Bandwidth-Selectable Preamplifier for Acoustic Emission Signal Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic emission measurement and detection systems require high-speed sampling and extensive post-processing, leading to increased complexity and cost, which becomes technologically challenging in low-power and hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bandwidth-selectable filter, either integrated within an acoustic emission sensor or an external preamplifier device, allows for the extraction and transmission of time-averaged signal data without the need for high-speed sampling, using a software-programmable analog filter to filter acoustic emission signals based on selected bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed sampling and extensive post-processing are used in conventional acoustic emission systems, then signal analysis capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing bandwidth selection and time-averaged signal extraction at the preamplifier stage before data acquisition. The preamplifier device filters the acoustic emission signal based on selected bandwidth and extracts time-averaged characteristics, preparing the signal in advance for simpler downstream processing. This eliminates the need for high-speed sampling and extensive post-processing while maintaining signal analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed sampling is used in conventional acoustic emission systems, then signal analysis capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the requirement for high-speed sampling capability from the data acquisition system. Instead, the preamplifier device extracts time-averaged signal characteristics and applies bandwidth filtering before the signal reaches the data acquisition system. This allows the use of lower-cost, standard-speed data acquisition devices while maintaining effective signal analysis capability.
3Device complexity
If bandwidth-selectable filtering and time-averaged extraction are performed at the preamplifier device, then system complexity is reduced, but signal processing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The preamplifier device performs preliminary bandwidth selection and time-averaged signal extraction, preparing the signal in advance for simpler downstream processing. This preliminary action maintains signal processing capability by preserving the essential acoustic emission characteristics while removing high-frequency components that would require complex high-speed sampling for analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The preamplifier device acts as an intermediary between the acoustic emission sensor and the data acquisition system. It performs bandwidth-selectable filtering and time-averaged extraction, transforming the raw acoustic emission signal into a processed form that maintains diagnostic information while reducing the requirements for the downstream data acquisition system. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by enabling simplified system complexity while preserving signal processing capability.
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
This approach enables the resolution of frequency content in acoustic emission signals without high-end data acquisition devices, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining effective signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the bandwidth-selectable analog filter is to filter the analog acoustic emission signal based on a software-programmed bandwidth to generate a filtered analog acoustic emission signal
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic emission sensors generate acoustic emission signals (e.g., an electrical voltage signal) in response to acoustic emissions (e.g., transient elastic waves) sensed, measured and/or detected via a sensing element (e.g., one or more piezoelectric crystals)
Data Source
AI summary
Bandwidth-selectable acoustic emission apparatus and methods for transmitting time-averaged signal data are described. An example apparatus includes an integrated external preamplifier device having a bandwidth-selectable analog filter and a data extractor. The integrated external preamplifier device is to receive an analog acoustic emission signal generated via an acoustic emission sensor operatively coupled to the integrated external preamplifier device. The bandwidth-selectable analog filter is to filter the analog acoustic emission signal based on a software-programmed bandwidth to generate a filtered analog acoustic emission signal. The data extractor is to extract a time-averaged analog signal from the filtered analog acoustic emission signal, and to transmit the time-averaged analog signal from the integrated external preamplifier device to an external data acquisition system.