell ROBO-8112VG2AR is a full size PICMG 1.3 SHB that is based on 4 th generation Intel Core processors or the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family on a LGA 1150 socket accompanied by the Intel C226 or Q87 Peripheral Control Hub (PCH) chipset. It features dual DDR3 long DIMM sockets up to 16GB at 1600MHz. ECC memory is available with the Intel Xeon processor for extra reliability. The SHB offers three flexible combinations of PCIe interfaces, one PCIe x16, two PCIe x8, or one PCIe x8 and two PCIe x4. Furthermore, the Portwell ROBO-8112VG2AR integrates dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet LAN chips, which are capable of supporting Intel Active Management Technology 9.0, and also features three 6Gbps SATA ports to connect external storage devices. The SHB includes two serial ports (one RS232 and one RS232/422/485 selectable), one FDD port, and six USB 3.0 ports (two on bracket and four on board with pin headers) at a 5Gbps transfer rate. The processors feature an integrated enhanced graphics engine that delivers significant 3D performance ISO ISO 9001 ISO

6 and supports DirectX 11.1 and OpenCL 1.2 for a broad range of embedded graphics applications. In addition, these processors support display on up to three monitors via DVI-I (VGA and DVI-D) and HDMI, providing both clone and extended modes for different display requirements. The 4 th generation Intel Core processors and Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family are based on Intel s enhanced 3D Tri-Gate transistor design and 22nm process technology. Advanced technology and smart power management features provide up to 15-percent increase in processing performance per watt in comparison with the previous generation. Increased processing performance per watt results in a smaller power supply and smaller cooling fan, enabling a smaller footprint for the system and less weight for improved portability. Both processor families deliver a 30-percent increase in Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) performance, and a 35 percent improvement in imaging processing analysis performance over the previous generation of processors. These improvements result from increased cache size, more execution units, and the introduction of Intel Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (Intel AVX 2). Intel AVX2 supports faster performance on digital signal and image processing workloads of compute-intensive applications such as medical image processing. The integrated enhanced graphics and imaging capabilities of 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family enable Portwell s C-arm project team to meet graphics requirements without a separate GPU chip or card, delivering a major savings in cost, space, power, and development time. Figure 3 The Portwell ROBO-8112VG2AR PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) PICMG 1.3 Half-Size Single Board Computer For C-arm projects where space is a major concern, Portwell proposes its ROBO-6910VG2A (see Figure 4), a half-size Single Board Computer (SBC). The ROBO-6910VG2A supports 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family in the LGA 1150 package with Intel C226 chipset. For memory support, it provides two 240-pin DIMM sockets supporting up to 16GB DDR3 1600/1333 SDRAM. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

7 The SBC s rich I/O includes two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, six USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports (on bracket), one 6-pin mini-din connector for keyboard and mouse, and one programmable 8-bit digital I/O. The processor s integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) delivers improved 3D graphics performance and supports Microsoft DirectX11, OpenGL 3.1, OpenCL 1.1, MPEG-2, and Shader Model 4.0. In addition, there are VGA and DisplayPort on bracket. Figure 4 The Portwell ROBO-6910VG2A PICMG 1.3 Half-Size Single Board Computer with PCIe Interfaces PICMG 1.3 System Host Board (SHB) with Dual Processors For 3D C-arm devices designed to provide CT-like performance with much higher data processing power, Portwell offers the ROBO-8121VG2, a dual Intel Xeon processor SHB (see Figure 6 below). This SHB supports dual- and quad-core server-class Intel Xeon processors in a LGA 1356 package, along with up to 192GB DDR3 1333/1066/800 SDRAM on six 240-pin DIMM sockets with ECC support. Two SATA 600 ports (one on board, and one via backplane) are supported with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10. The Intel C604 chipset enables the Portwell ROBO-8121VG2 to deliver rich I/O: two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and a variety of other interfaces such as two serial ports. For graphics support, the SHB includes a dedicated VGA port, and it adopts a dedicated onboard graphics engine, the Matrox G200A graphics chip, for 2D/3D video graphics acceleration. Portwell is developing the next generation of the ROBO-8121VG2. This SHB will feature a choice of the 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family. Formal launch is planned for early ISO ISO 9001 ISO

