DIGITAL

ULTRASOUND
WATTMETER

USP-50SP
USER MANUAL
 USP-50SP ULTRASOUND WATTMETER
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CALIBRATION INTERVAL, WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, NOTICES ........................................................... i

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1

TEST SETUP ........................................................................................................................................................... 2

METER LAYOUT .................................................................................................................................................... 7

TESTING ................................................................................................................................................................... 9

PRINTING AND COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 10

TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................................ 11

MANUAL REVISIONS ......................................................................................................................................... 12

LIMITED WARRANTY......................................................................................................................................... 12

SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................................ 13

NOTES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

CALIBRATION INTERVAL
To ensure the accuracy of the USP-50SP, BC
Biomedical recommends that it be calibrated at
least once every 12 months. Calibration must be
done by qualified personnel. Contact BC
Biomedical for calibration.

WARNING - USERS
The USP-50SP is for use by
skilled technical personnel only.

i
 WARNING - USE
The USP-50SP is intended for testing only and
should never be used in diagnostics, treatment
or any other capacity where it would come in
contact with a patient.

CAUTION - MODIFICATIONS
The USP-50SP is intended for use within the
published specifications. Any application
beyond these specifications or any unauthorized
user modifications may result in hazards or
improper operation.

CAUTION - SERVICE
The USP-50SP is intended to be serviced only by
authorized service personnel. Troubleshooting
and service procedures should only be
performed by qualified technical personnel.

CAUTION - ENVIRONMENT
Exposure to environmental conditions outside
the specifications can adversely affect the
performance and accuracy of the USP-50SP. If
the unit is outside the Operating Specifications,
allow it to acclimate to specified conditions for at
least 30 minutes before attempting to operate it.

CAUTION - INSPECTION
Inspect the USP-50SP before each use for wear.
It should be serviced if any parts are in question.

ii
 CAUTION - LIQUIDS
Do not submerge or spill liquids on the
USP-50SP. Do not operate the
USP-50SP if internal components not intended for
use with fluids may have been exposed to fluid, as
the internal leakage may have caused corrosion
and be a potential hazard.

CAUTION - CLEANING
Do not immerse. USP-50SP should be cleaned
by wiping gently with a damp, lint-free cloth. A
mild detergent can be used if desired.

NOTICE – SYMBOLS
Symbol Description
Per European Council Directive
2002/95/EC, do not dispose of this
product as unsorted municipal waste.

NOTICE – ABBREVIATIONS
C Celsius
° degree
DUT Device Under Test
F Fahrenheit
g gram(s)
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
kg kilogram(s)
MHz Megahertz
mm millimeter(s)
mW milliwatt(s)
PPM Parts Per Million
Lbs pounds
USA United States of America
V Volt(s)
VAC Volt(s) Alternating Current
VDC Volt(s) Direct Current
W Watt(s)

iii
 NOTICE – DISCLAIMER
BC BIOMEDICAL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
INJURIES SUSTAINED DUE TO UNAUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT
MODIFICATIONS OR APPLICATION OF EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE
OF THE PUBLISHED INTENDED USE AND SPECIFICATIONS.

NOTICE – DISCLAIMER
BC BIOMEDICAL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES
TO ITS PRODUCTS OR SPECIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME,
WITHOUT NOTICE, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN OR
PERFORMANCE AND TO SUPPLY THE BEST POSSIBLE
PRODUCT. THE INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL HAS BEEN
CAREFULLY CHECKED AND IS BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE.
HOWEVER, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR
INACCURACIES.

