The research program of Unit 2.1A, Real-Time 3-D Ultrasonic Data Acquisition, of the National Science Foundation/Engineering Research Center (NSF/ERC) is described. The unit's overall objective is to develop noninvasive ultrasonic means to study and assess the health of the cardiovascular system in man. The development of a new generation of imaging instrumentation which will permit the real-time 3-D visualization of vessels, cardiac chambers, and valves is discussed. An important offshoot of this work is the development of a real-time 3-D display. Student participation and corporate collaboration in all phases of this project should help to ensure a more rapid technological transfer to industry.