Choose the Best Ultrasound Probe: Guide to Ultrasound Transducer Types

This article has been updated 06-03-2025

To utilize the full potential of your ultrasound system, you need the right accessories.

Therefore, the correct ultrasound transducer – also called piezoelectric transducer – types are the key to the performance of your ultrasound.

In this blog post, we explain the different ultrasound transducer types.

And determine the types of examinations you can use them for.

In the end, we will offer some good points you should keep in mind when you are purchasing ultrasound transducers. When you are done reading, you will be confident in the ultrasound probe differences.

And, you will be able to easily answer the question: “How do I choose an ultrasound probe?”.

But first of all:

What is an ultrasound transducer and what does it do?

An piezoelectric transducer, also called a probe, is a device that produces high-frequency sound waves that bounce off body tissues and make echoes. The transducer also receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create an image called sonogram. There are many ultrasound probe types.

Moreover, the essential element of each ultrasound transducer is a piezoelectric crystal.

It serves to generate as well as receive ultrasound waves. Sadly, the medical imaging industry was using the same piezoelectric material for over 40 years.

Up until a few years ago.

Then, a new type of crystal material and ultrasound probe technology appeared.

That meant a dramatic improvement in image quality in the different types of ultrasound transducers.

Ultrasound Transducer Types – What are the ultrasound probe differences?

We get it – it can be difficult to know exactly which ultrasound probe to use.
Let us explain it a little deeper.

You can find many types of ultrasound transducers in different shapes, sizes, and with diverse features, as well as for 2D, 3D ultrasound or 4D ultrasound. That is because you need different specifications for maintaining image quality across different parts of the body.

Ultrasound transducers can be either passed over the surface of the body – external transducers. Like with a convex transducer. Or it can be inserted into an orifice, such as the rectum or vagina – these are internal transducers.

Any more ultrasound probe differences?

Yes!

The ultrasound probes types differ in construction based on:

  • Piezoelectric crystal arrangement
  • Aperture (footprint)
  • Frequency

Let us go through one at a time.

Footprint also called the aperture, is the part of the ultrasound probe that is in contact with the body and comes in different shapes and sizes. The footprint is linked to the piezoelectric crystal arrangement, for instance, with linear and convex probes.

The piezoelectric crystal arrangement is the part that obtains the image. Therefore, it affects the footprint but also decides the shape of the ultrasound beam.

Frequency means the frequency of the sound waves emitted from the probe. Generally, higher frequencies offer better image quality, but not as deep penetration compared to lower frequencies.

But then, what are the different types of transducers in ultrasound?

Below we list the three most common ultrasound transducer types – linear, convex (standard or micro-convex), and phased array. Furthermore, we included other ultrasound transducer types that are available on the market, those are pencil and endocavitary probes.

Mix of ultrasound probes - Different ultrasound transducer types. Available at LBN Medical. Siemens 5P1 phased array probe, Samsung CV1-8AD convex probes, Philips C8-5 microconvex probe, and GE 9L-D linear probe.

So, how to choose the right ultrasound probe?

Because there are many different ultrasound probe types and uses, it can be tricky to find the right one for your needs.

This is because choosing the right ultrasound probe depends on the medical application you need it for. Factors to consider include the transducer’s ultrasound frequency range, footprint, and the specific area of the body being examined.

For example, linear transducers are ideal for vascular imaging, while the convex transducer is suited for abdominal exams. And phased array probes are commonly used for cardiac imaging.

We dive deeper into the different probe applications when discussing specific types of ultrasound probes below. Choosing the right probe for your application is crucial for the image resolution in ultrasound.

Linear Transducers

So, what features are typical for the linear probe?

Firstly, the piezoelectric crystal arrangement is linear, the shape of the beam is rectangular, and the near-field resolution is good.

Ultrasound transducer types - linear probe GE 9L. GE 9L Linear ultrasound probe, used for high-resolution vascular, musculoskeletal, and small parts imaging. The probe is shown with its coiled cable and connector. LBN Medical.

Secondly, the footprint, ultrasound frequency range, and applications of the linear transducer depend on whether the product is for 2D ultrasound imaging or 3D ultrasound imaging.

Furthermore, the linear probe for 2D imaging has a wide footprint and its central frequency is 2.5Mhz – 12Mhz.

You can use the linear transducer ultrasound for various applications, for instance:

  • Vascular examination
  • Venipuncture, blood vessel visualization
  • Breast
  • Small parts
  • Thyroid
  • Tendon, arthrogenous
  • Intraoperative, laparoscopy
  • The thickness measurement of body fat and musculus for daily health care check and locomotive syndrome check
  • Photoacoustic imaging, ultrasonic velocity change imaging

The linear transducer for 3D imaging has a wide footprint and a central frequency of 7.5Mhz – 11Mhz.