NOTICE – CONTACT INFORMATION

BC BIOMEDICAL
3081 ELM POINT INDUSTRIAL DR.
SAINT CHARLES, MO 63301
USA

1-800-242-8428
1-314-638-3800

www.bcgroupstore.com
sales@bcgroupintl.com

USP-50SP User Manual Copyright © 2017

www.bcgroupstore.com Made in the USA
08/17 Rev 05

iv
 INTRODUCTION
The Model USP-50SP Ultrasound Power Meter is designed to measure the ultrasonic

power output of diagnostic or therapeutic transducers up to 30 Watts. The principle of

measurement is the radiant force method. The USP-50SP uses a positioning clamp to

hold the transducer in degassed water above a conical target. The ultrasonic energy

passes through the water to reflect off the target and is then absorbed by the rubber lining.

The radiant power is directly proportional to the total downward force (weight) on the

target. This force is then transferred through the target support assembly to the electro-

mechanical load cell inside the scale. The cell is in a computer-controlled feedback loop

and produces a digital readout; Watts of power (custom units) or grams of force. The

choice of units (Watts or grams) is selected by front panel pushbuttons.

1
 TEST SETUP

Water as a Measurement Medium*

Ultrasound propagation in water closely approximates ultrasound propagation in tissue.

Large areas in the body can consist of low attenuating material such as urine and amniotic

fluid. Other areas of the body, such as the liver, contain higher attenuating materials.

Water is used as a lower limit of the attenuation encountered in the body. This allows

measurements to represent the highest possible intensities that might be encountered in

the body. Degassed water is the widely accepted test medium for ultrasound transducers

(see AIUM/NEMA Standards Publication #UL-1-1981, SAFETY STANDARD FOR

DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT).

Degassed Water

Ultrasound Power measurement accuracy is affected if the water contains more than

5-10 PPM of air. To degas, boil distilled water for 30 minutes, then seal the container

tightly and place it in a refrigerator. An alternate method of degassing water is to heat the

water to the boiling point, then pull a vacuum on it for five to ten minutes. The degassed

water storage container should be made of glass or plastic. Polystyrene containers should

not be used since they allow oxygen to permeate and degrade the water quality. Any

unsealed degassed water will absorb oxygen and affect measurement accuracy,

therefore a change of degassed water is recommended before each test. Water

temperature also affects accuracy. It is recommended to use an ambient testing

temperature of 24.0 ±3.0 °C (75.2 ±5.4 °F). Sonic energy agitates the water surface

through heating and scattering. Prolonged testing, particularly at higher power levels, will

show visible signs of air bubbles on the transducer, target, and tank lining. Replace the

tank’s degassed water before each test.

2
Conical Target Installation
Tilt the test tank and begin filling with degassed water creating a minimal amount of

turbulence. Fill the tank 1/4” from the top with fresh degassed water. Power on the

USP-50SP and allow the meter to zero (Note: A white LED light will illuminate near the

top right of the faceplate while the meter stabilizes). Submerge the conical target into

the degassed water at an angle to minimize disruption of the degassed water; See

Figure 1 for conical target assembly details. Remove the wetted conical target, then

lower the conical target support stem into the target support tube located behind the test

tank, while simultaneously placing the conical target into the tank; See Figure 2 for

details. As the conical target is submerged verify its surface is free of bubbles, including

the bottom surface. If bubbles exist gently wipe them away with your finger. Allow the

conical target support stem to lower completely. Gently tip the conical target assembly

back and forth and allow the target support stem to fully seat.

Target Support Stem

Target Support Arm

Conical Target

Figure 1. Conical Target Assembly

3
Target Support Stem
of Conical Target
Assembly

Target Support Tube

USP-50SP

Test Tank

Figure 2. Conical Target Installation

4
Transducer Placement
To place the transducer, tighten the positioning clamp jaws onto the transducer handle;

See Figure 3 for Positioning Clamp details. Loosen the two positioning clamp knuckles

and insert the transducer head into the degassed water at an angle to minimize disruption

of the degassed water. Verify that the transducer surface is uniformly wetted (no

bubbles). If it is not, gently wipe the surface clean using your finger. Position the

transducer head so it is directly facing the center of the conical target and submerged 1/8”

to 1/4” in the degassed water. Tighten the two positioning clamp knuckles to hold the

transducer in place; See Figure 4 for placement details. Small measurement variations

will occur due to placement of the transducer. Try various positions above the target to

achieve the best results.

