---
title: "MaRCoS: An Open-Source MRI Control System Built with Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16"
description: Discover how MaRCoS uses Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16 for open-source, real-time MRI control and low-field MRI research.
image: https://content.redpitaya.com/hubfs/blog%20featured%20image%20-%202026-08-25T134239.841.jpg
---
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# MaRCoS: An Open-Source MRI Control System Built with Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16
- Posted by  [Red Pitaya Technical Editorial Team](https://redpitaya.com/Red-Pitaya-Blog-team/) , September 15, 2026
MaRCoS, short for **MAgnetic Resonance COntrol System**, is an open-source MRI control platform built around the **Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16**. The project combines FPGA-based hardware and open-source software to provide a flexible control system for low-field MRI research and development.
The MaRCoS hardware uses the Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16 together with a custom gradient DAC board and other MRI components. The SDRlab was selected for its larger Zynq FPGA and two 16-bit AC-coupled ADC inputs, providing the signal acquisition, RF generation, and real-time processing capabilities required for magnetic resonance experiments.
At the core of the platform is **MaRGA**, custom FPGA firmware that controls RF signal transmission and reception, I/Q processing, numerically controlled oscillators, and precisely timed digital outputs. The system can also control external hardware, including gradient DAC channels, with timing based on the SDRlab's 122.88 MHz clock.
The MaRCoS software ecosystem includes a server running on the SDRlab, Python-based tools for controlling the system and creating MRI sequences, FPGA firmware, simulation tools, and setup tutorials. The project is designed to give researchers and developers access to an open and customizable MRI control platform.
The MaRCoS project builds on earlier open-source MRI work and has also been documented in research publications covering its architecture, performance, and applications, including low-field and portable MRI systems.
For developers, researchers, and anyone interested in **open-source MRI, low-field MRI, FPGA-based signal processing, or Red Pitaya SDRlab applications**, the MaRCoS documentation provides tutorials, setup guides, software repositories, and technical resources.
Learn more about the MaRCoS open-source MRI project and explore the documentation and GitHub repositories on the [MaRCoS GitHub wiki](https://github.com/vnegnev/marcos_extras/wiki?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
## FAQ
### What is MaRCoS?
MaRCoS, or Magnetic Resonance Control System, is an open-source hardware and software platform for controlling low-field MRI systems.
### How does MaRCoS use Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16?
MaRCoS uses the Red Pitaya SDRlab 122-16 as its core signal acquisition and generation platform. Its FPGA handles real-time RF signal processing, timing, and control for MRI experiments.
### Why was SDRlab 122-16 chosen for MaRCoS?
The SDRlab 122-16 provides a larger Zynq FPGA and 16-bit AC-coupled ADCs, making it suitable for RF signal acquisition and real-time MRI control.
### Is MaRCoS an open-source MRI platform?
Yes. MaRCoS is an open-source MRI control system with publicly available software, FPGA firmware, documentation, and development resources.
### Where can I learn more about MaRCoS?
The full MaRCoS documentation, tutorials, software, FPGA repositories, and setup guides are available on the MaRCoS GitHub page.
---
### About the Red Pitaya Team
The Red Pitaya Technical Editorial Team is a cross-functional group of technical communicators and product specialists. By synthesizing insights from our hardware developers and global research partners, we provide verified, high-value content that bridges the gap between open-source innovation and industrial-grade precision.
Our mission is to make advanced instrumentation accessible to engineers, researchers, and educators worldwide.
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