What can you use this linear transducer for?

  • Breast
  • Thyroid
  • Arteria carotis of vascular application

You can also get 4D ultrasound machines with 4D probes. The difference from 3D to 4D, however, is not huge.

In our stock, we offer linear transducers from top brands, such as:

Linear Transducer Compatibility
ManufacturerProbe ModelApplicationsCompatible Ultrasound Systems
GE12L-RSPediatrics, Peripheral, Small Parts, Vascular.Logiq I, Vivid I, Vivid Q, Vivid S5, Vivid S6, Voluson E, Voluson I, Voluson S6, Voluson S8, Voluson P6, Voluson S6.
L10-22-RSVascular, Small Parts, Superficial, Musculoskeletal.Logiq P9, Logiq E.
L8-18I-RSPeripheral Vascular, Small Parts, Musculoskeletal, Intraoperative.Logiq P9, Logiq E, Vivid IQ.
ML6-15-DSmall Parts, Pediatrics, Neonatal, Vascular, Breast, Musculoskeletal.Logiq E9, Logiq S8, Voluson E8 Expert, Vivid E9.
ML6-15-RSSmall Parts, Vascular, Breast, Musculoskeletal, Pediatrics.Voluson S8, Voluson S10, Logiq P9, Vivid IQ.
PhilipsL18-5Breast, Muscoluskeletal, Superficial, Vascular, Venous.Epiq 5, Epiq 7
VL13-5Small Parts, Breast, Vascular.iU22
L15-7IOIntraoperative, Vascular.HD11, HD11XE, iU22, iE33.
L18-5Breast, Musculoskeletal, Superficial, Vascular, Venous.Epiq 5, Epiq 7
L9-3Small Parts, Breast, Vascular.HD11XE, iE33, iU22.
Siemens14L5Breast, Vascular, Venous, Musculoskeletal, Superficial.Acuson S3000
14L5-SPBreast, Venous, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Superficial.Acuson S3000
18L6 HDBreast, Musculoskeletal, Urology, Vascular.Acuson S3000
9L4Breast, Vascular, Abdominal, Musculoskeletal.Acuson S3000
12L4Musculoskeletal, Breast, Small Parts.Acuson S2000
12L3Musculoskeletal, Breast, Small Parts.Acuson Juniper.
10L4Fetal, Abdominal, Pediatric, Small Parts, Peripheral Vessels, MSK.Acuson Sequoia.
18L6 HDBreast Musculoskeletal, Urology, Vascular.Acuson S3000.
SamsungLA3-16AIMusculoskeletal.RS85, RS80A, WS80A, HS70A, HS60.
L3-12AMusculoskeletal, Small Parts, Vascular.HERA W10, HERA I10, HERA W9, RS85, RS80A, WS80A, HS70A.
LM4-15BSmall Parts, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Abdominal.RS85, RS80A, WS80A.
LA4-18BSmall Parts.RS85, RS80A, WS80A, HS70A.
LA3-16ADMusculoskeletal, Small Parts, Vascular.HS40, HM70A.
CanonPLT-1204BTPeripheral Vascular, Small Parts.Aplio 50, Xario.
PLT-1005BTSmall Parts, Vascular.Aplio 300, Aplio 400, Aplio 500.
PLT-1204BXPeripheral Vascular, Small Parts.Aplio XG, Aplio 500.
PLU-1204BTSmall Parts, Musculoskeletal, Peripheral Vascular.Xario 200G, Aplio a-series, Aplio i-series.
HitachiL441Breast, Small Parts.Arietta 850, Precision, Prologue, V70, V60, Noblus.
L64Breast, Musculoskeletal, Small Parts, Superficial, Vascular, Venous.Noblus, Arietta 850, Prologue, V70, V60.

Canon - PLT-1005BT Linear Probe & Samsung - LA4-18B Linear Probe available at LBN Medical.

Convex Transducers (Also: Curved or Curvilinear probe)

Another of the ultrasound transducer types is the convex probe.

Also called the curved transducer because the piezoelectric crystal arrangement is curvilinear. Moreover, the beam shape is convex and the transducer is good for in-depth examinations.

Even though the image resolution decreases when the depth increases.

The footprint, frequency, and applications also depend on whether the curvilinear probe is for 2D or 3D imaging.