Positioning Clamp Jaws

Thumb Screws to tighten

the Positioning Clamp Jaws

Positioning Clamp Knuckles

Figure 3. Transducer Positioning Clamp Details

5
Conical Target Assembly
Installed

Transducer Head Submerged Transducer Handle

and Positioned Directly Over Firmly Clamped in
the Conical Target. Position.

Figure 4. Transducer Placement Details

6
 METER LAYOUT

Front
White LED illuminates in
6 background after power
on, during stabilization.

1 4

2 3

1. On/Zero - Off Button:

- Press to turn unit on or zero
- Press and hold until OFF is displayed then release to turn off.

2. Print - Unit Button:

- Press to print data via the RS232 port (see the Printing and
Communications section).
- Press and hold then release when desired unit is displayed.
“g” = grams
“c” = custom = Watts
3. Function - Mode Button:
- Press and hold to toggle measurement modes. Always use “Weigh” Mode.
4. Tare - Menu Button:
- Press to Tare the weight of the Conical Target Assembly
- Press and hold to access the settings menus.
5. 7 Segment, digital measurement display
6. Stability Indicator; Displays once the meter is stable and ready to take a measurement.

7
 Back

Communications / Print Power Input Receptacle

Port (5 VDC, 1 A)

Bottom

Battery Compartment
(4 AA Batteries)

8
 TESTING

1. Place the USP-50SP on a stable and level surface. Avoid air currents and
vibrations.

2. Review and complete all steps outlined in the Test Setup section.

a. Degas Water
b. Fill the USP-50SP tank
c. Install the Conical Target
d. Position the DUT’s transducer

3. Allow the USP-50SP and tank water to stabilize. With no ultrasonic power applied,
press the Tare button to “Net” zero the meter.

4. Place the included 1 gram Standard Weight on the arm of the conical target
assembly (the flat part above the water). The USP-50SP should read 1.00 ± 0.10
grams.

5. Remove the 1 gram Standard Weight.

6. Select the desired test measurement unit. Allow the USP-50SP and tank water to
stabilize. With no ultrasonic power applied, press the Tare button to “Net” zero the
meter.

7. Test the DUT, averaging three measurements for the final recording.

a. Once the display’s stability indicators are shown, activate the DUT for
several seconds, allowing the measurement to stabilize, and record the
measurement.
b. Deactivate the DUT and allow all components to stabilize.
c. Tare the meter.
d. Repeat steps 7a, 7b, and 7c two times.
e. Average the three measurements for the final recording.

8. Refer to the DUT manufacturer for acceptable test limits.

9. After testing, unplug the USP-50SP, empty the tank, and place the dry conical
target assembly in the carry case for protection.

9
 PRINTING

Print Details

The print port option must be setup and installed by BC Biomedical. Contact BC
Biomedical for print option pricing.

Print Output Format: “0.000 g” (grams mode) or “0.00 custm” (custom Watts mode).
An unstable reading is indicated by a “?” at the end of the print line (i.e., 0.000 g ?).

Communication Commands

RS232 Communication Interface: Baud Rate = 9600, 8 Bit Data, No Parity, No Handshake
Note: The Communication Interface Requires an Interface Module. Contact BC Biomedical
for Interface Module pricing.

P Print displayed weight (An unstable reading is followed by a “?”)

T Tare

Z Zero

10
 TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

The measurement fluctuates.
The meter is very sensitive
and is affected by minor air
drafts and/or vibrations.
Unstable Environment
Place the meter on a solid
surface and shield it from any
air drafts.
Replace the tank water with
The tank water has absorbed
fresh, room temperature
too much air.
degassed water.

