IEC 61391-2-2010 PDF

Full title and description

Ultrasonics — Pulse‑echo scanners — Part 2: Measurement of maximum depth of penetration and local dynamic range. Defines terms and specifies methods for measuring maximum depth of penetration and the local dynamic range of real‑time ultrasound B‑mode (pulse‑echo) scanners and their transducers (mechanical probes, phased arrays, linear/curved arrays, 2D/3D scanning probes) for frequencies up to 15 MHz.

Abstract

This international standard describes standardized test methods and definitions used to evaluate the imaging performance limits of real‑time B‑mode ultrasound scanners — specifically maximum depth of penetration and local dynamic range — enabling reproducible performance comparisons between scanners and transducers and supporting product development, quality control and conformance testing. The methods apply to fundamental and harmonic modes up to 15 MHz; harmonic testing above 15 MHz is excluded.

General information

• Status: Published international standard (current; stability date indicated by publisher).
• Publication date: 14 January 2010 (edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.140.50 (Electroacoustics / Ultrasonics).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2010).
• Number of pages: 74 (base IEC publication).

Scope

The standard applies to real‑time pulse‑echo B‑mode ultrasound scanners and associated transducers operating in the 1 MHz to 15 MHz frequency range, covering both fundamental and harmonic operation up to 15 MHz. It specifies definitions, test setups and measurement procedures to determine (a) maximum depth of penetration under defined conditions and (b) the local dynamic range of the imaging chain. Testing of harmonic modes above 15 MHz is not within the scope.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of terms related to depth of penetration and local dynamic range for B‑mode pulse‑echo scanners.
• Standardized test methods and procedures to measure maximum depth of penetration.
• Procedures to determine local dynamic range and recommended test configurations for reproducible measurement.
• Applicability to a variety of transducer types (mechanical, phased‑array, linear, curved, 2D/3D combinations).
• Frequency range and limitations: 1 MHz to 15 MHz; harmonic modes above 15 MHz excluded.
• Normative references and cross‑references to related IEC standards (e.g., calibration and hydrophone measurement standards).

Typical use and users

Used by ultrasound equipment and transducer manufacturers, independent test and calibration laboratories, regulatory and conformity assessment bodies, and research institutions to verify imaging performance, perform product development testing, quality control and to support claims about penetration and dynamic range performance of B‑mode scanners.

Related standards

Key related documents include IEC 61391‑1 (Part 1: techniques for calibrating spatial measurement systems and measurement of system point spread function response), IEC 62127‑1 (hydrophone measurements), and other IEC/CENELEC normative references used for calibration and acoustic field characterization. The IEC 61391‑2:2010 text was adopted as a CENELEC/EN document in the European system.

Keywords

Ultrasonics, pulse‑echo, B‑mode, depth of penetration, dynamic range, local dynamic range, ultrasound scanner testing, transducer performance, measurement methods, calibration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61391‑2:2010 is an international standard that specifies methods and definitions to measure the maximum depth of penetration and the local dynamic range of real‑time ultrasound B‑mode (pulse‑echo) scanners.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test setups, measurement procedures and definitions applicable to pulse‑echo B‑mode scanners and common transducer types for frequencies from 1 MHz up to 15 MHz, including both fundamental and harmonic operation up to 15 MHz; harmonic testing above 15 MHz is excluded.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test and calibration laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, and researchers use it to evaluate and compare scanner imaging performance and to support product development and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61391‑2:2010 is the first edition published in 2010 and remains the published IEC document; publisher information indicates a stability period (publisher listing shows stability date). Users should check with the IEC or their national standards body for any amendments or later revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of IEC 61391 (the series covering pulse‑echo scanners). Part 1 addresses calibration techniques and measurement of system point spread function response; other related IEC documents cover hydrophone and acoustic calibration methods referenced by this part.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Depth of penetration, local dynamic range, B‑mode, pulse‑echo, ultrasound scanner, transducer, measurement methods, calibration.