OmniScan MX2 Training Program

PA Calculators and
Essential Parameters for Phased Array

OmniScan MX2 Training - PA Calculator Overview

This module contains information related to the Omnsican MX2 phased array
calculator and the essential parameters required to create groups of focal laws for
use.
Most of the basic theory presented is directly relevant to the OmniScan MX2 and use
of the software wizards for common tasks. More PA theory and the supporting
mathematical formulas can be found in the below publications available on the
Olympus NDT web site.
Configuring and using phased array with the MX2 starts with the population of a
calculator (Wizard) for the formation of focal laws. PA calculator hardware and
software considerations will be explained with an emphasis on typical 1D probes and
wedges designed to be used with the OmniScan MX2 for common applications.

OmniScan MX2 Training - PA Calculator Overview cont.

Phased array calculators differ in functionality and complexity as a result of

supporting different types of probes, wedges, and applications.
The most simple or complex phased array calculators can generally be
divided into 4 specific sets of parameters:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Probe parameters.
Wedge parameters. (Incident)
Material parameters. (Refracted)
Focal law beam formation.

3 parts hardware and 1 part software that are covered in detail in the next
section.
For proper formation of the focal laws, all hardware parameters must be
configured correctly, and the beam formation requested must be within the
limits of physics, the hardware, and the instrumentation.

OmniScan MX2 Training - PA Calculator Overview cont.

The speed and difficulty that the phased array calculator can be populated is
what separates many instruments on the market in both productivity and
ease of use.
Use of software wizards, wedge databases, probe autodetect, etc greatly aid
in configuring the MX2 calculator and preparing the instrument for use while
avoiding typos and input errors.
The OmniScan MX2 group and setup wizards will walk the user through
each of the 4 relative sections in a step by step process.
Additionally, tasks required for the inspection such as weld creation, probe
position, scanner parameters, etc are entered as part of the setup or .Ops
file creation.

PA Calculator Basics Overview What is a focal law?

A focal law is the pattern of time delays applied to pulsing and receiving elements of
an array probe in order to steer and focus the resulting sound beam and echo
response.
Simply a programmable A-scan that allows the beam size, angle, and focus to be
controlled through software.
The delays to the elements occur in nanoseconds and form the beam.
The speed or PRF, the quantity of A-scans in one or more groups, and the type of
beam formations possible is limited by instrument specifications and software
capability and is what separates many systems on the market.

Single pulse echo focal law example

Software input

Transmitter delays (Pulse)

Receiver delays (Echo)

Resulting A-scan

PA Calculator Basics Overview What is a focal law? cont.

A simpler explanation is that a focal law is an A-scan. When used in pulse echo mode
the transmitted and received delays are the same and are using the same group of
elements.

The phasing affect allows multiple focal laws or A-scans that differ in angle and focus
to be generated from the same group of elements and summed in a sector scan or
linear scan type display.

PA Calculator Basics Overview 1D Linear Arrays

The MX2 phased array calculator is populated in the part, setup , or can be directly
manipulated in the focal law sub menu.
The MX2 also has the ability to import preconfigured focal laws from a computer
based calculator like Tomoview or Setup Builder. This is required for complex
inspection or advanced probes.
The MX2 phased array calculator is limited to 1D linear array types such as circled
below.

PA Calculator Basics Overview Advanced Calculators

Complex probes and wedges such as 2D or TRL type arrays or complex techniques
such as pitch-catch require more input parameters and must be generated with a
computer based phased array calculator and imported into the OmniScan MX2 on
the memory card.

OmniScan MX2 Training Phased Array Calculator Review

Question:
What are the essential parameters for the phased
array calculator?
1. Probe parameters.
2. Wedge parameters.
3. Material Velocity
4. Beam Formation.
Answer: All of the above.