Krautkramer Branson, Inc.

Werner Vermoehlen

Peter Renzel

A method and apparatus are provided for converting into digital form the analog ultrasonic echo signals received as a result of cyclically transmitted ultrasonic search signals intercepting an acoustic discontinuity in a workpiece. The ultrasonic echo signals are divided into a discrete number of raster-like scan lines which are scanned electronically by a microprocessor. Digital signals are generated for each line of the raster-like scan and such signals assume either a first or second state along the scan line in accordance with the signal amplitude along that line. As successive scans are made at progressively higher amplitudes of the echo signal, the amplitude required for varying the digital signal between the states for a particular scan line is incrementally increased with each scan line. A comparator receives at a first input the echo signals and at a second input a signal from a digital-to-analog converter whose output is incrementally increased on successive scan lines by the microprocessor. The outputs of the comparator are placed into storage in the microprocessor.

Growing community of inventors

Elsdorf, Germany

Werner Vermoehlen