For example, the convex transducer for 2D imaging has a wide footprint and its central frequency is 2.5MHz – 7.5MHz.

convex transducer - GE C1 - 6 - curvilinear probe. GE C1-6-D convex ultrasound probe, used for abdominal and obstetric imaging, shown with its connector and coiled cable. Provided by LBN Medical.

You can use convex probes for examinations such as:

  • Abdominal scanning
  • Vascular
  • Nerve
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound
  • OB/GYN
  • Transvaginal and transrectal
  • Diagnosis of organs

The convex transducer for 3D imaging has a wide field of view and a central frequency of 3.5MHz – 6.5MHz.

You can use it for abdominal examinations.

In addition to convex probes, there is a subtype called microconvex transducer. The microconvex transducer has a much smaller footprint and are typically used by physicians in neonatal and pediatric applications.

From top ultrasound manufacturers, you can get convex transducers such as:

Convex Transducer Compatibility
ManufacturerProbe ModelApplicationsCompatible Ultrasound Systems
GE4C-RSAbdominalLogiq E, Logiq F6, Logiq I, Logiq P7, Vivid E, Vivid IQ, Vivid S5, Vivid S6, Voluson E, Voluson I, Voluson P8
C1-5-RSAbdominal, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, UrologyLogiq P9, Logiq E R7, Logiq E, Vivid IQ
C4-8-DAbdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Pediatrics, UrologyVoluson E6, Voluson E8, Voluson E10
RAB6-DAbdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Pediatrics, UrologyVoluson E6, Voluson E8 Expert
RAB6-RSAbdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyVoluson S8, Voluson S10
RM6CAbdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Pediatrics, UrologyVoluson E8 Expert
PhilipsC10-3VObstetrics, GynaecologyEpiq 7, Epiq 5, Affiniti 70, iU22, CX50
C5-1Abdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyHD15, iE33, iU22
C6-2Abdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Anesthesia, Nervous, PelvicSparq
C8-5Abdominal, Neonatal, Ocstetrics, Gynaecology, PediatricsHD11, HD11XE, iU22, iE33
C5-1Abdominal, Ocstetrics, GynaecologyHD15, iE33, iU22
CanonPVT-375BTAbdominalAplio 50, Aplio 80, Aplio XG, Aplio 300, Aplio 400, Aplio 500, Xario
PVT-382BTAbdominalAplio 300, Aplio 500, Aplio MX, Aplio XG, Viamo, Xario, Xario XG
PVT-674BTAbdominal, ObstetricsAplio 50, Aplio 500
PVT-661VTObstetrics, GynaecologyAplio 50, Aplio 500, Xario
PVT-475BTAbdominal, Fetal, PediatricAplio A series
SamsungCV1-8ADAbdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyHS60, HS50, H60
CA1-7AAbdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, ContrastHERA W10, HERA I10, HERA W9, RS85, RS80A, WS80A, HS70A
CA3-10AAbdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Vascular, PediatricsHERA W10, HERA I10, HERA W9, WS80A, RS85, RS80A, HS70A
CA2-9ADAbdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyHS60, HS50
CA2-9AAbdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyHERA W10, HERA I10, HERA W9, WS80A
Siemens4C1Abdominal, Obstetrics, GynaecologyAcuson Sequoia 512
6C1 HDAbdominal, Neonatal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, PelvicAcuson 1000, Acuson SC2000, Acuson S3000, Acuson S2000
6C2Abdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Vascular, Fetal HeartAcuson Aspen, Acuson Sequoia 512
8C3 HDAdult Small Abdomen, OB/GYN, PediatricAcuson S2000, Acuson S3000
5C1Abdominal, Renal, Bowel, FAST, Lung, Obstetrics, Early OB, OB (Adv), Fetal Echo, GYN, Venous, Arterial, Pelvis, SpineAcuson Juniper
HitachiC42Abdominal, Small PartsArietta Prologue, Arietta V70, Arietta V60, Noblus
C251Vascular, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, AbdominalAriette V70

Convex probes from LBN Medical. This image shows different types of ultrasound transducers. A Philips convex and microconvex probe and a Samsung convex probe. Philips C5-1, Philips C8-5, and Samsung CV1-8AD

Phased Array Transducers

The phased array transducer is named after its piezoelectric crystal arrangement, known as a phased array, and it is the most commonly used crystal type.

The phased array transducer has a small footprint and operates at a low frequency (with a central frequency range of 2 MHz – 7.5 MHz)

The beam point is narrow but it expands depending on the applied frequency.

