GE Vivid S6: probes not detected at power-on
What happened
The system stopped recognising probes at power-on. The built-in self-test stopped at the DC verification offset step, after a restart the unit reported an incorrect software configuration, and the power supply module showed no identification information. The software version reported in the case was 10.3.
What was checked
- Ran the built-in self-test, which stopped at the DC verification offset step
- Checked the identification information on the power supply module; nothing was displayed
Cause
The engineers found a fault in the DC/DC module: its serial number had been lost from the module's flash memory. Without this data the system could not confirm the module configuration, which explained the loss of probe detection and the configuration message.
The cause is probable and was not fully confirmed.
What was done
The fix was a procedure from the manufacturer's service documentation, done by authorised personnel: restoring the serial number in the DC/DC module's flash memory, or replacing the memory chip; if the number is lost again, the module is replaced. The outcome in this case was probable, not a confirmed completed repair.
Safety
Isolate the system from the mains and allow the power-section capacitors to discharge before working near the supply modules, and perform a full electrical safety test, including leakage currents, before returning the unit to clinical use.
Lesson: When a system loses all probes at once and throws configuration errors together, check the identification data of the power/DC distribution module itself before suspecting probe boards or software.
Covered in the course: Ultrasound Service — Level 2: Fault-Finding →
Written from an anonymised case shared by service engineers. It is not a manufacturer instruction and grants no authorisation. Independent note; names are trademarks of their owners.