Sonatest Prisma

User Guide
Conventional UT
Phased Array
TOFD
ii Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Disclaimers and Notices 2
2.1 Copyright
................................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Warranty
................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Equipment
...................................................................................................................................
Directive Conformance 3
2.4 Risks...................................................................................................................................
and Hazards 4
2.5 Operator
...................................................................................................................................
Requirements 4
2.6 Operating
...................................................................................................................................
Conditions 4
3 Instrument and Accessories 5

3.1 Hardware
...................................................................................................................................
Overview 5
3.2 Connectors
................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Encoder
...................................................................................................................................
Connector Pinout 8
3.4 GPIO...................................................................................................................................
Connector Pinout 9
3.5 PC Connectors
................................................................................................................................... 10
3.6 Keypad
................................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 Click
...................................................................................................................................
Wheel 13
3.8 Power,
...................................................................................................................................
Batteries, and Power Status 13
3.9 Accessories
................................................................................................................................... 16
4 Connecting Probes and Powering Up 17

5 User Interface 18
5.1 Elements
...................................................................................................................................
of the Graphical Interface 18
5.2 Navigating
................................................................................................................................... 22
5.3 Manipulating
...................................................................................................................................
Cursors (Cartesian Cursor, Angular 23
Cursor, Gate, Box, Extractor)
5.4 Selecting
...................................................................................................................................
Views and Layouts 24
5.5 View
...................................................................................................................................
Definitions 26
A-Scan
.................................................................................................................................... 26
B/D-Scan
.................................................................................................................................... 27
S-Scan
.................................................................................................................................... 28
L-Scan
.................................................................................................................................... 29
Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Table of Contents iii
C-Scan
.................................................................................................................................... 30
B-LOG
.................................................................................................................................... 32
Projected
....................................................................................................................................
Views (Top & End) 33
TOFD
....................................................................................................................................
View 35
5.6 Color
...................................................................................................................................
Palettes 36
5.7 Ruler
...................................................................................................................................
and Axis Color Map 38
5.8 Menus
................................................................................................................................... 40
6 Configuration and Operation Workflow 43

6.1 Loading
...................................................................................................................................
and Saving Files 43
6.2 Creating
...................................................................................................................................
a New Configuration 46
6.3 Defining
...................................................................................................................................
the Part to Inspect 48
6.4 Loading
...................................................................................................................................
and Defining Probes 49
6.5 Loading
...................................................................................................................................
and Defining Wedges 51
6.6 Positioning
...................................................................................................................................
the Probe on the Part 53
6.7 Setting
...................................................................................................................................
up the Encoder or Time Based Scan 53
6.8 Defining
...................................................................................................................................
Inspection Parameters 55
6.9 Selecting
...................................................................................................................................
a View Layout 55
6.10 Starting
...................................................................................................................................
Data Acquisition 55
6.11 Adjusting
...................................................................................................................................
Gain and Reference Gain 55
6.12 Adjusting
...................................................................................................................................
the Focal Distance 56
6.13 Adding
...................................................................................................................................
or Deleting Cursors 57
6.14 Making
...................................................................................................................................
Measurements with Gates 58
6.15 Using
...................................................................................................................................
the Extractor Cursor 59
6.16 Using
...................................................................................................................................
the Extractor Box 59
6.17 Customizing
...................................................................................................................................
the Measurements Bar 60
6.18 Taking
...................................................................................................................................
Screen Captures and Creating Reports 62
6.19 Managing
...................................................................................................................................
Files Using the Media Browser 62
7 Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis 66

Reference System)
7.1 Wedge
...................................................................................................................................
References 67
7.2 Group
...................................................................................................................................
Reference 68
7.3 Part...................................................................................................................................
Datum 69
8 Calibration Wizards 70
8.1 Available
...................................................................................................................................
Calibrations 70

iv Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
8.2 Velocity
...................................................................................................................................
and Zero Wizard 72
8.3 Wedge
...................................................................................................................................
Delay Wizard 77
8.4 Sensitivity/ACG
...................................................................................................................................
Wizard 81
8.5 TCG/DAC/DGS
...................................................................................................................................
Wizard 86
Time
....................................................................................................................................
Corrected Gain (TCG) Prisma 86
Distance-Amplitude
....................................................................................................................................
Correction (DAC) 93
Distance
....................................................................................................................................
Gain Sizing (DGS) 98
8.6 Encoder
...................................................................................................................................
Wizard 104
8.7 Element
...................................................................................................................................
Activation Wizard 105
9 Creating and Customizing Reports 106

10 Data File Analysis 107
11 Examples of configurations for Mono, PA, and TOFD 110
Inspections
11.1 Example
...................................................................................................................................
of Mono UT Setup 110
11.2 Example
...................................................................................................................................
of Phased Array Setup 112
11.3 Example
...................................................................................................................................
of TOFD Setup 116
12 Maintenance 120
12.1 General
................................................................................................................................... 120
12.2 Screen
................................................................................................................................... 120
12.3 Temperature
................................................................................................................................... 120
12.4 Transportation
................................................................................................................................... 120
13 Product Specifications 121

14 Troubleshooting and Support 123
14.1 Troubleshooting
...................................................................................................................................
Tips 123
14.2 Update
...................................................................................................................................
Procedure 123
14.3 Contact
...................................................................................................................................
Support 124
15 Parameters and Functionalities 125

15.1 Inspection
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 125
PA/UT
.................................................................................................................................... 125
Hardware
....................................................................................................................................
Settings 125
Voltage
......................................................................................................................................................................
PA Mono 125
Mono
......................................................................................................................................................................
Pulse Damping 125
Report
....................................................................................................................................
Info 126

Table of Contents v
Report
....................................................................................................................................
Settings 126
Produce
......................................................................................................................................................................
Report 126
Report
......................................................................................................................................................................
Type 126
Cursors
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 126
Inspection
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 126
Probe
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 126
Wedge
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
Scan
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
Encoder
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
DAC
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
DGS
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
3D
......................................................................................................................................................................
Views Info 127
Warnings
......................................................................................................................................................................
Info 127
Logo/Change
......................................................................................................................................................................
Logo/Clear Logo File 127
Menus
.................................................................................................................................... 127
Lock
......................................................................................................................................................................
Setup 128
Short
......................................................................................................................................................................
Menu 128
15.2 Part
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 128
Properties
.................................................................................................................................... 128
Material
...................................................................................................................................................................... 128
Part
......................................................................................................................................................................
Geometry 128
Part
......................................................................................................................................................................
Radius 128
Thickness
...................................................................................................................................................................... 129
Velocity
......................................................................................................................................................................
LW SW 130
Identifiers
.................................................................................................................................... 130
Weld
....................................................................................................................................
Geometry 131
Weld
...................................................................................................................................................................... 131
HAZ
...................................................................................................................................................................... 133
Root
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gap 133
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Bevel Widths 134
Root
......................................................................................................................................................................
Face Left and Right 134
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Left and Right Widths (V) 135
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Left and Right Angles (V) 135
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Left and Right Heights (V) 136
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Left and Right Radius (U/J) 136
Top
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Bottom Left and Right Height Offsets (U/J) 137
Calibration
....................................................................................................................................
Block 137
15.3 Probe
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 140
Add
....................................................................................................................................
Probe 140
Delete
....................................................................................................................................
Probe 140
Load
....................................................................................................................................
Probe 140
Probe
....................................................................................................................................
Type 140
Identifiers
.................................................................................................................................... 140
Settings
.................................................................................................................................... 141

vi Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
Frequency
...................................................................................................................................................................... 141
Pulse
......................................................................................................................................................................
Width 141
Connected
......................................................................................................................................................................
to (Mono only) 142
Adv.
....................................................................................................................................
Settings 142
First
......................................................................................................................................................................
Element Pin # (PA only) 143
Nb
......................................................................................................................................................................
Elmt Dim1 Dim2 (PA only) 146
Elmt
......................................................................................................................................................................
Pitch Dim1 Dim2 (PA only) 147
Elmt
......................................................................................................................................................................
Size Dim1 Dim2 148
Elmt
......................................................................................................................................................................
Offset Dim1 Dim2 149
Element
......................................................................................................................................................................
Layout (PA only) 151
Save
....................................................................................................................................
Probe 154
15.4 Wedge
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 154
Load
....................................................................................................................................
Wedge 154
Wedge
....................................................................................................................................
Type 154
Identifiers
.................................................................................................................................... 154
Settings
.................................................................................................................................... 154
X......................................................................................................................................................................
Offset 155
Contact
......................................................................................................................................................................
Surface 155
Radius
...................................................................................................................................................................... 156
Cut
......................................................................................................................................................................
Angle 156
Refracted
......................................................................................................................................................................
Angle 157
Adv.
....................................................................................................................................
Settings 157
Wave
......................................................................................................................................................................
Mode 157
Wedge
......................................................................................................................................................................
Velocity LW 158
Customize
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wedge 158
Back
......................................................................................................................................................................
Height, Front Height, Height 159
Width
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Length 160
Roof
......................................................................................................................................................................
Angle 161
Probe
......................................................................................................................................................................
Back Distance and Side Distances 161
Probe
......................................................................................................................................................................
Inset 162
Save
....................................................................................................................................
Wedge 162
15.5 Scan
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 162
Add
....................................................................................................................................
Scan 162
Delete
....................................................................................................................................
Scan 163
Scan
....................................................................................................................................
Type 163
Gain
.................................................................................................................................... 164
Gain
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Reference Gain 164
Software
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gain 164
Automatic
......................................................................................................................................................................
Full Screen Height Percentage (FSH%) 164
Reference
......................................................................................................................................................................
Amplitude 165
Acquisition
....................................................................................................................................
Area 165
Resolution
...................................................................................................................................................................... 165
Start
......................................................................................................................................................................
and Stop Angle (S-scan) 165
Angle
......................................................................................................................................................................
(L-scan) 165