Furthermore, the beam shape is almost triangular and the near-field resolution is poor.

ultrasound transducer types - Phased Array Transducer. Close-up of a phased array ultrasound probe, showing the compact, rectangular transducer head and coiled cable. Phased array ultrasound probe, designed for cardiac imaging and detailed visualization of the heart and blood flow. LBN Medical.

What can you use the phased array transducer for?

  • Cardiac ultrasound examinations, including Transesophagealexaminations
  • Abdominal scanning
  • Brain examinations

In our current stock, we have these – and more – phased array probes available:

Phased Array Transducer Compatibility
ManufacturerProbe ModelApplicationsCompatible Ultrasound Systems
GE3CRF-DNeonatal, Pediatrics, AbdominalLogiq S8
3SC-RSAbdominal, Cardiac, TranscranialVivid S60, Vivid T8, Vivid S5, Vivid IQ, Vivid I, Vivid Q, Logiq P9, Logiq E, Logiq F8, Voluson P8, Voluson S6, Voluson S8, Voluson S10
3SP-DCardiac, Obstetrics, Abdominal, Neurology, PediatricsLogiq S7, Logiq S8, Logiq P5, Logiq P6, Voluson E6, Voluson E8, Voluson E10
4VC-DCardiacVivid E90, Vivid E95
4V-DCardiac, Contrast, Fetal HeartVivid E9
M5SC-DCardiac, Pediatrics, Abdominal, Fetal HeartVivid S70, Vivid E9, Vivid E90, Vivid E95
PhilipsS4-2Cardiac, PediatricsiU22, iE33, HD11XE, HD15, HD9
S5-1 (21314A)CardiaciU22, iE33
S8-3 (21750A)Pediatric, CardiacHD11, HD11XE, iE33
X6-1Abdominal, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, NeonataliU22, Epiq 7
X7-2CardiaciU22, iE33
MC7-2InterventionalEpiq Series
Siemens4V1Abdominal, Neonatal, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, PelvicAcuson Sequoia 512
4Z1CCardiacAcuson S2000, Acuson SC2000
8V3Fetal Heart, Neonatal, Pediatrics, Pediatric CardiacAcuson Sequoia 512, Acuson S2000, Acuson S3000
10V4Abdominal, Neonatal, Pediatrics, PelvicAcuson S23000
CanonPST-25STCardiacViamo
PST-30BTCardiac, TranscranialAplio 50, Artida, Xario

Phased Array Probes available at LBN Medical. GE 3SC-RS, Siemens 4Z1C, and Siemens 5P1 phased array probes.

Below we introduce other common ultrasound transducer types:

Pencil Transducers

Pencil probes, also called CW Doppler probes, are used to measure blood flow and the speed of sound in blood.

Pencil transducers have a small footprint and use low frequencies, typically ranging from 2 MHz to 8 MHz.

Pencil probe also CW Doppler probe. Endocavity ultrasound probe, used for transrectal and transvaginal imaging, shown with its connector and coiled cable. Get yours at LBN Medical.

Endocavitary Transducers

Furthermore, on the list of ultrasound transducer types, there are endocavitary probes.

Endocavitary probes provide the opportunity to perform internal examinations of the patient. Therefore, they are designed to fit specific body orifices.

Endocavitary transducers include endovaginal, endorectal, and endocavity probes (for example, the Philips C10-4ec endocavity probe below).

Typically, they have small footprints, and the frequency varies in the range of 3.5 MHz to 11.5 MHz.

There are also the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE probe) and the transesophageal probe (TEE). As the previously mentioned probes, it has a small footprint and is used for internal examinations.

It is often employed in cardiology to obtain a better image of the heart through the oesophagus. The frequency is middle, in the range of 3Mhz – 10Mhz.

Endocavitary and pencil probes ready in our stock:

Philips C10-4ec endocavitary probe. Philips C10-4EC endocavity ultrasound probe, specialized for gynecological and urological imaging. The slender probe with its ergonomic handle and coiled cable is displayed alongside its connector, supplied by LBN Medical.

