OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training Program

Phased Array Calculator Overview

V4.3R2
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. Probe parameters. (Hardware)
2. Wedge parameters. (Hardware)
3. Material parameters. (Hardware)
4. 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.

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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.

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OmniScan SX \ MX2 Training – Phased Array Calculator – Advanced Probes
 Question: What are the essential parameters for the phased array calculator?
1. Probe parameters.
2. Wedge parameters.
3. Material Velocity
4. Beam Formation.

 Answer: All of the above.

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 Questions or comments:
PhasedArraySupport@Olympusndt.com

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V4.3R2