Table of Contents vii
Start,
......................................................................................................................................................................
Range, and Stop Paths 166
Zero
...................................................................................................................................................................... 166
Wave
......................................................................................................................................................................
Mode 166
Travel
......................................................................................................................................................................
Mode 166
Focusing
.................................................................................................................................... 167
Number
......................................................................................................................................................................
of Active Elements (L-scan) 167
Double
......................................................................................................................................................................
Resolution (L-scan) 167
Focalization
...................................................................................................................................................................... 168
Focal
......................................................................................................................................................................
Distance 170
TOFD
.................................................................................................................................... 170
Ruler
......................................................................................................................................................................
Lateral Wave Position 170
Theoretical
......................................................................................................................................................................
Time Lateral Wave 170
Theoretical
......................................................................................................................................................................
Time Backwall 171
Probe
......................................................................................................................................................................
Center Spacing PCS 171
Beam
......................................................................................................................................................................
Intersection Percentage 171
Straightening
.................................................................................................................................... 172
Activate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Straightening 172
Straightening
......................................................................................................................................................................
Indicators 172
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Trigger Tolerance 172
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Peak Polarity 172
Lateral
....................................................................................................................................
Wave Removal 172
Activate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Lateral Wave Removal 172
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Removal Indicator 173
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Removal Factor 173
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Zone Start 173
Lateral
......................................................................................................................................................................
Wave Zone Range 173
Tx
....................................................................................................................................
Pulse Repetition Frequency 173
Rx
.................................................................................................................................... 174
Signal
......................................................................................................................................................................
Rectification 174
Digital/Analog
......................................................................................................................................................................
Filter 174
Sub-Sampling
...................................................................................................................................................................... 175
Rejection
...................................................................................................................................................................... 175
Smoothing
...................................................................................................................................................................... 175
Contouring
...................................................................................................................................................................... 176
Averaging
......................................................................................................................................................................
(Mono) 176
Interface
......................................................................................................................................................................
Triggering (IFT) Active 176
IFT
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gate Start 176
IFT
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gate Range 176
IFT
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gate Threshold 176
Equivalent
......................................................................................................................................................................
Reflector Size 177
Acquisition
......................................................................................................................................................................
Frequency 177
Probe
....................................................................................................................................
Connection Tx and Rx 177
Elements,
....................................................................................................................................
First and Last Tx and Rx 177
Statistics
.................................................................................................................................... 178
Beam
......................................................................................................................................................................
Quantity 178

viii Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
Sample
......................................................................................................................................................................
Quantity 178
Path
......................................................................................................................................................................
Resolution 178
15.6 Geometry
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 179
Probe/Wedge
.................................................................................................................................... 179
Follows
...................................................................................................................................................................... 179
Wedge
......................................................................................................................................................................
Index and Scan Offsets 179
Wedge
......................................................................................................................................................................
Rotation 180
Spacing/PCS
......................................................................................................................................................................
(Paired Probes) 180
Encoding
....................................................................................................................................
Area 180
Encoding
......................................................................................................................................................................
Area Center Line Position 180
Encoding
......................................................................................................................................................................
Area Center Line Offset 180
Encoding
......................................................................................................................................................................
Area Rotation 181
15.7 Encoding
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 181
Encoding
....................................................................................................................................
Setup 181
Encoder
....................................................................................................................................
Name 181
Reset
....................................................................................................................................
Position 181
Scan
....................................................................................................................................
and Index Axes 181
Axis
......................................................................................................................................................................
Name 181
Encoder
......................................................................................................................................................................
Type 181
Encoder
......................................................................................................................................................................
Resolution 182
Start
......................................................................................................................................................................
Position 182
Reset
......................................................................................................................................................................
Position 183
Distance
...................................................................................................................................................................... 183
Stop
......................................................................................................................................................................
Position 183
Step
...................................................................................................................................................................... 183
Invert
......................................................................................................................................................................
Direction 183
Statistics
.................................................................................................................................... 183
Data
......................................................................................................................................................................
File Size 184
Maximum
......................................................................................................................................................................
Encoding Speed 184
15.8 Calibrate
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 184
Velocity
....................................................................................................................................
Wizard 184
Wedge
....................................................................................................................................
Delay Wizard 184
Sensitivity/ACG
....................................................................................................................................
Wizard 185
TCG/DAC/DGS
....................................................................................................................................
Wizard (Curves) 185
Encoder
....................................................................................................................................
Wizard 185
Element
....................................................................................................................................
Activation Wizard 185
Clear
....................................................................................................................................
Calibrations 185
15.9 Measures
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 186
Select
....................................................................................................................................
Measures 186
Encoded
....................................................................................................................................
Axis Reference 187
15.10 Preferences
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 187
Media
....................................................................................................................................
Browser 187
Display
.................................................................................................................................... 187

Table of Contents ix
Auto-Hide
......................................................................................................................................................................
Menus 188
Default
......................................................................................................................................................................
Amplitude and Depth Palettes 188
Keep
......................................................................................................................................................................
the Measurement Bar 188
Background
......................................................................................................................................................................
Color 188
Screen
......................................................................................................................................................................
Brightness 188
A-Scan
......................................................................................................................................................................
Range 188
System
.................................................................................................................................... 188
Language
...................................................................................................................................................................... 189
Unit
......................................................................................................................................................................
System 189
Name
......................................................................................................................................................................
Generation 189
Date
......................................................................................................................................................................
Format 189
System
......................................................................................................................................................................
Date and Time 189
Network
.................................................................................................................................... 189
Networking
......................................................................................................................................................................
Options (DHCP) 190
VNC
......................................................................................................................................................................
Server 190
VNC
......................................................................................................................................................................
Password 190
Support
.................................................................................................................................... 190
Last
......................................................................................................................................................................
Calibration 190
Set
......................................................................................................................................................................
Calibration Date 190
Add
......................................................................................................................................................................
Option 190
System
......................................................................................................................................................................
Update 190
Support
......................................................................................................................................................................
Console 191
About
...................................................................................................................................................................... 191
15.11 Cursor
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 191
Name
.................................................................................................................................... 191
Type
.................................................................................................................................... 191
Color
.................................................................................................................................... 191
Position
.................................................................................................................................... 191
Level
...................................................................................................................................................................... 192
Surface
......................................................................................................................................................................
Distance 192
Depth
...................................................................................................................................................................... 192
True
......................................................................................................................................................................
Depth 192
Enc
......................................................................................................................................................................
Scan Axis 192
Enc
......................................................................................................................................................................
Index Axis 192
Focal
......................................................................................................................................................................
Law (L-Scan) 192
Angle
......................................................................................................................................................................
(S-Scan) 192
Sound
......................................................................................................................................................................
Path 192
Gate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Start 193
Gate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Stop 193
Gate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Width 193
Gate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Alarm 193
Measures
.................................................................................................................................... 193
Gate
......................................................................................................................................................................
Follow Peak 193
Triggered
......................................................................................................................................................................
By 193
Alarm
.................................................................................................................................... 193

x Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
Delete
....................................................................................................................................
Cursor 194
15.12 View
...................................................................................................................................
Menu 194
Select
....................................................................................................................................
Layout 194
View
....................................................................................................................................
Orientation 195
Add
....................................................................................................................................
Cursor 195
Palette
....................................................................................................................................
Properties 195
View
......................................................................................................................................................................
Palette 195
Palette
......................................................................................................................................................................
Position 195
Palette
......................................................................................................................................................................
Depth 195
Palette
......................................................................................................................................................................
Amplitude 195
Data
....................................................................................................................................
Extraction 195
Depth/Path
......................................................................................................................................................................
Mode (A-Scan and B-Scan Views) 196
Depth/Amplitude
......................................................................................................................................................................
Mode (Top, End, C-Scan, and B-LOG Views) 196
Data
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gate (C-Scan and B-LOG Views) 196
Reference
......................................................................................................................................................................
Gate (C-Scan) 196
IFT
......................................................................................................................................................................
Culling 196
Graph
....................................................................................................................................
Options (B-LOG) 196
Show
......................................................................................................................................................................
B-Scan 196
Line
......................................................................................................................................................................
Colors 197
Overlays
.................................................................................................................................... 197
Envelope
...................................................................................................................................................................... 197
Show
......................................................................................................................................................................
Measures 197
Part
......................................................................................................................................................................
Overlay 197
Half
......................................................................................................................................................................
Skip 197
Show
......................................................................................................................................................................
DAC, DGS, and TCG 197
Rulers
....................................................................................................................................
and Grids 198
Rulers
...................................................................................................................................................................... 198
Circular
......................................................................................................................................................................
Ruler (S-Scan) 198
Grids
...................................................................................................................................................................... 198
Scroll
....................................................................................................................................
& Zoom 198
View
......................................................................................................................................................................
Scrolling Mode 198
Frame
......................................................................................................................................................................
Start 198
Zoom
...................................................................................................................................................................... 198
16 Ultrasound Techniques 199

16.1 Sectorial
...................................................................................................................................
Scan 199
16.2 Linear
...................................................................................................................................
Scan 200
16.3 Mono
...................................................................................................................................
Scan (Conventional UT) 201
16.4 TOFD
...................................................................................................................................
Scan 202

Introduction 1
1 Introduction
This manual provides information for the Prisma instrument. The information contained herein allows usage of the
Prisma to its full potential.
The user guide has been designed considering that users already have a good knowledge of basic ultrasonic non-
destructive testing. It is important that users understand the critical nature of ultrasonic non-destructive testing before
operating this instrument. The user guide contains procedure on how to use the Prisma, how to care for it, and explains
the functionalities and parameters available according to the type of inspection to be made.

2 Sonatest Prisma - User Guide
2 Disclaimers and Notices

The following information must be read and understood by users of the Prisma ultrasonic flaw detector. Failure to follow
these instructions can lead to serious errors in test results or damage to the unit. Decisions based on erroneous results
can lead to property damage, personal injury, or death. Anyone using this instrument should be fully qualified by their
organization in the theory and practice of ultrasonic testing, or under the direct supervision of such a person.
All statements, technical information, and recommendations contained in this manual or any other information supplied
by Sonatest in connection with the use, features, and qualification of the Prisma are based on tests believed to be
reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed. Before using the product you should determine its
suitability for your intended use based on your knowledge of ultrasonic testing and the characteristic of materials. You
bear all risk in connection with the use of the product.
2.1 Copyright
Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Sonatest Limited.
2.2 Warranty
Immediately upon receipt of the goods, the buyer is required to check the goods carefully and thoroughly in order to
benefit from the warranty; any defect in the product should be immediately reported in writing to Sonatest. We will make
good by repair or by the supply of a replacement or by equivalent adjustment of the price at our sole option defects which
under proper use appear in the goods within a period of twelve (12) calendar months after the goods have been
delivered and which arise solely from faulty design, material or workmanship. Provided always that the goods are
carefully packed and promptly returned by you free to our works unless otherwise arranged. Said goods should be
covered while in transit to us and must be accompanied by a written statement detailing the precise nature of the fault
and the operating conditions under which the fault occurred. The repaired goods will be returned by us free of charge.
Save as in this clause hereinbefore expressed we shall not be under any liability in respect of defects in goods delivered
or for any injury damage or loss resulting from such defects and our liability under this Clause shall be in lieu of any
warranty or condition implied by law as to the quality or fitness for any particular purpose of such goods.
You are reminded that all warranties as to merchantability and fitness for purpose are exclude from the contract under
which the product and this manual have been supplied to you. The Seller's only obligation in this respect is to replace
such quantity of the product proven to be defective.
Neither the seller nor the manufacturer shall be liable either in contract or in tort for any direct or indirect loss or damage
(whether for lost of profit or otherwise), costs, expenses or other claims for consequential or indirect compensation
whatsoever (and whether caused by the negligence of the company, its employees or agents or otherwise).

