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Principle
Virtual examples
Design notes for phased array
Probes performances

IMMERSION ARRAYS
Linear arrays
Matrix arrays
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LInear arrays
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Low profile arrays
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TRL/SE arrays

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2D smart flexible arrays
1D smart flexible arrays
Extra flat flexible arrays

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Phased array probes performances

Transducers key components

Piezocomposite material

Specially-designed piezocomposite material is inserted in each type of probe. The composite components and geometry are defined according to the temporal and frequency response specifications, while retaining high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio level. For phased array probes, the piezocomposite material is also designed to lower the cross-coupling between adjoining elements, which is necessary to properly steer the beam with electronic delay laws. Typical cross-coupling is lower than –30dB.

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Matching layer

Taking into account the conditions of use of the probe (manual, automated, direct contact, contact with a wedge), the matching layer is designed to optimize the transfer of energy, to shorten the pulse length and to be wear-resistant.

Backing material

The backing material is designed to shorten the pulse length and to attenuate the back echo. Specially-designed backing materials allow an interesting compromise with high damping and high attenuation in reduced dimensions.

Housing

The housing is designed to combine the required geometry with the strength and watertightness of the probe.

Cable

Performance of the cable is also a key parameter for the overall performance of the probe. Its attenuation must be as low as possible, in particular for high frequency probes. Its electrical impedance is matched with the probe and electronic characteristics. The bending capability is optimized to access small areas, while keeping high mechanical resistance and constant electrical properties.

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Connector

The connector is most often defined by the electronic system the transducer will be connected to. However, it must be adapted to handling and environmental constraints (frequency of handling, immersion, vibrations, etc), while guaranteeing consistent quality for the electrical contacts.

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Bandwidth or pulse length?

The bandwidth of the probe is generally one of the main specifications. However, it is often specified instead of the pulse length.

When the bandwidth has a Gaussian shape, it is closely linked to the pulse length, and specifying the bandwidth is enough to get the pulse length. However, when the shape of the bandwidth is not Gaussian, as it is often the case, a rather long pulse is obtained, as well as a bandwidth of more than 100%.

Some applications really require bandwidth, for example, when the received signal is significantly shifted to the low frequencies due to the attenuation of the material, or for harmonic imaging.

Most applications actually require axial resolution using a short pulse length, and in this case it is more appropriate to specify the pulse length than the bandwidth.

In addition, the pulse length and bandwidth largely depend on the driving signal, the electrical impedance and the environment of the pulsers, which are not easy to simulate. This is why it is often difficult to predict these parameters with a high level of accuracy. Imasonic probes are optimized for and measured with a negative square pulse with the shortest possible fall time and rise time and a length of T/2.

 


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