Reverse Engineering – It’s Not Always Easy
The Corner Office
Wayne Moore
6/10/2025
We recently finished the arduous task of reverse engineering the Philips X5-1c 2D matrix array to develop an adaptor for our patented Acertara ATLAS that tests element-by-element the functionality of an ultrasound probe (see sample test report below). The X5-1c probe is unique in its operation in that the ultrasound system does not send transmit signals to the probe as with most transducers. Instead, the probe creates these signals. The R&D team at Acertara reverse-engineered the probe’s ASIC-controlled transmit and receive sequencing to allow the ATLAS to communicate directly with the mini-beamformer ASIC in the probe head. By doing this, ATLAS will inform our incoming inspection team if the ASIC is functioning correctly. This data is essential in determining if the probe is a potential candidate for repair.
The amount of reverse engineering required to unwrap the set-up packets of signals being sent to the ASIC was a masterclass in complexity. This data determines which of the sub-arrays within the transducer will be activated, pulsed, and placed into listening mode for the returning echoes. 
These echo signals are then sent to the system mainframe for processing, scan conversion, and display. In the 4D mode, the X5-1c probe is capable of producing amazing cardiac morphological images (as shown above) and is an integral part of diagnosis and patient management.
Now, when Acertara receives an X5-1c for repair, we are able to determine in a matter of minutes with an ATLAS test whether the probe can be successfully repaired, thereby speeding up the quotation and turnaround time — getting the probe back into the hands of the clinicians. Reverse engineering is not always easy, but it is necessary to provide our customers with the best possible repair outcome, which is always our primary goal.
Until Next Month,
Wayne