Disclaimers and Notices 3
2.3 Equipment Directive Conformance

Directive 2004/108/EC (EMC) on electromagnetic compatibility directive
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. However, in order to ensure the equipment meets the requirements, the following should be
read:
FCC Part 15 notice:
WARNING!
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his or her own expense. The authority to operate this equipment is conditioned by the
requirement that no modifications will be made to the equipment unless the changes or modifications are
expressly approved by Ascend Communications, Inc.
This product conforms to the following European directives:

73/23/EEC (LVD) on safety testing for the Low Voltage Directive
2002/95/EC (ROHS) on Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic
equipment
2002/96/EC (WEEE) on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
CE Marking 93/68/EEC
WARNING!
This is a CLASS A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference. In which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Under some environmental constraints and
depending of the type of equipment connected the device, the product could be found not conformant.
This product should not be connected to cables greater than three (3) meters in length. If this is
necessary, the installation may require further EMC testing to ensure conformity.
The Prisma complies with EN 12668-1, Non-destructive testing and verification of ultrasonic examination equipment -
Part 1: Instruments. For any question relating to the proper use of this product, please contact the manufacturer.
This product contains a fully certified Bluetooth module (FCC ID: T9J-RN42).

2.4 Risks and Hazards

The Prisma contains a high-energy, precision pulser allowing optimum testing results to be obtained by matching the
pulse width to the probe characteristics. This circuitry may be damaged by voltage spikes. It is recommended that the
instrument be turned off, or the pulser stopped before changing transducers (probes).
Proper use of the ultrasonic test equipment requires three essential elements:
Knowledge of the specific test or inspection and applicable test equipment
Selection of the correct test equipment based on knowledge of the application
Competent training of the instrument operator
This user guide provides instruction in the basic operation of the Prisma flaw detector. In addition to the methods
included, many other factors can affect the use of this product. Specific information regarding these factors is beyond the
scope of this manual. The user should refer to appropriate textbooks on the subject of ultrasonic testing and thickness
gauging for more information.
2.5 Operator Requirements

Operators must receive adequate training before using the Prisma. Operators must be trained in general ultrasonic
testing procedures and in the set up and performance required by each specific test or inspection. Operators must have
experience of and be qualified to use standard ultrasonic flaw detection equipment. Operators must understand sound
wave propagation theory:
Effects of the velocity of sound in the test material
Behaviour of the sound wave at the interface of two different materials
Sound wave spread and mode conversion
Operation and triggering of gates for C-scan capture
Sound beam forming in phased array if the Prisma unit is equipped fro phased array inspections
More specific information about operator training, qualification, certification and test specifications can be obtained from
technical societies, industry groups and government agencies.
2.6 Operating Conditions

If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
WARNING!
Do not operate under water.
Do not operate with fans obstructed.
Operating temperature: -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)
Storage temperature: -25°C to 60°C (-13°F to 140°F)
Maximum relative humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing
IP rating: IP66

Instrument and Accessories 5
3 Instrument and Accessories

The core of your instrument is an embedded computer platform which architecture is optimized for real-time ultrasound
imaging and off-line data analysis. Many of the components are industry standards like VGA, USB, and Ethernet. This
facilitates interfacing with standard computer peripherals.
The graphical user interface (GUI) is designed to help users accomplish their tasks as efficiently as possible.
The following chapter presents this instrument and its accessories.
3.1 Hardware Overview

The Prisma is designed so that the first experience is as pleasant as possible. You may not have all the reflexes from
the start but the interface is such that you will rapidly learn the frequently used functionalities.
Before starting the Prisma, verify that your package includes the following:
Make sure that you have the appropriate probes, wedges, and encoder for the type of inspection you intend to perform.
You may also have purchased the Prisma as part of a kit, which includes many accessories required to perform some of
the example scenarios described in this document.

3.2 Connectors
The following connectors are located on the right hand side of the unit:
Channel A
1- TX/RX A (BNC or LEMO)
2- RX A (BNC or LEMO)
Channel B
3- TX/RX B (BNC or LEMO)
4- RX B (BNC or LEMO)
Phased Array (optional)

5- Phased array (I-PEX)
Note: The phased array connector protective cap may be screwed to the back of the unit (over CE markings) while a
phased array probe is connected.

The following connectors are located on the back panel of the unit:
General
1- Power
2- I/O (LEMO)
Encoder
3- Encoder connector
The TX/RX connector must be used for pulse-echo setups. For pitch-and-catch setups, use the TX/RX connector as the
transmitting (pitch) probe and the RX connector as the receiving (catch) probe.
Note: Sonatest can provide you with adaptors for your mono-element (conventional) probes or phased array probes.

3.3 Encoder Connector Pinout
Pin # Signal Name Description
Power 5 V, 300 mA max.

1 (red dot) VCC Encoder (scan and index axes)
Over current protected.
connector pinout
SE input encoder phase A (note 2,
2 ENC1_A
note 3)
3 ENC1_B SE input encoder phase B
Differential input positive encoder

4 ENC1_A_P
phase A (note 4)
Differential input negative encoder

5 ENC1_A_N
phase A
Differential input positive encoder

6 ENC1_B_P
phase B
Differential input negative encoder

7 ENC1_B_N
phase B
8 (center pin) GND Power return – Ground
Note: Prisma uses input buffer SN74LVC8T245DGV, inputs characteristics (single ended):
High-level input voltage minimum = 3.5 V
Low-level input voltage maximum = 1.5 V
Note: Prisma uses input buffer AM26LV32ID, inputs characteristics (differential):

Differential input high-threshold voltage maximum= 0.2 V
Differential input low-threshold voltage minimum= -0.2 V

Cable mount connector

The mating connector for the Prisma encoder connector is:
Crimp pin version:
Lemo FGG.1K.308.CYCC60Z, crimp contact FGG.1B.555.ZZC, with strain relief GMA.1B.054.DN.
Solder cup version:

Lemo FGG.1K.308.CLAC60Z, with strain relief GMA.1B.054.DN.
The recommended cable is 4 conductors Belden 1172A for single ended type encoder, and Belden 1213A for differential
type encoder.
Pin number Wire color Signal
1 (red dot) Blue VCC 5 V
2 Blue-White Encoder phase A
3 White-Blue Encoder phase B
8 (center pin) White GND return
3.4 GPIO Connector Pinout
GPIO (general purpose in/out)

Pin # Signal Name Description
connector pinout
1 (red dot) VCC Power 5 V, 300 mA max.
2 Out 1 5 V TTL, reserved (trig-synchro )
5 V TTL, alarm gate signal if

3 Out 2
selected in gate options
4 Out 3 Output, not yet defined
5 Out 4 Output, not yet defined
6 Input 1 Input, not yet defined
7 Input 2 Input, not yet defined
8 (center pin) GND Power return – Ground
Cable mount connector

The mating connector for the Prisma GPIO connector is Lemo FGA.1K.308.CYCC60Z, crimp contact FGG.1B.555.ZZC,
with strain relief GMA.1B.054.DN. Or alternatively you can use solder pin type by using the part number FGA.1K.308.
CLAC60Z.
The cable is 8 conductors Belden 1213A.

3.5 PC Connectors
The following connectors are located on the left hand side of the unit:
2 USB ports (USB 2.0)
1 mini USB
1 Ethernet gigabit
Note: If a USB memory is connected to the unit, the configuration (.utcfg) and the collected data (.utdata) will be stored to
this device. If there is no USB memory stick connected to the unit, the configuration and the collected data will be
stored to the internal memory (5 GB available to the user).

3.6 Keypad
The Prisma features a unique keypad combining an innovative Click Wheel for an efficient navigation through the menus
with a set of main controls and alpha-numerical keys. The keypad is completely protected against dust and water ingress
while being of easy care. You can fully operate and access the functions of the instrument using a single hand on the
keypad.
1- Click Wheel with switches

2- Main control keys
3- Alphanumeric keys and shortcuts
4- VCR modes: play/pause, stop, record
5- Files: configuration, report, screen capture
Key Key Name USB Short Function Description

Keyboard
CANCEL Escape Cancels an ongoing value change and resets to the previous value.
Click Wheel --- Rotate your finger clockwise and counterclockwise to scroll up and down
on a menu, increase/decrease parameter values, move cursor or zoom in/
out in a 3D views. Also acts as LEFT/RIGHT key to move during text entry.

UP / DOWN Arrows Moves from one menu item to another. Changes a parameter value. Moves
ARROWS up and down the selected cursor or gate.
LEFT / RIGHT Arrows Moves from one menu tab to another. Moves to left and right the selected
ARROWS cursor or gate.
OK Enter Confirms selection or new value.
MENU M Activates the menu and allows menu navigation.
VIEW V Toggles between the various views.
CURSOR C Toggles between the various cursors of the currently selected view. Also
acts as BACKSPACE during text entry.
dB D Changes the gain value of the selected scan.
GATE G Focuses or toggles between gates.
WELD W Shows or hides the weld overlay for the selected view.
RANGE A Changes the range path value of the selected scan.
ZOOM IN/OUT Z Zooms in or out in the view.
MAX / MIN X Toggles to maximize or minimize the selected view. Available for all views.
F1 / HELP F1 Toggles the display of contextual and full help pages.
F2 / INFO F2 Displays the view information menu.

In Wizards, F2 goes back to the previous step or page.
F3 / SET REF F3 Resets the encoders position to the origin.

