Single Channel Scanning Acoustic Microscope Parallel Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic imaging systems with single focused transducers are limited by scanning speed and pulse repetition frequency, while multi-transducer systems are costly due to the need for multi-channel electronics, and single channel approaches with multiplexing result in lower scanning speeds.
Innovation Solution
Connecting a multi-transducer assembly in parallel to a single channel electronic circuit, introducing proper time delays for each transducer to prevent interference and allow independent signal processing, enabling higher throughput without increasing component costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transducers are connected in parallel to multi-channel electronics, then inspection throughput and scanning speed are improved, but system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer channels into a single electronic channel by time-multiplexing the signals. The multiplexer sequentially switches between multiple transducer inputs and routes them to a single amplifier and A/D converter, eliminating the need for multiple independent electronic channels while maintaining the ability to process signals from multiple transducers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic time-multiplexing to sequentially activate and read signals from multiple transducers. The multiplexer switches between transducer inputs at regular intervals, allowing each transducer to be interrogated in sequence through the shared electronic channel, thereby achieving multi-transducer functionality with single-channel electronics.
2Device complexity
If multiple transducers are connected through a multiplexer to a single channel, then system cost is reduced, but scanning speed and pulse repetition frequency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary time-delay compensation for each transducer channel before multiplexing. By pre-calculating and applying the appropriate time delays to align signals from different transducers, the system ensures that signals arrive at the single channel in the correct temporal sequence, preventing interference and maintaining signal integrity despite the sequential multiplexing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time-delay adjustment for each transducer channel. The system dynamically compensates for path length differences by applying variable time delays to signals from different transducers, allowing optimal signal alignment and maintaining high effective scanning speed even with sequential multiplexing.
3Device complexity
If a single focused transducer is used, then system cost is reduced, but inspection throughput and scanning speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single electronic channel universal by enabling it to serve multiple transducer inputs through time-multiplexing. The single amplifier, A/D converter, and processing channel can sequentially handle signals from any of the multiple transducers, providing multi-functionality without requiring dedicated electronics for each transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates temporal copies of the electronic channel's processing capability across multiple time slots. By sequentially routing signals from different transducers through the same electronic channel at different times, the system effectively replicates the channel's functionality across multiple transducer inputs without physically duplicating the expensive electronic components.
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 configuration maintains high scanning speed and resolution while reducing costs by using a single channel electronic system, allowing for efficient processing and display of ultrasonic signals from multiple transducers on a single A-scan waveform.
Implementation Method 1
a pulser 20, an amplifier 30, a digital converter 40 and a visual display, such as a monitor 50. Its throughput is largely limited by two factors. One limiting factor is the scanning speed of the X-Y driver system that moves the ultrasonic transducer with respect to the part or sample being inspected.
Implementation Method 2
This interval determines the time that is available for an ultrasonic wave generation and round-trip travel and reception at each point of the scanned area (image pixel).
Data Source
AI summary
A single channel scanning acoustic microscope that increases the throughput of the acoustic imaging system by connecting a multi-transducer assembly in parallel to a single channel electronic circuit. The single channel scanning acoustic microscope includes multiple transducers configured to generate a time delay for individual ultrasonic waves generated by each transducer, wherein a pulse generator simultaneously sends a pulse signal to the multi-transducer assembly.