Asynchronous Transient Radar Sampling for Multilayer Material Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods face challenges in accurately analyzing multilayer structures due to limitations in resolution, depth of penetration, and the need for complex and expensive synchronized signal generation, especially at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for non-destructive analysis using asynchronous repetitive transient radar signals, employing differential measurement and equivalent time sampling with correlated clocks to obtain synchronous data samples with amplitude and phase information, eliminating the need for synchronized signal generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronized signal generation is used for transient radar analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference channel to capture a copy of the transmitted transient signal. This reference signal is then processed to extract timing and phase information, which is used to synchronize the measurement channel data without requiring complex synchronized signal generation electronics. The reference channel effectively copies the transmit signal path to provide synchronization data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic synchronized signal generation system with a post-processing synchronization approach. Instead of using complex triggered sampling electronics to synchronize measurements at the hardware level, the system captures asynchronous data and applies digital signal processing techniques (cross-correlation, phase extraction) to achieve synchronization in the digital domain.
2Measurement precision
If synchronized signal generation is used for transient radar analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases due to expensive electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The reference channel creates a copy of the transmit signal path, providing timing and phase reference data without requiring expensive synchronized generation electronics. This copying approach allows the use of simpler, less expensive sampling electronics in both channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive unsynchronized sampling electronics in both the reference and measurement channels, replacing the need for costly synchronized sampling equipment. The system accepts that the sampling clocks are not inherently synchronized but compensates through digital processing, using cheap components that would otherwise be unsuitable for precision measurements.
3Device complexity
If asynchronous sampling is used without reference channel, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to obtain phase information
Solution Approach 1:
The reference channel acts as an intermediary that bridges the asynchronous sampling clocks of the two channels. By capturing the transmitted signal in the reference channel and processing it to extract timing and phase information, the system creates a common reference framework that allows accurate correlation and phase extraction from the measurement channel data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for hardware-level synchronized clocks with a software/digital signal processing solution. The reference channel data is processed using cross-correlation and Fourier transform techniques to extract phase information, substituting complex electronic synchronization with computational methods.
4Measurement precision
If high frequency signals are used for improved resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to difficulty of generating synchronous transient radar signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex high-frequency synchronized signal generation electronics with a post-processing synchronization approach. By capturing the signal asynchronously and applying digital signal processing techniques, the system can effectively analyze high-frequency transient signals without requiring expensive and complex synchronized sampling electronics capable of operating at those frequencies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-resolution, quantitative analysis of multilayer structures without synchronized signals, providing detailed material characteristics and reducing costs through simplified electronics design.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic signal generator configured for repetitively generating an electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
repetitive equivalent time sampling of transient signals from a first receive antenna using a first clock signal and repetitive equivalent time sampling of transient signals from a second receive antenna using a second clock signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for non-destructive analysis of a test material. The system includes an electromagnetic signal generator for generating and emitting an electromagnetic wave of substantially one frequency with a transient part through separate transmit antennas in different channels. A differential measurement module is configured for repetitive equivalent time sampling of transient signals received by corresponding antennas, using correlated clock signals. The system further includes a processing module for determining phase information from reference samples obtained from a reference material and for converting data samples from the test material into synchronous data samples with amplitude and phase information, using the phase information from the reference samples and predetermined operational data of the system. This enables the derivation of geometric information and/or electromagnetic properties of one or more layers of the test material.