In Wizards, F3 goes forward to the next step or page.
PLAY/PAUSE P Starts live ultrasound images, or freezes the acquisition.
STOP T Stops the live acquisition and move to the configuration mode, or stops the
recording.
RECORD R Records ultrasound data in real-time.
SAVE S Saves a file. Will display a pop-up to confirm the type of file to save (Setup,
Report, Screenshot).
LOAD O Loads a configuration file. Will display a file list to choose from.
LED Reject --- Lights when the reject mode is activated (Scan category, Rejection item).
LED ALARM 1 and 2 --- Light when any of the gates threshold has been reached (refer to the "
Making Measurements with Gates" section for setting an alarm).
ON/OFF and --- Powers the instrument on or shuts it down. It also indicates the power and
battery status battery status (refer to the "Power, Batteries, and Power Satus" section).
indicator

3.7 Click Wheel

The Prisma features an innovative Click Wheel. There are 2 ways to use the Click Wheel.
1. Use your thumb or index finger to touch lightly on the surface around the key, and rotate clockwise or
counterclockwise, without applying pressure.
Use this to quickly increase or decrease values, scroll down or up through parameters, move cursors around,
zoom in/out in the 3D view, etc.
2. Push one of the 4 directional arrows ( ) to perform the same operations with more precision.
(Increase or decrease values, switch to other menus, scroll through parameters, move cursors around, etc.)
3.8 Power, Batteries, and Power Status

Power and battery
The instrument can operate from 2 power sources:
DC power
Batteries
The first charge must last at least 6 hours. The unit can be used while charging, however this may increase charging
time. Typical battery life is estimated at 6 hours of continuous use with a phased array setup.

To insert a battery and charge it:

1. At the back of the unit, unscrew the battery door and insert the battery.
2. Reinstall the battery cover.
3. Pull the power connector rubber cap (back of the unit) and connect the AC adaptor to a power outlet.
A battery can be replaced during operation as long as one power source remains connected.
To avoid any downtime when you perform an inspection, we can provide you with an external battery charger or additional
battery packs.
External battery charger
Power and battery status led

The unit power button led indicates the state of the unit power.

Blue
Power cord connected Battery 0% to 99%
Green
Power cord disconnected Battery 31% to 100%
Power cord connected Battery 100%
Off
Power cord connected Battery 100%
Red
Yellow
Power cord connected Battery removed

3.9 Accessories
A wide variety of high-quality Sonatest accessories are available for the Prisma.
Refer to your local Sonatest distributor to find out about:

Conventional transducers
Phased array transducers (DAAH transducers and adaptors)
Wheel probes
Adaptors
Cable splitters
Encoders (Quicktrace micro-encoders)
Multipurpose scanners
TOFD kit
TOFD scanning frames
TOFD pre-amp
Test blocks
Batteries
Water pumps
Custom wedges
and more...

Connecting Probes and Powering Up 17
4 Connecting Probes and Powering Up

Connect the probe to the unit.
To connect phased array probes, unscrew the protective cap on the right side of the unit and place it on the back of the
unit (over the CE markings). With the appropriate splitter, 2 phased array probes may be connected to the Prisma.
If you own probes with a different type of connector, Sonatest distributors may provide you with adaptors.
To power up the unit:
1. Press the ON/OFF ( ) key.

At the end of the boot process, the graphical user interface opens.
2. Load an existing file or create a new inspection with the help of the New Inspection Wizard.
It is sometimes faster to adapt an example setup to your configuration when similar results are desired.

5 User Interface
This chapter presents the elements of the user interface.
5.1 Elements of the Graphical Interface

The user interface presents tow display; one in for the Configuration mode and one for the Live mode.
Graphical user interface in Configuration mode
1- Tab bar
Shows the list of tabs that open the corresponding menu on the left of the screen. Tabs are placed in a logical sequence
that should be followed when doing a new inspection configuration. When a tab is selected it is highlighted.

User Interface 19
2- Menu bar
Presents all categories and parameters accessible from the selected tab.
3- Summary View
Shows a quick summary of the current configuration settings. Gives an overview of the configuration in one glance.
4- 3D View
Shows the representation of probes, wedges, scans and part in 3D.
5- Battery Status
Displays various information about the instrument state, such as the Instrument State, the Time/Date indicator and the
Battery Status indicator.
6- Menu items
Displays the list of parameters (numerical, text, lists or action items) that are accessible from the selected tab. The list is
scrollable with the and keys, or by rotating your finger around the Click Wheel. The list can contain more than 10
parameters (going up or down reveals new parameters).
7- Selected item
This item is highlighted when it is selected. The Help view displays the help related to this item.
8- Category
When menus contain many parameters, they are grouped in categories. When a category is selected, the Help view
displays the list of parameters contained in this category. To open or close a category, click the key when the
category is selected.
9- Information bar
Displays a short help message related to the selected parameter in the main menu, or displays error messages.
10- Help View

Displays more detailed help text related to the selected parameter in the main menu. It can be maximized to display the
entire help text or large images.

Graphical user interface in Live mode
Views (center area)

The main area of the screen is used to display ultrasonic views (here, 5 views are displayed, a Sectorial scan, a A-scans,
a B-Scan, a Top view and a End view). The views are the representation of the ultrasonic data captured by probes. Press
the VIEW key to toggle between each view.
1- Measurements bar
Displays various numerical measures extracted from the ultrasonic data. The measures to display can be selected in
Measures> Select Measures, in the Acquisition mode. It is displayed only when the VIEW key has been pressed, or
when the Keep Meas. Bar item has been enabled on the Prefs tab under Display.

User Interface 21
2- Calibration Indicators
Gives color coded information about calibrations that were performed. Black = not calibrated, green= calibrated, yellow =
partial calibration, red = invalid calibration.
3- Instrument State
This area indicates the current device state. Possible states are Play, Stop, Pause, and Record. The label ACQ is
displayed when a .utcfg configuration file is loaded and ready for acquisition, or FILE when a .utdata file has been loaded
for post-analysis. See the "Starting Data Acquisition" section for more details.
4- Item selection
When multiple probes, wedges or scans are configured, their menus are stacked together. This indicator shows which
probe, wedge, or scan properties is currently being displayed in the menu.
5- Scrollbar
Use to scroll with a USB mouse.
6- View layout
Shows the current screen layout. The active view is always shown in color, and the properties of the active view are
located in the View menu.
7- Encoder Position
When an encoder is plugged in and configured, the encoder position is shown here, in mm or inches. This value is
updated in Acquisition mode only.
8- View Measures
This area shows various measures automatically selected depending on the context. They can been hidden by using the
View> Show Measures option to increase the viewable area.

5.2 Navigating
Navigation is done using the three main keys MENU, VIEW, and CURSOR and the Click Wheel.
To navigate through the interface:
1. Press to select the tab bar, then use the Click Wheel ( ) to navigate.
2. Press to edit a parameter or press to cancel ongoing changes.
3. Press to toggle between views.
4. Press to toggle between cursors of the selected view, then use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the current
cursor (displayed in blue).

User Interface 23
5.3 Manipulating Cursors (Cartesian Cursor, Angular Cursor, Gate,

Box, Extractor)
To manipulate cursors:
1. In Acquisition mode, press the key (once or multiple times) to select the desired view.
2. Press (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate cursor in the current view.
3. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the selected cursor.
4. To change gates size, press and change the size by using the Click Wheel ( ).
A square is visible in edition mode.
5. Press to confirm the gate width.
Exam ple of gate resizing
Exam ple of box resizing

5.4 Selecting Views and Layouts

Many views are available and can be grouped in layouts. The available layouts depend on your scan setup. The following
is a list of available views.
A more complete description of views is available in the "View Definitions" section.
View Description
A-scan
A
B-scan
B
C-scan
C
D-scan
D
L-scan
L (PA only)
S-scan
S (PA only)
Top
Top (PA only)
End
End (PA only)
TOFD
TOFD
Merged C-scan
MC (PA only)
Merged Top
MTop (PA only)
B-LOG (thickness)
B-LOG (PA only)

User Interface 25
To select a layout:
1. Use the Click Wheel to select the View tab.
2. On the menu, use the Click Wheel to select the Select Layout item and press the key.
3. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to select the appropriate layout.

Note: Only the layouts applicable to your current setup (number of scans, type of scan) are shown.

5.5 View Definitions

This section presents the types of views available for inspections and analysis.
5.5.1 A-Scan
The A-scan view is probably the most important ultrasound view. For most cases, it is the source of all other views like B-
scan and S-scan. The A-scan is a waveform representing the amplitude of the ultrasound signal as a function of time or
distance of propagation. Echoes become apparent as soon as reflectors occur on the travel path of ultrasound wavefront.
A reflector may be a defect (that is, crack) or component geometry (that is, weld root).
For manual inspection, the A-scan is observed by the user until a susceptible echo becomes apparent. Therefore, the
probe position is adjusted by the user to peak out the echo. Then, the cursors or gates are adjusted in amplitude and
time to depict defect location and size.
For automated inspection, it is quite the same thing except the A-scans were all previously recorded. The user browses
throughout the data (that is, S-scan) and suddenly finds an indication (most of the time a red spot because of color
palette). He places the extraction cursors on the red spot and the corresponding A-scan appears in the view. The set of
cursors are adjusted in the A-scan to make similar measurements such as in manual inspection.
Exam ple of an A-scan view

User Interface 27
5.5.2 B/D-Scan
The B-scan is a view generated from the extractor angle from the S-scan. If the extractor angle is changed, a different B-
scan will be created. Depending on your probe displacement, the B-scan may be considered as a D-scan. In an encoded
inspection, there will be no confusion between the B and D-scan since the system will know for sure the direction taken
by the probe, assuming the encoder was correctly configured.
The B-scan view is the accumulation of color-coded A-scan lines, placed side-by-side since they represent A-scans
acquired at different scanning position. The scanning can be position encoded (most common form), or time encoded.
The time encoded version is called the scrolling B-scan since an A-scan is grabbed N times per second, without respect
for the actual position of the probe. Echoes become apparent in the form of a spot or a trace as soon as a reflector
occurs on the travel path of ultrasound wavefront.
Exam ple of a B-scan view

