What are the types of Phased Array Transducers?

A phased array probe or transducer contains crystals with piezoelectric properties that vibrate and emit ultrasound of a characteristic frequency when subjected to an alternating electric current.

To get the required results, you need to choose the type of transducer. In general, high-frequency transducers will be used for the ultrasound study of superficial structures; for deep structures, lower frequencies will have to be used.

1D Linear Array probe

The main functions of the 1D linear array are focusing beam steering and electronic scanning. All are done in a single plane specified vertically to the elements in the array. A 1D array probe can produce and receive an ultrasonic beam just like a conventional UT.

The transducer should be longer than the number of elements for the proper usage, coverage, and required output. The other thing to keep in mind is the pitch. It is the distance from the centre of one element to the centre of another element. The pitch should be large for single electronic scanning to increase productivity

Applications of Linear probes

Applications of linear probes are bars and billets inspection, plate inspection, composite inspection, rail inspection, tubes and pipes inspection, turbine discs and inspections related to the detection of wall thickness, surface, and subsurface.

2D Matrix probe

2D Matrix probe deflects beams in various planes, giving the capability to achieve a comprehensive volumetric inspection. Combining focusing and beam steering is one more advantage of these Array transducers.

In one direction of the 2D matrix, the traditional ʎ/2 formula with the right pitch is used to get the preferred angle. For the second direction, a larger pitch is used to adjust the focal depth and increase in energy of the beam, this results in better resolution and sensitivity.

Applications of the 2D matrix

Applications are detecting cracks in complicated parts, such as nozzle, where the 3D structure needs 3D beam steering technology.

 +TRL probes

TRL probes are dedicated to inspecting the area close to the surface and increased focus on complex materials which are difficult to examine, based on conventional and Phased Array probes. TRL probes are also called dual array probes. Ultrasound Phased Array TRL probes also provide the benefits of acoustics to Phased Array's flexibility to give valuable inspection results, especially in rough structures.

These TRL probe transducers usually combine two linear or matrix probes, which act as two different receivers and transmitters. They are both attached on the sides of the same wedge to generate a single focal point at the intersection of the two beams.

Applications of TRL probes

TRL probes are used for weld inspection on complicated materials.

How to Choose the Right Phased Array Transducer?

There are several types of probes within Non-Destructive Testing and Phased Array ultrasonic testing. Classifying the right probe according to the specified application is an essential task. The following parameters are to be considered while choosing the Phased Array Transducer.

Electronic scanning

With the help of electronic scanning, one focusing law is multiplexed along with the phased probe by moving the active group of elements. This type of scanning is similar to classical ultrasonic testing with a constant input angle.

Number of elements

Phased arrays can have from 16 to 256 elements. The more elements, the better the focusing, scan coverage and beam steering performance, but the cost also increases. Hence it is necessary to select the number of elements according to needs.

Beam Steering

The beam is electronically deflected by employing delay laws to various circular, linear or matrix phased array elements. Linear and circular phased arrays let 2D, while matrix phased arrays allow 3D steering.

Conclusion 

For ultrasound examinations, choosing the appropriate frequency and type of probe is necessary, depending on the area and organ to be explored. NDT-KITS ultrasound probes feature innovative technology that enables high responsiveness, wider bandwidth, and higher sensitivity to achieve excellent image

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