Multiplexing Readout Circuit for Electromagnetic Inspection Array Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiplexed electromagnetic inspection techniques for nondestructive testing face challenges in effectively reducing aliasing artifacts and improving signal quality in multiplexed readout systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a readout circuit that includes a plurality of anti-aliasing filters and a time-division multiplexer, which bandlimits and multiplexes response signals to produce a time-division multiplexed (TDM) signal, thereby attenuating aliasing artifacts based on the TDM frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If time-division multiplexing is used to reduce the number of readout circuit components, then device complexity is reduced, but aliasing artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing anti-aliasing filters before the time-division multiplexing stage. These filters pre-process the sensor signals to remove frequency components that would cause aliasing artifacts during multiplexing, thereby preventing the quality degradation before it occurs in the signal chain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces anti-aliasing filters as intermediary components between the sensors and the time-division multiplexer. These filters act as mediators that condition the signals by attenuating high-frequency components, allowing the multiplexer to operate without introducing severe aliasing artifacts
2Productivity
If multiple sensors are used to increase inspection speed and coverage, then productivity is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor signals into a single time-division multiplexed signal stream using a time-division multiplexer. This combining approach allows multiple sensors to share common readout circuitry and processing resources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the productivity benefits of having multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary filtering to each sensor signal before multiplexing, preparing the signals in advance to minimize aliasing artifacts during the merging process. This pre-processing ensures that when multiple signals are combined in the time domain, the signal quality is preserved
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 solution effectively reduces aliasing artifacts and improves signal quality, enabling more accurate nondestructive testing by maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing the reliability of multiplexed electromagnetic inspection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of anti-aliasing filters, each anti-aliasing filter being configured to receive the response signal from a respective one of the sensors and to bandlimit the respective response signal
Implementation Method 2
a time-division multiplexer coupled to the plurality of anti-aliasing filters and configured to multiplex the plurality of bandlimited signals into a time-division multiplexed (TDM) signal
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of sensors configured to sense an electromagnetic response from the test object and generate a respective plurality of response signals from the sensed electromagnetic response
Data Source
AI summary
A readout circuit for an electromagnetic inspection system for nondestructive testing of a test object is disclosed. The inspection system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing an electromagnetic response from the test object and generating therefrom a plurality of response signals. The readout circuit can include a plurality of anti-aliasing filters, each configured to receive the response signal from one of the sensors and bandlimit the response signal to produce one of a plurality of bandlimited signals. The readout circuit can also include a time-division multiplexer configured to multiplex the bandlimited signals into a time-division multiplexed (TDM) signal including a sequence of frames outputted at a TDM frame rate, each frame including a plurality of time slots, each time slot assigned to one of the bandlimited signals, wherein the anti-aliasing filters are configured to operate based on the TDM frame rate to attenuate aliasing artifacts in the TDM signal.