5.5.3 S-Scan
The S-scan view is a powerful tool available when using phased array probes. It represents an angular coverage of the
volume at a specific probe position. As a convention, it represents beam steering into one tilt plane, most commonly 0
degree (azimuthal plane). More generally, it is the accumulation of color-coded A-scan lines or "pie" sections, placed
side-by-side since they represent A-scans acquired at different consecutive angles. Normally, all angles within a S-scan
are triggered at once, either from a clock event or a position event within a sequence. The time triggered version is called
the free-running S-scan since a S-scan is grabbed N times per second, without respect for the actual position of the
probe. Echoes become apparent in the form of a spot or a trace as soon as a reflector occurs on the travel path of
ultrasound wavefront. A reflector may be a defect (that is, crack), but most of the time you get traces from bouncing waves
on component geometry (that is, weld root). The rendering on screen depends on the angular span and resolution.
For manual inspection, the free-running S-scan is observed by the user until a susceptible spot becomes apparent.
Therefore, the probe position is adjusted by the user to peak out the spot, since some defects have better signals at
specific angles. The A-scan may or may not be used to perform the measurements. For semi-automatic or automated
inspections, it is pretty much the same thing except the A-scans were all previously recorded, so all the S-scans were
recorded. The user browses throughout the data, and suddenly finds an indication (most of the time a red spot because
of color palette). Quite often, the user scrolls an extractor cursor on the S-scan to see the corresponding A-scans and the
echodynamic of the echo.
Exam ple of an S-scan view

User Interface 29
5.5.4 L-Scan
L-scan means linear scan. It presents on screen a parallelogram view at a specific angle. The L-scan view is composed
of multiple A-scans at the same transmitted angle, but from different exit points. The exit point variation is due to the fact
that a small group of active elements is moved along the array performing an electronic raster scan. For example, with a
32-element probe, an L-scan can be generated using 8 active elements at a time. The first beam is formed by pulsing
elements 1 to 8, the second beam pulsing elements 2 to 9, the third beam by pulsing elements 3 to 10, and so on. Of
course, the exit point moves accordingly.
Because the effective aperture of each focal law is reduced (that is, 8 elements instead of 32), the L-scans are known to
have less spatial resolution. However, they sometimes overcome problems of wedge noise and they simplify the
analysis. After all, the L-scan can be interpreted as an electronic B-scan.
Exam ple of an L-scan view w ith the w eld overlay

displayed

5.5.5 C-Scan
The C-scan is essentially a view generated from a 0 degree linear scan. It can be described as a two-dimensional
graphical representation displaying the gate information obtained relating to signal features in a top, plan view of the test
structure. The specificities of the C-scan is that gates are utilized to extract key information from the A-scan data (for
example, the amplitude of a specific echo). When displaying this information on a plan view, it is referred to as a C-scan.
Exam ple of an am plitude C-scan

User Interface 31
The C-scan view is a two-dimensional graphical presentation displaying the gate information obtained relating to signal
features in a top or plan view of the test structure. A variety of information relating the features selected with the gates may
be displayed for different evaluation methods:
Signal amplitude of a selected feature,
Depth of a selected feature (calibrated from the time base using material velocity),
Depth of a selected feature relative to the depth of another selected feature (thickness of material, depth of bottom
surface relative to top surface),
Signal amplitude of a selected feature relative to the signal amplitude of another selected feature (comparison of
echo amplitude).
Exam ple of am plitude and depth C-scan

5.5.6 B-LOG
The B-LOG is a view generated from the extractor angle from the L-scan. If the extractor is changed to a different beam, a
different B-LOG will be created. This view is similar to a B-scan with enhanced options. It presents the part end view of
multiple beams in the same encoded view.
It extracts data from a reference gate and a data gate (as per C-scan) to show:
B-scan (amplitude or depth mode)
All beams minimum, average, and maximum part thickness in one view
Exam ple of a B-LOG depth view Exam ple of a B-LOG am plitude view
1- Average thickness of all focal laws

2- Minimum thickness of all focal laws
3- Thickness of current focal law (FL:20)
4- Maximum thickness of all focal laws
5- Part material lost of current focal law

User Interface 33
5.5.7 Projected Views (Top & End)
The projected views are a very useful tool allowing you to quickly have a global view of an inspection from three different
angles: the top, the side, or the end of an inspected component. The resulting view of this kind of projection is a two-
dimensional representation of a three-dimensional view. The amplitude peaks encountered in the inspection are
projected on the 2D view, so that using the three different projected views will give you a good idea of the inspected
component.
The projected views can also represent the position of the peak in the projection axis instead of the amplitude of the peak
itself. To change the display from amplitude to depth, you need to modify the Depth/Amplitude mode option in the View
menu.
The use of a extraction box to extract those views is useful since it can limit the area to be included in the projection,
allowing the user to cut out any noise from the projection. Also, since creating this type of view requires browsing a lot of
data, limiting the range of the view will also tend to give a faster rendering.
Exam ple of a projected Top view

Exam ple of a projected End view

User Interface 35
5.5.8 TOFD View
The TOFD scan involves a pitch-and-catch setup of conventional UT probes where data is generally displayed using a
gray-scale B-scan or D-scan. The signal typically starts with the pulse from a wave traveling on the surface of the part,
called lateral wave. It then can be followed by some diffracted wave pulses from defects, if any. Finally, the specular
reflection from the bottom of the part comes back, which is called the back-wall echo.
Hyperbolic cursors are available in this view to measure defects position and length.
Exam ple of a TOFD view

5.6 Color Palettes

A wide selection of color palettes is available to suit the various applications needs that you will encounter while using
the Prisma. All color palettes are also available in their inverted format. Color palettes apply to all color coded views
whether they represent the signal amplitude (%) or depth (mm, inches). Color palettes are a view-specific setting and
can be modified from the View tab. On the Prisma, color palettes can be applied to a specific view or to all views
according to your preferences.
Palette Names Color Gradient
3 level threshold
ABF Amplitude
Aeronautic
Cubic Law
Fire Ice
Rainbow
Spectrum
Thermal
Grayscale
TOFD
Changing the View color palette

To change the View color palette:
1. Press the key to select the view for which you want to change the color palette.
2. Press the key to directly access the View tab.
3. Use the arrows of the Click Wheel ( ) to select Palette Properties.

4. Select the View Palette item and, from the list, select the palette you want to use.
When changing the view palette, a pop-up window asks if you want the palette to be applied to all views or not.

User Interface 37
Changing the default color palette

The default color palettes are used when a new view is initialized. This happens when a layout with new views is loaded.
For example, if you are working with a layout including only an L-scan and an A-scan , if you change this layout to
one including also a B-scan, a Top, and an End view, the three new views will use the default color palette.
To change the default color palette:
1. Press the key to leave the view layout and use the arrows of the Click Wheel to select the Prefs tab.
2. Use the arrows of the Click Wheel ( ) to select the Display category.
The item Default Amp. Palette applies to amplitude (%) views. The item Default Depth Palette applies to depth
(mm, inches) views. When changing the default palette, a pop-up window asks if you want the palette to be applied
to all existing views or not.

5.7 Ruler and Axis Color Map

Rulers and axes share the same colors to ease their identification. The table below shows the available axes for each
type of view.
View Axis Content
Amplitude
A-scan
Sound Path
Scan
B-scan
Sound Path
Scan
C-scan
Surface Distance
Index
D-scan
Sound Path
L-scan Surface Distance

Depth
S-scan
Scan
Top
Surface Distance
End Scan
Depth
B-LOG
Scan
TOFD
Depth (non-linear)

User Interface 39
The axes can be identified by their color.
Exam ple of m ultiple view s w ith various rulers/axes
1- Sound Path
2- Amplitude
3- Depth
To select the rulers to display in a view, select the view and on the View tab open the Rulers & Grid category.

5.8 Menus
This section presents the parameters and functionalities for both Configuration and Live modes including the phased
array option. Depending on the type of inspection, the available categories and items will differ. A detailed description of
each parameter is presented in Parameters and Functionalities.
Inspection Part Probe Wedge

PA/UT Properties Add Load
Hardware Settings Material Delete Type
Voltage Phased Part Geometry Load Identifiers
Array/Mono Probe Type Manufacturer
Part Radius
Mono Pulse Identifiers Model Number
Damping Thickness Manufacturer
Serial Number
Maximum Frame Velocity LW Model Number Settings
Rate Velocity SW Serial Number X Offset
Report Info Identifiers Settings Contact Surface
Job/Customer Component Frequency
Radius
Site Serial Number Pulse Width
Refracted Angle
Operator Location Reference Connected To
Weld Geometry Cut Angle
Qualification Advanced Settings
Weld Advanced Settings
Procedure First Element Pin
Reference Wave Mode
Direction Number
Couplant Element Diameter Wedge Velocity
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
Report Settings Number Element Customize Wedge?
Root Gap
Produce Report Dimension Back Height
Top Bevel Width
Report Type Element Pitch Front Height
Bottom Bevel Width Dimension
Cursors Info Face Left Width
Element Size
Inspection Info Face Right Dimension Length
Probe Info Top Left Width Element Offset Roof Angle
Wedge Info Top Left Angle Dimension Probe Back Distance
Element Layout Probe Side Distance
Scan Info Top Left Height
Save Probe Inset
Encoder Info Bottom Left Width
Save
DAC Info Bottom Left Angle
DGS Info Bottom Left Height
3D Views Info Top Right Width
Warning Info Top Right Angle
Logo Top Right Height
Change Logo File Bottom Right Width
Clear Logo File Bottom Right Angle
Menus Bottom Right Height
Lock Setup Calibration Block
Short Menu Calibration Block Type
Calibration Block Serial Number

User Interface 41
Scan Scan (continue) Geometry Encoding

Add Focusing Probe/Wedge Encoding Setup
Delete Number of Active Elements Follows Encoder Name
Type Double Resolution Wedge Index Offset Reset All Positions
Gain Reset Scan Position
Focalization Wedge Scan Offset
Gain Next Index
Focal Distance Wedge Rotation Scan and Index Axes
Reference Gain
Tx Encoding Area Axis Name
Set Reference Gain
Pulse Repetition Frequency Encoded Area Center Encoder Type
Software Gain (PRF) Line Position
Encoder Resolution
Auto FSH% Rx Encoded Area Center
Signal Rectification Line Offset Start Position
Reference Amplitude
Acquisition Area Digital Filter Encoded Area Rotation Reset Position
Angle Analog Filter Distance
Resolution Sub-Sampling Stop Position
Start Angle Rejection Scan Step
Stop Angle Smoothing Scan Inverted Direction
Start Path Statistics

