OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Program

Phased Array Calculator Overview

Chris Magruder

V4.1B2T9

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Overview

This module contains information related to the OmniScan SX\MX2 phased array calculator and the essential parameters required to create groups of focal laws for use. Most of the basic theory presented is directly relevant to the OmniScan SX\MX2 and use of the software wizards for common tasks. More PA theory and the supporting mathematical formulas can be found in the below publications available on the Olympus NDT web site. Configuring and using phased array with the OmniScan SX\MX2 starts with the population of a calculator (Wizard) for the creation of focal laws. PA calculator hardware and software considerations will be explained with an emphasis on typical 1D probes and wedges designed to be used with the OmniScan SX\MX2 for common applications.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Overview cont.

Phased array calculators differ in functionality and complexity as a result of supporting different types of probes, wedges, and applications. The most simple or complex phased array calculators can generally be divided into 4 specific sets of parameters:
1. 2. 3. 4. Probe parameters. (Hardware) Wedge parameters. (Hardware) Material parameters. (Hardware) Focal law beam formation. (Software)

3 parts hardware and 1 part software that are covered in detail in the next section. For proper formation of the focal laws, all hardware parameters must be configured correctly, and the beam formation requested must be within the limits of physics, the hardware, and the instrumentation.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Overview cont.

The speed and difficulty that the phased array calculator can be populated is what separates many instruments on the market in both productivity and ease of use. Use of software wizards, wedge databases, probe auto detect, etc. greatly aid in configuring the OmniScan SX\MX2 calculator and preparing the instrument for use while avoiding typos and input errors. The OmniScan SX\MX2 group and setup wizards will step the user through each of the 4 relative sections in a logical order. Additionally, tasks required for the inspection such as weld creation, probe position, scanner parameters, etc. are entered as part of the setup as well.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Focal Law Definition

A focal law is the pattern of time delays applied to pulsing and receiving elements of an array probe in order to steer and focus the resulting sound beam and echo response. Simply a programmable A-scan that allows the beam size, angle, and focus to be controlled through software. The delays to the elements occur in nanoseconds and form the beam. The speed or PRF, the quantity of A-scans in one or more groups, and the type of beam formations possible is limited by instrument specifications and software capability and is what separates many systems on the market. Example of 1 focal law (45 degrees)
Software input Transmitter delays (Pulse) Receiver delays (Echo) Resulting A-scan

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Focal Law Definition

A simpler explanation is that a focal law is an A-scan. When used in pulse echo mode the transmitted and received delays are the same and are using the same group of elements.

The phasing affect allows multiple focal laws or A-scans that differ in angle and focus to be generated from the same group or different group of elements and summed in a sector scan or linear scan type display.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator 1D Array Probes

The OmniScan SX\MX2 phased array calculator is populated in normally configured in the part and setup wizards or can be directly manipulated in the focal law menu. The OmniScan SX\MX2 also has the ability to import focal laws from a computer based calculator like Tomoview or Setup Builder. This is required for complex inspections, advanced probe support, or focus options not available on the instrument. The MX2 phased array calculator is limited to 1D linear array types such as circled below.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Advanced Probes

Complex probes and wedges such as 1.5D and 2D matrix arrays techniques such as pitch-catch require more input parameters and must be generated with a computer based phased array calculator and imported into the OmniScan SX\MX2 on the memory card.

OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Advanced Probes

Question: What are the essential parameters for the phased array calculator?
1. 2. 3. 4. Probe parameters. Wedge parameters. Material Velocity Beam Formation.

Answer: All of the above.

Questions or comments: PhasedArraySupport@Olympusndt.com

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