8 Figure 5 The Portwell ROBO-8121VG2 SHB with Two Intel Xeon Processors to Tackle Higher Data Processing Workloads The 4 th Generation Intel Core Processor and Xeon Processor E3 v3 Product Families and the Next Generation The 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family (see Figure 6) feature many enhancements for computing power, graphics performance, power savings, and flexible I/O connectivity. The improvements include: Fully Integrated Voltage Regulator (FIVR) to reduce device footprint and design complexity; stable power management capability to reduce active and idle power; enhanced Tri-Gate transistors to reduce leakage by 2x to 3x; real-time overclocking for better performance; three independent displays (HDMI and two DisplayPort) supporting with high resolution up to 4Kx2K; graphics capabilities support Microsoft DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.0 and OpenCL 1.2 for significant 3D and media performance; Intel AVX2 for improved digital signal and image processing performance, and Intel Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions (AES-NI) for accelerating encryption/decryption operations for data security. Just as Portwell made a smooth transition from previous generations of Intel processors to the current processor, Portwell s current C-arm projects will migrate smoothly from the 4 th generation Intel Core and Xeon processor to the next generations of Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors which will be based on Intel 14nm process technology, providing a solid path to the future. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

9 Figure 6 Block Diagram: 4 th Generation Intel Core Processor with Intel 8 Series Chipset The Intel 8 Series/C220 Series chipsets are designed to pair with 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family to form a two-chip platform. The processors implement internal VGA via the chipsets and support up to three independent displays in the format of HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort and VGA. Table 1 Combinations of Flexible I/Os Configurable I/Os of Intel 8 Series Chipset at System Level ISO ISO 9001 ISO

10 The Intel 8 Series/C220 Series Chipset Family Platform Controller Hub (PCH) implements a new I/O design called Flexible I/O. This design allows some high speed signals to be configured as PCIe, USB 3.0, or SATA signals, enabling configuration of the functionality of these multiplexed signals to meet specific platform I/O needs. Through different combinations (see Table 1), six configurations are available. Conclusion Portwell s off-the-shelf PICMG 1.3 single board computers available as half size and full size SHBs supporting single or dual processors combine with I/O centric backplanes to enable C-arm device developers to take advantage of the greater computing and graphics performance and power efficiency of 4 th generation Intel Core processors and Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family. Customers can even order a customized backplane with minimum modifications based on the off-the-shelf versions in order to meet their project requirements. Portwell s computing solutions come with a 7-year lifecycle support for embedded system OEMs. Also, Portwell has achieved ISO certification, meeting the requirements for a comprehensive management system for the design and manufacture of medical devices. This standard is more stringent than ISO The design concept of easy-to-add modules is a key factor in the development of surgical imaging instruments such as C-arm devices. Such modules not only offer the benefit of adding the functions incrementally as the configuration requires, but also provide the flexibility to add different functions for different applications based on the same platform. Basing Portwell s PICMG 1.3 computing platforms on 4 th generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family enables high performance, low power consumption, advanced graphics, and flexibility in supporting modular design. The Portwell solution not only addresses the needs for today, but its functions could be also expanded for the needs of tomorrow. ISO ISO 9001 ISO

11 About Portwell and Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance Portwell is a Premier member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance. From modular components to market-ready systems, Intel and the 250+ global member companies of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance provide scalable, interoperable solutions that accelerate deployment of intelligent devices and end-to-end analytics. Learn more at: intel.com/iotsolutionsalliance American Portwell Technology Silicon Valley Corporate Office Christy Street Fremont, CA Phone: Fax: info@portwell.com All data contained herein is for information purpose only and not guaranteed for legal purpose. All information is subject to change without notice. All brand and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders. ISO ISO 9001 ISO