Contouring
Data File Size
Range Path IFT Active
Maximum Physical
Stop Path IFT Start Encoding Speed
Zero IFT Range
Wave Mode IFT Threshold
Travel Mode Averaging
TOFD Acquisition Frequency
Ruler Lateral Wave Probe Connect
Position
Probe Tx/RX
Theoretical Time Elements
Lateral Wave
First Element Tx/Rx
Theoretical Time
Backwall Last Element Tx/Rx
Statistics
Probe Center Spacing
(PCS) Beam Quantity
Beam Intersection Element Quantity
Percentage Sample Quantity
Straightening Path Resolution

Calibrate Measures Prefs Cursor View

Velocity and Zero Wizard Select Measures Media Browser Name Select Layout
Wedge Delay Wizard Encoded Axis Display Type View Orientation
Sensitivity/ACG Wizard Reference Auto-Hide Menus Color Add Cursor
TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard Default Amplitude Position Palette Properties
Encoder Wizard Palette Surface Distance View Palette
Element Activation Wizard Depth Palette Position
Default Depth Palette
Clear Calibrations
Keep Measurements True Depth Palette Amplitude
Bar Low
Sound Path
Background Color Palette Amplitude
Delete Cursor Low
A-Scan Range
Data Extraction
System
Depth/Path Mode
Language
Depth/Amplitude
Unit System
Mode
Name Generation
Data Gate
Date Format
Reference Gate
System Date and
IFT Culling
Time
Overlays
Network
Envelope
DHCP
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Configuration and Operation Workflow 43
6 Configuration and Operation Workflow

The user interface has been designed to match the workflow described below.
1. The Inspection tab to define inspection parameters.
2. The Part tab to define the part to inspect.
3. The Probe and Wedge tabs to define the probes and wedges.
4. The Scan tab to define the scan parameters.
5. Positioning the probe on the part.
6. The Encoder tab to set the encoder parameters.
7. The Calibrate tab to perform the system calibration.
Configuration workflow
6.1 Loading and Saving Files

Loading and saving files is done using the LOAD and SAVE keys on the keypad.
To load a file:
1. Press the key and use the Click Wheel ( ) to select one of the file options (Configuration, Data, Report,
and Recent) and press OK.

2. Press the key to select the file list and use the Click Wheel to select the desired file.

File Extension Description
Contains the entire configuration for an inspection (probe, wedge, type of scan, position of
.utcfg
each cursor, layout, color palette to use, etc.).
Contains everything a .utcfg file contains plus all the recorded data.
.utdata
Reports created with the Prisma PDF file. Any other PDF file can be displayed by the
.pdf
Prisma.
Screen captures created with the Prisma PNG image standard (PNG: portable network
.png
graphics).
3. If there are too many items to choose from in the list, press the key to select the left-side menu and use the
Sort By item to filter the selection.
4. If necessary, press the key to swap media.
Files can be loaded from or saved to the internal solid state drive ( ), or an external USB drive (
). The Prisma comes with an extensive list of sample configurations stored on the internal solid drive (

). These files start with "Example_....". They are read only files. Once a file is selected, the
configuration summary is displayed in the lower area of the window.
5. Press to open the selected file.
To save a file:
1. To save a configuration (.utcfg), a screenshot, or a report, press the key.

2. Type the file name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
Saving setup, screen capture, or report
6.2 Creating a New Configuration

If none of the already existing configuration applies to your inspection setting, you can create a new one from scratch
using the New Inspection Wizard.
To create a new configuration:
1. Press the key and, using the Click Wheel ( ), select Start New Inspection Wizard.

2. Select the inspection type and press OK.
3. For the next steps, follow the instructions appearing on the left of the screen and press the F3 key to move to the
next step.

Tips: To maximize a view, pressing the VIEW ( ) key to select the desired view and press the maximize key ( ).
Press the VIEW key to toggle between views. Press the maximize key to return to the normal display.
6.3 Defining the Part to Inspect

The part identification and its physical characteristics are entered on the Part tab under Identifiers and Properties.
Under Properties, you define the longitudinal and/or shear wave velocities. Velocities can be manually entered if they are
known or the Velocity Wizard can be used to find them. However, when performing a shear wave (SW) inspection, the
longitudinal wave (LW) velocity can be ignored as you will set the wave mode to SW on the Scan tab under Acquisition
Area> Wave Mode.
If you are performing weld inspection, you can specify all weld characteristics on the Part tab under the Weld Geometry
item. Select the appropriate weld type and adjust the bevel sizes and angles. Refer to the "Weld Type" section in the "
Parameters and Functionalities" chapter for details.

Tip: Maximize the 3D view while defining the weld geometry by selecting the 3D view using the key and the press
the key.
The calibration block used is defined under Calibration Block. There is a list of blocks to choose from or you can enter
one manually. A presentation of the predefined calibration blocks is presented in the "Parameters and Functionalities"
chapter in the "Calibration Block Type" section.
6.4 Loading and Defining Probes

Once the number of probes to be used has been decided, you can load them from the probe database or define them
manually.
To load a probe:
1. On the Probe tab, select the Load item and press .

The probe database is displayed.

2. Press to move to the top of the list and use the Click Wheel to select the probe file.
3. Click to load the file.
To define a new probe:

1. On the Probe tab, select Add.
2. In the Create new probe dialog box, select the type of new probe to configure or use an existing probe to modify it
and press OK.
Tips: Maximize the help view to access the complete instructions by pressing the HELP key ( ). Pressing the VIEW
key while the help view is maximized switches from view to view. Press the maximize key ( ) to return to the
normal display
3. Save the probe into the database using the Save item at the bottom of the menu.

6.5 Loading and Defining Wedges

For each probe, a wedge is automatically created. This means that probe 1 is automatically linked with wedge 1 and
probe 2 with wedge 2, etc.
When no wedge is attached to the probe, the wedge type has to be set to None.
To load and define a wedge:
1. On the Wedge tab, select the Load item and press .

The wedge database is displayed.
2. Press to move to the top of the list and use the Click Wheel to select the probe file.
3. Click to load the file.
If you need help to define the wedge parameters, you can maximize the help view by pressing the HELP key (
).
4. Save the wedge into the database using the Save item at the bottom of the menu.


6.6 Positioning the Probe on the Part

Refer to the "Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System)" chapter.
6.7 Setting up the Encoder or Time Based Scan

There are 2 types of inspections:
Manual (free running) with time based recording.
Encoded (encoder triggered) with ultrasound pulses emitted at specific positions provided by the encoder.
To record data based on the encoder position, it is required to setup an encoder.
To set the encoder:
1. Press the key on the Click Wheel ( ) to select the Encoding tab.
2. Press to edit the Encoding Setup item.

3. Select:one of the following parameters:
None for manual (free running) inspection
Scan Axis Only for a one-axis encoded inspection
Scan & Index Axes for a two-axis encoded inspection
Set the rest of the parameters according to your encoder setup, especially the Encoder Resolution item for each axis.
4. Press play ( ) and select appropriate layout.

If you have selected Scan Axis Only, try moving your encoder/scanner.
For example, if you are using a Sonatest Quick Trace encoder, set the Scan Enc Resol. item to 14.40 ticks/mm or 365.8
ticks/in. If the encoder resolution is unknown, use the Encoder Wizard on the Calibrate tab.

The Scan Start Pos item defines the position from where the acquisition will be starting relative to the reference
point.
The Scan Distance item defines the distance over which data will be collected.
The Scan Step item defines the distance between each data collection position.
Under Statistics, the Max Phys. Enc. Speed item indicates what will be the maximum scanning speed with the
current setup. Increasing the pulse repetition frequency (PRF item on the Scan tab under Tx) will increase this
number since more data frames will be acquired per second.
The encoder position is displayed at the bottom left corner and is active in Acquisition mode only.

6.8 Defining Inspection Parameters

The Inspection tab is where you define the inspection strategy. Hardware Settings contains items that are common to all
scans, like the voltage and the acquisition frequency. This is also where general information relative to the inspection can
be entered for further reference in reports and examination records (under Report Info and Report Settings). Detailed
information about the items found on the Inspection tab is presented in the "Parameters and Functionalities" chapter in
the "Inspection Menu" section.
6.9 Selecting a View Layout

Layouts available at a given time vary according to the number and the types of scans selected. When these parameters
change, an appropriate layout is always selected automatically. Refer to the "Selecting Views and Layouts" section in the
"User Interface" chapter for more details.
6.10 Starting Data Acquisition

The Prisma has 3 operation modes:
Configuration
Acquisition/Recording
Analysis
These modes use ordinary controls: stop ( ), play ( ), and record ( ).
After opening a file, the Prisma always starts in Configuration mode. Before starting the data acquisition, it is a good
practice to review your setup. At any time, you can press the stop ( ) to return to the Configuration mode.
To start the acquisition:

1. Pour couplant on the part to inspect.
2. Position the probe on the part.
3. Press the play ( ) key to start the Acquisition mode.

4. Move the probe on the part.
6.11 Adjusting Gain and Reference Gain
To set the gain for the current scan, on the keypad press the dB ( ) key. This action opens the Scan tab. You can
also hold down the dB key to set the signal in the selected gate to 80% FSH.
Under Gain, select Set Ref Gain to set the reference gain. The reference gain is the actual reference level based on
reflector signals. The value is automatically set to the current gain when you select the Set Ref Gain item and press .
For example, if the Ref Gain item is set to 0 dB and the Gain item is set to 10 dB, pressing on the Set Ref Gain item
will set the Ref Gain item to the current Gain value, that is 10 dB.

Tip: The offset gain and reference gain are displayed at the top left corner of each scan view. In the example below, an
offset gain of +25.0 dB has been applied in addition of the reference gain of 10 dB. The actual gain is 35.0 dB
(25.0 dB + 10 dB). The offset gain can either be positive or negative and is relative to the reference gain. The
reference gain is the value displayed in parenthesis. It is always possible to know the actual, total gain by looking at
the Gain item on the Scan tab.
6.12 Adjusting the Focal Distance

An important parameter to adjust in phased array is the focus. Focusing too far can lead to a lack of resolution. Over-
focusing can make the inspection fuzzy or you could have blind spots elsewhere. As a rule of thumb is to choose a focal
distance that is at the end of the area of interest inside the part, depending on your application.
To adjust the focal distance:
1. Press the key.
2. Use the arrows on the Click Wheel ( ) to select the Scan tab.
3. On the Scan menu, under Focusing, select the Focal Dist item.
4. Press the key to modify the value.

