• Topic ID: id_15460541
  • Version: 3.0
  • Date: Jun 15, 2020 10:58:12 PM

VeRB Theory

1 Volume Reconstruction Box (VeRB) Computer Overview

Figure 1. VeRB Computer

The Volume Reconstruction Computer (VeRB), used on some of the configurations of the Global Operator Console Series 6 (GOC 6), is a custom designed computer based on the Intel x86 multi-core processor server platform and manufactured by a third party vendor for GE Healthcare. The VeRB computer serves multiple purposes depending on system implementation.

With the High Definition consoles, the VeRB is utilized for performing Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASiR) function. In addition the VeRB Computer enhances the RECON Engine's Image Generation Frame Rate performance.

The VeRB Computer communicates with the Host Computer through the Console Network Switch (CNS) and is remotely booted through this connection. Once operational the VeRB Computer performs image generation and reconstruction processes controlled by Host Software Subsystem.

Figure 2. VeRB Computer (Rear)

Figure 3. VeRB Interconnect Diagram

The following is a brief theory overview of the hardware and software associated with the VeRB Computer.

2 VeRB Computer Hardware

The VeRB Computer is a two (2) Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® processor (Harpertown) based computer configured by GE Healthcare utilizing the Intel Starlake (S5000XSL) server class board.

Basic Configuration:

  • 1- Intel® Starlake (S5000XSL) server class motherboard

  • 8 - 2 GB, DDR2 ECC 667MHz PC5300 DIMM Memory Modules (total of 16 GB)

  • 1 - Nvidia® Tesla™ C780 GPU Card

  • 1 - 400 Watt PSU

Figure 4. VeRB Computer Block Diagram

2.1 Motherboard

The motherboard contained in the VeRB Computer utilizes the following integrated hardware.

Dual LGA Socket J (771-pin LGA) Multi-core Intel® Xeon® Processor Motherboard with:

  • • 2 Intel® Quad-core Zeon® (Harpertown) 2.33 GHz Processors with 4 MB shared L2 Cache

  • • Front Speed Buss of 1333 MHz

  • • 8 Memory Slots (32 GB max.)

  • • Integrated

    • Video

    • 2 x GBit NIC Ports

    • USB 2.0 Ports

    • SATA Hard Disk Controller

  • • Remote Management Module (RMM)

http://support.intel.com

Complete details of the Intel® Starlake (S5000XSL) server class motherboard can be obtained from the at the Intel® support web site.

See Figure 5 and Figure 6 for Motherboard Layout.

Figure 5. Intel® Starlake Motherboard Layout

Figure 6. Intel® Starlake ATX I/O Layout

Figure 7. Intel® Starlake Motherboard Block Diagram

2.1.1 Memory Modules

The VeRB Computer is equipped to handle up to eight (8) fully buffered DIMM Memory Modules.

The base memory configuration contains eight (8) two (2) GB, DDR2 ECC 667MHz PC5300 DIMM Memory Modules (total of 16 GB).

See Illustration 8 for Memory Slot Assignment.

Figure 8. VeRB Memory Slot Assignment

2.1.2 Integrated Network Interface Controller (NIC)

An integrated Dual Gbit Ethernet controller on the VeRB motherboard handles network interface support for the VeRB computer. Each network interface controller (NIC) drives two LEDs located on each network interface connector. The Link/Activity LED at the left of the connector indicates connection when on, and transmit / receive activity when blinking. The Speed LED at the right of the connector indicates data rate. See Table 3 for NIC LED status.

Figure 9. NIC Status LEDs

2.2 Card NVIDIA® Tesla™ C870

The NVIDIA Tesla Graphics Processor card is the main image generation processor in the GRE subsystem and supplies the same functionality as the RAC boards in previous generation of the GOC consoles. The Tesla C870 card utilizes the C870 GPU which is specifically designed to handle highly parallel computation, needed for image generation and reconstruction.

Tesla™ C870 GPU specifications:

  • One GPU (128 thread processors)

  • 1.5 GB dedicated memory

  • Fits in one full-length, dual slot with one open PCI Express x16 slot

2.3 Power Supply (PSU)

The VeRB Computer is powered by a 400 Watts PSU. Rated voltage range 95–132 VAC and line frequency 50–60 (+/- 3) Hz, auto switching and power factor correction.

3 VeRB COMPUTER CONNECTIONS

See Illustration 10 for Connection Labeling of the VeRB Computer in the GOC 6 console.

Figure 10. VeRB Computer Connections

4 VeRB Computer Software

4.1 VeRB Computer Operating System (OS) and Application (APPS) System Software

The VeRB OS and Application software is located on a dedicated Network File System (NFS) on the Host Computer hard drive. Upon successful POST of the VeRB Computer hardware, the VeRB remote boots from this dedicated Network File System (NFS) and loads the operation software to VeRB’s memory. The VeRB Computer runs on a specifically configured GE Healthcare Linux OS and Application software, found on the Host Computer Operating Disk (/usr/g/verb).