The measurement drifts over
a period of time.
The meter will not zero / tare.
After zeroing / taring, the
measurement continually
drifts with no transducer
power applied.
The meter does not respond
to the test weight and or
transducer power.
The conical target has
developed bubbles on its
surface.
The transducer head has
developed bubbles on its
surface.
- Degassed water has
absorbed too much air.
- Requires Calibration and/or
Repair.
The Conical Target Assembly
and/or the Target Support
Tube is rubbing or binding
against its surrounding.
Wipe any bubbles from the
surface of the conical target,
including the bottom.
Wipe any bubbles from the
surface of the transducer
head.
- Refill with fresh degassed
water.
- Contact BC Biomedical for
Calibration and/or Repair.
Verify the Conical Target
Assembly and its Support
Tube are correctly positioned.

Displayed Errors Description Possible Solution

Remove the conical target assembly and
Err 8.1 Load During Power On
cycle power.
Weight Below Power On Place the meter on a level surface and
Err 8.2
Zero Range cycle power.

Err 8.3 Over load Remove any excess force on the meter.

Place the meter on a level surface and

Err 8.4 Under load
cycle power.

Err 8.5 Tare out of range Remove any excess force on the meter.

If any error persists, contact BC Biomedical Sales or Service for repair

11
 MANUAL REVISIONS

Revision # Revisions Made

Rev 01 Origination
Rev 02 Misc. Edits, Format Updated
Rev 03 Misc. Edits, Format Updated, Pictures Updated
Rev 04 Misc. Edits
Rev 05 Misc. Edits, Format Updated, Pictures Updated

LIMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTY: BC BIOMEDICAL WARRANTS ITS NEW PRODUCTS TO BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP UNDER THE SERVICE FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED. THIS
WARRANTY IS EFFECTIVE FOR TWELVE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF SHIPMENT.

EXCLUSIONS: THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,

INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

BC BIOMEDICAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

NO PERSON OTHER THAN AN OFFICER IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR ASSUME
ANY LIABILITY.

REMEDIES: THE PURCHASER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY SHALL BE: (1) THE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS OR PRODUCTS, WITHOUT CHARGE. (2) AT THE OPTION OF BC
BIOMEDICAL, THE REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE.

12
 SPECIFICATIONS

ULTRASONIC POWER MEASUREMENT

POWER RANGE 0 to 30 W
RESOLUTION ±50 mW
MINIMUM DETECTABLE
50 mW
POWER LEVEL
ACCURACY ±3% + One Count Reading
DUT OPERATING
0.5 to 10 MHz
FREQUENCY
DUT MAXIMUM
4.00 Inches (101.6 mm)
TRANSDUCER SIZE
TEST MEDIUM Degassed Water @ 24.0 ±3.0 °C (75.2 ±5.4 °F)

ELECTRICAL
BATTERY Quantity 4, AA (IEC LR6) Alkaline
BATTERY ELIMINATOR 5 VDC, 1 A

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL

DISPLAY 6-digit, Backlit LCD
0.25 Inch (6.35 mm)
TANK LINING
CONSTRUCTION thick Neoprene
CARRYING CASE Plastic
OVERALL (Including case):
SIZE 17 x 13 x 6 Inches
(432 x 330 x 153 mm)
OVERALL (Including case):
WEIGHT
< 10.0 Lbs (4.5 kg)
15 to 30 °C
OPERATING RANGE
(59 to 86 °F)
-40 to 60 °C
STORAGE RANGE
(-40 to 140 °F)

13
NOTES

13
NOTES

14
NOTES

15
 BC GROUP INTERNATION, INC.
3081 ELM POINT INDUSTRIAL DRIVE
ST. CHARLES, MO 63301
USA

1-800-242-8428
1-314-628-3800

www.bcgroupstore.com
sales@bcgroupintl.com

USP-50SP User Manual

08/17 – Rev 05

Copyright © 2017
Made in the USA