Unisyn Medical Technologies, Inc. The Nickle
Unisyn Medical Technologies, Inc. · Model The Nickle
Serious Tool, Compact Design. The Nickel senses acoustic pulses emitted by elements of an ultrasonic array probe and generates a return acoustic signal simulating a target. The sensor is an integral PVDF transducer designed for direct contact to the lens of the probe. The PVDF transducer assembly has a "V" or "Barn Roof" plastic lens with a peak dimension small enough to allow only acoustic energy from a single element assuming the peak of the roof is parallel to the element. The PVDF material is broadband, thus signals from any diagnostic imaging probe can be sensed. The user knows that a signal has been received when the LED on The Nickel goes from red to green The received signal is amplified and then compared to a fixed reference level such that signals larger than the reference level indicate that an acoustic pulse has been received. Crossing this signal threshold level results in a digital signal that is sent to a CPLD (complex programmable logic device), which starts an oscillator (˜10 MHz) synchronous with the received pulse and contains counters used to generate three return targets back to the system. The first target signal is 10 MHz and is transmitted continuously for 2 cm of depth from 3 to 5 cm. The second target is 5 MHz and is transmitted from 5 to 7 cm and the third target frequency is 2.5 MHz and is transmitted from the 7 to 9 cm. These returning signals are then displayed in real-time on the system monitor at various depths within the image format.
Key tips
- ·When no category-specific guidance fits, default to the manufacturer's own service manual and the general troubleshooting method in the Engineer's Guide.
- ·Run an incoming and annual electrical safety test regardless of how niche the device is.
Typical Failure Modes
Failure patterns typical of this equipment class - general BMET reference, not verified against this exact unit's own service history unless flagged. Severity is a category-level estimate.
Calibration drift
HighSymptoms: Readings out of tolerance on verification check.
Root cause: Reference component aging.
Battery / power fault
MediumSymptoms: Won't power on, unexpected shutdown mid-test.
Root cause: Aged internal battery or PSU.
Test lead / connector wear
MediumSymptoms: Intermittent or no reading through a specific lead.
Root cause: Repeated connect/disconnect cycles.
Display / readout fault
LowSymptoms: Blank, frozen, or garbled display.
Root cause: Display module or driver board aging.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
The parts a BMET typically services on this class of equipment. Service class and relative cost are general engineering estimates for the category, not figures from this unit's documentation. Part numbers appear only when pulled from this unit's own service manual. Always confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Rechargeable battery pack
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Fairly easy
Test lead set
High-turnover; keep spares.
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Display module
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Calibration reference module
Send out for annual re-certification.
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Difficult
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable battery pack | Periodic replacement | $$ | Fairly easy |
| Test lead set High-turnover; keep spares. | Periodic replacement | $$ | Easy |
| Display module | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Calibration reference module Send out for annual re-certification. | Major service part | $$$$ | Difficult |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Follow the manufacturer's PM schedule
- ·Perform incoming and annual electrical safety testing per facility biomedical program
Troubleshooting Approach
A structured starting point derived from the failure modes above. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Calibration drift
- Confirm the presentation - typically readings out of tolerance on verification check - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: reference component aging.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the calibration reference module per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Symptom: Battery / power fault
- Confirm the presentation - typically won't power on, unexpected shutdown mid-test - and note the exact alarm or message and the conditions when it occurs.
- Check the most likely cause first: aged internal battery or PSU.
- Isolate the affected subsystem using the manufacturer's functional check or self-test, where one is provided.
- If the fault is confirmed and not a field adjustment, service or replace the rechargeable battery pack per the manufacturer's service documentation.
- Return the device to service only after the manufacturer's functional and applicable electrical-safety checks pass.
- Record the findings, any parts used, and the verification results in the maintenance history.
Technical Specs
- Analyzer/Simulator Type
- Ultrasound
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Varies by device - check the unit's own manual for facility placement guidance
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
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