Endocavity Transducer Compatibility
ManufacturerProbeApplicationCompatibility
GEE8C-RSObstetrics, Gynaecology, UrologyVivid S5, Vivid S6, Vivid T8, Vivid E, Vivid I, Vivid Q, Logiq P9, Logiq E, Logiq E R7, Logiq I, Voluson S6, Voluson S8, Voluson I
RIC5-9W-RSObstetrics, GynaecologyVoluson I, Voluson E, Voluson S6, Voluson S8
RIC5-9-DObstetrics, Gynaecology, UrologyLogiq E9, Voluson E6, Voluson E8 Expert
PhilipsD2TCDTranscranialHD11, HD11XE, iU22, iE33
C9-3VObstetrics, GynaecologyiU22, iE33, HD15, HD11XE, Envisor, HD9
C9-4VObstetrics, GynaecologyClearVue 650, ClearVue 850, Sparq
SamsungEVN4-9Obstetrics, Gynaecology, UrologyH60
EV3-10BGynaecology, Obstetrics, UrologyHERA W10, HERA I10, HERA W9, RS85, WS80A
Siemens9EC4Obstetrics, Gynaecology, UrologyAcuson Sequoia
CanonPVT-781VTObstetrics, GynaecologyAplio 300, Aplio 400, Aplio 500
PVT-781VTEObstetrics, GynaecologyAplio 300, Aplio 400, Aplio 500
BK Medical8863IntraoperativeFlex Focus

Moreover, there are several probes designed for surgical use, such as laparoscopic probes.

Overview of the Different Types of Ultrasound Transducers

To get a quick overview of the different ultrasound transducer types and their applications, see the table below. You can also go to our Ultrasound Probes for Sale page and browse through our inventory.

Ultrasound transducer types recommended based on Applications - LBN Medical. Table comparing different ultrasound probe types (Linear, Convex, Endocavity, Phased Array, and Pencil) and their medical applications across four categories: General Imaging, Cardiac, Vascular, and OB/GYN. Each probe type is marked for its suitability in specific use cases such as small parts imaging, abdominal scans, TEE probe for cardiac, vascular applications, and endovaginal use.

Tips to Follow When Buying an Ultrasound Transducer

Now, you should be aware of the most common ultrasound transducer types. It can be a jungle to figure out the right ultrasound transducer types and frequency.

Therefore, we have a few tips to follow when purchasing ultrasound transducers:

  • Make sure to double-check that the ultrasound probe you are about to buy is compatible with the system you own – you can use a probe guide, or ask our sales team.
  • Penetration depth is better at a low frequency (between 2.5 and 7.5Mhz) but a disadvantage of the low frequency is a lower image quality.
  • The higher the frequency (above 7.5Mhz), the lower is the depth of penetration, however, you get better quality images close to the surface (7.5MHz = 20 cm).

Be cautious:

  • A black line on the screen of the ultrasound system will most likely mean that the transducer has a dead crystal inside.
  • A shadow on the screen of the ultrasound system could indicate a weak crystal inside the transducer that does not produce the necessary vibration.

How to Treat Your Ultrasound Transducer?

Finally, remember that the transducer is a very important, and also a very expensive element of an ultrasound. Therefore, after you have purchased it, remember that no matter the ultrasound transducer type, you should use it with caution, which means:

  • Do not throw, drop, or knock the transducer
  • Be careful not to damage the duct of the transducer
  • Wipe the gel from the transducer after each use
  • Do not sluice with alcohol-based confections
GE - R1C5-9A-RS - 240485KR3 endocavitary probe. Available at LBN Medical.

To learn more about how to protect your ultrasound probes and what the most common defects are, check our blog post that explains this topic in more depth.

Your Most Common Transducer Questions – FAQ

  • Can one probe work for multiple applications?

    The short answer? Yes. Many probes are used for various applications. For example, the Phased Array probe 4V1 from Siemens can be used for abdominal, neonatal, gynaecology, obstetrics, and pelvic examinations.

    However, you need to be aware that some probes are application specific. For example, the convex probe PVT-375BT from Canon and the convex probe 4C-RS from GE are both only used for abdominal examinations.

  • Which types of transducer is best suited for imaging superficial structures?

  • Which transducer type is best suited to vascular imaging?

  • What probe is used for MSK ultrasound?

  • What are the two most common probes used in OB/GYN?

  • What is the difference between 2D and 3D ultrasound probes?

  • How often should I replace an ultrasound probe?

We hope that after reading this article, you have a clear image of ultrasound transducer types. And that you will be more prepared the next time you are purchasing ultrasound scan probes.

If you have any more questions about ultrasound transducers for sale or used ultrasound machines, do not hesitate to contact our sales department at sales@lbnmedical.com or via phone +45 96 886 500.

Also, check our inventory of ultrasound machine parts.

What is next?

Done reading about ultrasound transducer types? You can sign up below to receive an e-book: How to pick your next ultrasound’ and become part of our ultrasound mail course.

This course will guide you through themes related to your next ultrasound purchase.

How to pick your ultrasound e-book - LBN Medical