To increase or decrease the focusing distance either rotate the Click Wheel or use the Click Wheel arrows.

5. Press the key to accept the new value.
6.13 Adding or Deleting Cursors

Cursors can be added or deleted in any inspection views.
Adding Cursors
To add a cursor:
1. In the Acquisition mode, press the key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate view.
2. Press and select the View tab.
3. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to select the Add Cursor item.

Depending on the selected view, different cursors will be available. The following table presents the available
cursors.
Type Description Drawing
The gates are used to make flank and peak measurements in A-scan views.
When the gate is triggered by a signal, the peak amplitude level is displayed
as well as its absolute position in true depth ( ), surface distance ( ),
and sound path ( ). All sound path measurements use the setting of the
Gate Travel Mode item on the Scan tab; therefore, measurements can either
represent the full or half sound path in the part (in mm or inches), or the full or
half sound time spent in the part (in µs). When the rectification is set to None,
the values range from -100% to 100% and when set to Full, from 0 to 100%.
Quick access key:
The Extractor cursors are used to extract A-scans from the L/S-scan.
Extractor
The Cartesian cursors, also called crosshair cursors, are used to make
surface distance and depth measurements in S/L/A-scan.
Cartesian
The Angular cursors are used to perform sound path measurements in S/L-
scan.
Angular

The Extractor Box is used to extract Top/End views from the L/S-scan.
Extractor Box
The Hyperbolic cursors are used to evaluate surface distance and depth in a
TOFD (time of flight diffraction) scan. The TOFD view is a B-scan type view
Hyperbolic with a pitch-and-catch probe configuration. The TOFD view uses a non-
rectified color palette (black: -100%, white: +100%).
Deleting Cursors
To delete a cursor:
1. In the Acquisition mode, press the key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate view.
2. Press the key and select the cursor to be deleted.
3. Press and select the Cursor item.
4. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to select Delete Cursor.
6.14 Making Measurements with Gates

Making measurements using gates is the most commonly used functionality.
To make a measurement with a gate:
1. In Acquisition mode, press the gate ( ) key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate gate.
2. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the gate up, down, right, or left.
3. To change the gates size, press then change size by using the Click Wheel.
Tip: Measures shown beside the gate are affected by the parameter selected in the Travel Mode item located on the
Scan menu under Acquisition Area. Select Full Path (mm) or Full Time (µs) for the round-trip measurement, or Half
Path (mm) or Half Time (µs) for the one-way measurements. Refer to the "Customizing the Measurement Bar"
section to know how to make peak or flank measurements using gates.
To set an alarm:
1. In Acquisition mode, use the VIEW key to select the A-scan view and, using the CURSOR key, select the desired
gate.
2. Press the MENU key to return to the menu items and, using the Click Wheel, under Alarm set the Gate Alarm item
to On.

6.15 Using the Extractor Cursor

Sectorial scan (S-scan) and Linear scan (L-scan) are made of stacked A-scans. It it possible to look at each individual A-
scan (focal law) composing them by moving the Extractor cursor. The Extractor is represented as a dashed line.
To use the Extractor cursor:

1. Select a view layout that contains at least one A-scan.
2. In Acquisition mode, press the VIEW key to select the view from which you want to extract data.
3. Select the View tab and, on the menu, select Add Cursor.
4. In the Add Cursor dialog box, select the appropriate Extractor cursor and press OK.
5. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the cursor and, on the A-scan view, look at the resulting display.
6.16 Using the Extractor Box

The extraction box, also refereed as the square box is used to generate Top and End views.
To use the Extractor box:
1. In Acquisition mode, Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the box.
2. Press to modify the box size, then use the Click Wheel to change the box size.
3. Press again to accept the changes.

The content of the box is displayed in the Top and or End views of your layout.
Resizing the extraction box.
6.17 Customizing the Measurements Bar

The Measurements bar is displayed at the top of the screen in the Acquisition mode when an inspection view is selected
(press the key). It can also be displayed permanently in Acquisition mode by enabling the Keep Meas. Bar item
under Display on the Prefs tab.
Measurem ent bar at the top of the screen
To select measures for cursors:
1. Press if you’re not in the Acquisition mode.
2. Select the Measures tab and, on the menu bar, select Select Measures and press .

3. In the list, select one of the measurement (1 through 6), and press to modify it.
Each measurement is composed of 3 parts: the cursor identifier, the reference point, and the type of measurement.
For example, G1 ^ 1 means “in gate number 1, the peak reference was detected, in true depth, for the second
half-skip”.
The following table presents the description of each type of measurements.
Identifier Cursor Type Ref Reference Point Meas Measurement Type
A Angular/Extractor ^ Peak (or point) %FSH Amplitude in percent
C Cartesian / Flank Amplitude referenced to the

%REF reference gain, or to the curve
E Frame Extractor Start Start point of a gate (DAC or DGS)
G Gate Stop End point of a gate Depth
H Hyperbolic (TOFD) True depth
IFT Gate (considering half-skip)
I
(interface) Sound path (from exit point)
SQ Extractor Box
Surface distance (from wedge
FH Freehand reference)
Distance AWS Indication rating (d), as per

DAC A-B-C-D AWS, using the reference gain
amplitude curve

6.18 Taking Screen Captures and Creating Reports

You can produce screen captures and reports from the unit.
To save a screen capture or a report:
1. To save a screenshot or a report, press the key.

2. Type the file name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
A screen capture is a picture of what is currently displayed on the unit screen. it is saved as a PNG file.
The content of the report can be customized. You access the report information on the Inspection tab, under Report
Info and Report Settings items.
A complete description of the parameters found in these items is presented in the "Inspection Menu" section of the
"Parameters and Functionalities" chapter.
6.19 Managing Files Using the Media Browser

The role of the media browser is to allow for local file management and file transfers. Although it was made for keypad
operation, mouse interaction provides a lot more productivity. The media browser is only accessible when the unit is in
Configuration mode and with a file already loaded.
Select the Prefs tab and on the menu, select Media Browser and click .

Many filters can be used to look for a specific file more easily:
All files, utcfg (configuration), utdata (data), Report, All Probe, UT Probe, PA Probe, Wedge, Screenshot, Image
files.
Four choices of listing order are available:

File Type, Date modified, File name, File path.
The following functions can be achieved when you press twice for the selected file:
Rename
Delete
Move To
Copy To

Navigation Key
Pressing the key selects the Menu bar, you can then use the Click Wheel ( ) to navigate and select
items.
Pressing the key selects the file list (twice to select the file preview), you can then use the Click Wheel to
select a file.
Pressing the key changes the media from which you can select files.
If you have an external key plugged in you can select the media displayed internal drive ( ) or the
external USB drive ( ).
File types
File Extension Description
Contains the entire configuration for an inspection (the probe, the wedge, the type of scan, the
.utcfg position of each cursor, the layout, the color palette to use…).
Contains everything a .utcfg file contains, plus all the recorded data.
.utdata
Reports created with the unit are in the PDF file format. Any other PDF file can also be
.pdf displayed by the unit.
Screen captures with the unit are in the PNG image format.
.png (PNG: portable network graphics)

To select more than one file:

1. Look for the files you want to select from a file list using the navigation keys.
2. Press OK to highlight one of those files.
3. Use the up/down keys to highlight the files above or below the first selected file.
4. If you want to select one file that is at the beginning or the end of the file list, press OK.
5. Use the up/down keys to select the additional file you want, notice that the files in between are not highlighted.
6. Press OK again to get all the specific files you want for achieving a function.
To copy files:
1. Highlight the files from a file list using the navigation keys.
2. Press OK twice and use the arrow keys to select Copy to.
3. Press OK to achieve the function.
You will be warned if the destination media is lacking space for full transfer.
A progress bar will appear in foreground while data is being copied.
To move files:
1. Highlight the files from a file list using the navigation keys.
2. Press OK twice and use the arrow keys to select Move to.
You will be warned if the destination media is lacking space for full transfer.
A progress bar will appear in foreground while data is being moved.
To delete files:
1. Highlight the files from a list using the navigation keys.
2. Press OK twice and use the arrow keys to select Delete.
4. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion.
A progress bar will eventually show up while data is being deleted.
To rename a file:
1. Highlight the files from a list using the navigation keys.
2. Press OK twice and use the arrow keys to select Rename.
3. Type the name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
4. Press OK to accept the name.

7 Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference

System)
The Geometry tab defines the scan plan; that is defining the location of each probe/wedge on the part to be scanned.
To accurately define a scan plan, the following information is critical.
As required by many codes, the position of the probe relative to the weld needs to be known and recorded.
The index and scan offsets allow you to translate the probe/wedge while the Rotation item allows you to rotate it around
the reference point. The Follows item defines probe position with the probe center spacing (PCS).
Tip: Set the rotation to 90° and 270° to have two probes facing each other.
Probes rotated at 90 and 270 degrees relative to the scan axis
In a multi-probe scenario, the probes/wedges are defined relative to a group reference (Grp Ref) mark represented by a
green dot on the plan view. The group reference point can be positioned anywhere, but a good practice is to aligned it
with the weld center line and the probe/wedge center.
Once the group reference ( ) point has been defined, the last step is to properly define the reference system in relation
to the Part Datum ( ); an arbitrary point on the part under test. All ultrasonic data collected shall be traceable to this
point called datum; which, is the (0,0) reference. When possible, it is recommended to superpose the group reference
and the part datum points when using simple scan patterns. Otherwise, the items Enc. Area can be use to move the
group reference point.

Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System) 67
7.1 Wedge References

The wedge reference (Wedge Ref), represented by a red dot, is different for each type of wedge or probe (when no
wedge is used).
Probe Type Reference Drawing
Probe with or without Reference point on the beam exit

Conventional UT
wedge point
Probe without Reference point on the probe active

Phased Array
wedge surface center
Probe with a flat Reference point on the wedge

wedge contact surface center
Probe with an Reference point on the center of the

angular wedge wedge front edge

7.2 Group Reference

An inspection setup can involve multiple probes. These probes are located in reference to a group reference ( ) point.
This point can be positioned anywhere on the probe retention system, but a good practice is to position it aligned with the
weld center line and the probe/wedge center.

Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System) 69
7.3 Part Datum

Once the group reference ( ) point has been defined, the last step is to properly define the reference system in relation
to the part datum ( ), an arbitrary point on the part under test. All ultrasonic data collected shall be traceable to this
point; which, is the (0,0) reference. When possible, it is recommended to superpose the group reference and the part
datum points when using simple scan patterns. Otherwise, the user can define an offset using the Scan Start Position
item on the Encoding tab under Scan Axis.

8 Calibration Wizards
This chapter presents the wizards available to help you calibrate the unit for the inspection to be made.
8.1 Available Calibrations

Once the Prisma is in Acquisition mode (the PLAY key having been pressed), the Calibrate tab allows access to
calibration wizards. The items on this menu are sorted in the order in which calibrations should be performed.
Wizards available for m ono inpections Wizards available for PA inpections (option)

Calibration Wizards 71
Wizard description and applicability to each scan type
Scan Type
Wizard Wizard
Type Description
PA Conventional TOFD
Velocity and Zero Guides you in a step by step fashion to calibrate

• • *
Wizard the material velocity and zero point.
Wedge Delay Guides you in a step by step fashion to calibrate

• **
Wizard the wedge delay (compensates for wedge wear).
Sensitivity/ACG Guides you in a step by step fashion to calibrate

Wizard the sensitivity (also known as ACG (angular
•
corrected gain). It is used to compensate for the
sound attenuation variation in the S-scant
TCG/DAC/DGS Guides you in a step by step fashion to calibrate

Wizard the TCG, DAC or DGS curves (time corrected •
•
gain, distance amplitude correction, distance TCG/DAC
gain sizing).
Encoder Wizard Guides you in a step by step fashion to calibrate

• • •
the encoder resolution.
Element Activation Guides you in a step by step fashion to evaluate

Wizard the probe elements sensitivity and find defective •
elements.
* It is not achieved within a wizard, it is done by calibrating the non-linear ruler

("Scan: LW Offset" and "Scan:BW Offset" parameters).
** Not applicable, achieved by the Velocity and Zero Wizard.
Conventional UT, wedge and reference type applicability
Wedge
Conventional UT Wizard
Type
None Flat Angular
SDH reference (IIW, SDH reference (IIW, Navship)

SDH reference (IIW, Navship)
Velocity and Zero Wizard Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference
Thickness reference Notch reference

TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference

Phased array, wedge and reference type applicability (optional)
Wedge
Phased Array
Wizard Type
None Flat Angular

Velocity and Zero Wizard Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference

Wedge Delay Wizard Not applicable Navship) Radius reference (IIW)

SDH reference (IIW,
Sensitivity/ACG Wizard SDH reference (IIW, Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Navship)
Notch reference

TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference

Element Activation Wizard Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference
8.2 Velocity and Zero Wizard

In most cases, the first wizard to start with is the Velocity & Zero Wizard. The velocity wizard shall be used when the
velocity is unknown. Otherwise, the velocity can be entered manually on the Part tab. The Velocity & Zero Wizard
calibrates the material velocity and sets the probe zero. Applicable in phased array and conventional UT (not applicable
for TOFD*).
Applicability
Scan Type Wedge Type
Conventional
PA TOFD None Flat Angular
UT
2 SDH reference (IIW,

2 SDH reference (IIW, 2 SDH reference (IIW,
Navship)
• • * Navship) Navship)
2 radius reference (IIW)
2 thickness reference 2 thickness reference
2 notch reference
* It is not achieved within a wizard, it is done by calibrating the non-linear ruler

("Scan:LW Offset" and "Scan:BW Offset" parameters).

Before starting
Verify the following parameters:
Inspection: PA or mono voltage
Probe: frequency, pulse width, and elements
Wedge: all geometry
Scan: focalization, focal distance, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling, smoothing, filter, signal rectification, TX and RX
elements
If one of the above parameters is changed after calibration, it will invalidate the calibration.
Important: Ensure the velocity is calibrated on a test block of the same material of the part to be inspected.
Step Name Step Description and Tips Example

Scan Selection Select the scan type to
calibrate.This step is
automatically skipped if the
setup has only one scan.
Reflectors Select the type of reflectors
Selection or references used to
calibrate.
Tip:
Ideally, choose a block

with reflectors that
require no or little
probe movement.

Reflectors According to the selected

Position reflectors, set the distance
at which they are actually
located in the block.
Tip:
Choose reflectors that

have a greater gap
between them to
obtain more accurate
results.
Scan Settings To improve detection, it

is possible to modify
scan parameters
(angle, path, gain...),
only for the wizard
duration.
Especially make sure
that the range path is
long enough to detect
both reflectors.
Tip:
Typically, the middle

angle is chosen to
calibrate the velocity.

Reflector 1 The gate is

automatically
positioned by the
software, but may be
adjusted manually if
required.
Maximize the reflector
signal in the gate (we
recommend over 80%,
but any peak amplitude
will be considered).
Tips:
The gate can be set

through the menu item
or by pressing the
key on the
keypad and using Click
Wheel to move it.
Best results will be
obtained by using
reflectors that would
avoid the need to move
the probe between
reflectors (thickness or
radius on the IIW type 2
block).
The worst case is to
use 2 SDH and add
couplant before
scanning each
reflector.

Reflector 2 Position the gate.

Maximize the reflector
signal in the gate (we
recommend over 80%,
but any peak amplitude
will be considered).
Tip:
Properly maximizing the

indication is crucial for
accurate results.
Validate Result The last step of the

velocity calibration
wizard is to validate the
calculated velocity.
If the calculated velocity
does not correspond to
the expected value, go
back to the Reflector 1
step.

8.3 Wedge Delay Wizard

The Wedge Delay Wizard aims to compensate for the sound path variation in the wedge. The calibration ensures that
indications are displayed at the right depth.
Applicability
PA Conventional UT TOFD None Flat Angular
SDH reference (IIW,

SDH reference (IIW,
Navship)
• • Not applicable Navship)
Radius reference (IIW)
Thickness reference
Notch reference
Before starting
Probe: frequency, pulse width and elements
Wedge: all geometry
Scan: focalization, focal distance, start angle, stop angle, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling, smoothing, filter, signal
rectification, TX and RX elements

Scan Select the type of scan to
Selection calibrate.This step is
automatically skipped if the
setup has only one scan.

Reference Select the appropriate target for

Type the calibration.
Scan Settings To improve detection of the

reflector, it is possible to
modify scan parameters
(angle, path, gain...), only for
the wizard duration.

Box Position Configure the box settings to

encompass the reflector. (This
is the region where your
indication is located in the
scan)
Set the Box Start Depth
item.
Set the Box Range Depth
item .
Tip:
The box location can be

changed through menu
parameters.
Reference The reference is the targeted

and sound path or depth of the
Tolerance reflector. It is represented by a
dashed green line.
The tolerance is the acceptable
distance deviation from the
reference level. A tolerance of
1 mm means ±1 mm.
Represented by a continuous
green line.
Set the Reference Depth
item (controls the dashed
green line in the bottom
view).
Set the Tolerance Depth
item (controls the
continuous green line in
the bottom view).

Calibration Move the probe back and Figure 1

forth to sweep over the
reflector (and only the
reflector) in the box. The
reflector must be swept
over for every scan angle
(or focal laws). Select
Reset Envelope if you are
not satisfied with the
result (if any spurious
indications are present).
Select Accept when you
have a nice, smooth red
curve in the bottom view
(see Figure 1).
Verify the calibration by
moving the probe back
and forth once again over
the reflector. The red
curves should be within
tolerance, that is
contained between the
solid green lines in the
Figure 2
bottom view (see Figure
2). If it is not within
tolerance, select Accept
again to correct the
calibration or select
Cancel and restart from
the beginning.
Select Accept when the
calibration is satisfactory.
Tip:
You can verify the wedge delay

calibration by setting a cursor
at the depth of the reflector and
move the probe over it. The
indication should appear at a
constant depth following the
horizontal cursor for all angles.

8.4 Sensitivity/ACG Wizard

The Sensitivity Wizard aims to compensate for the sound attenuation due to the wedge and the angle variation in the S-
scan. The calibration ensures a uniform signal amplitude for each focal law for a given reflector. Also known as ACG:
(angular corrected gain).
Applicability
SDH reference (IIW,

•
Navship) Navship) Radius reference (IIW)
Notch reference
Before starting
Inspection: PA or mono Voltage
Probe: frequency, pulse width. and element characteristics
Wedge: all geometry
Scan: focalization, focal distance, start angle, stop angle, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling, smoothing, filter, signal
rectification, TX and RX elements

Scan Selection Select the scan to calibrate.
This step is automatically
skipped if the setup has only
one scan.

Reference Select the appropriate target

Type for the calibration.
Tip:
For an L-scan, an SDH

is suitable enough.
With S-scans, a radius
offers a constant path
which ensures that the
compensation corrects
only wedge attenuation
and echo-
transmittance effects.
However, an SDH is a
better target for
compensating the
effect of beam
spreading.
Scan Settings To improve detection of the

reflector, it is possible to
modify scan parameters
(angle, path, gain...), only for
the wizard duration.

Box Position Position the box to

encompass the reflector.
Set the Box Start
Depth item.
Set the Box Range
Depth item.
Tip:
Move the probe back

and forth and adjust
the box accordingly.
Make sure that all
angles/focal laws are
covered.
The box location can
be changed through
menu parameters.
Reference and The reference is the target

Tolerance amplitude level while the
tolerance is the accepted
deviation from the tolerance.
Set the reference
amplitude item (it
controls the dashed
green line in the
bottom view).
Set the amplitude
tolerance (it controls
the width between the
bottom view).
Tip:
Set the gain so that the

amplitude level is below
100% for every focal law.

Calibration Move the probe back

and forth to sweep over
the reflector (and only
Figure 1
the reflector) in the box.
The reflector must be
swept over for every
scan angle (or focal
laws). Select Reset
Envelope if you are not
satisfied with the
result.
Select Accept when
you have a nice,
smooth red curve in
the bottom view (see
Figure 1).
Verify the calibration by
moving the probe back
and forth once again
over the reflector. The
red curves should be
within tolerance, that is
contained between the
bottom view (see
Figure 2). If it is not
within tolerance, Figure 2
select Accept again to
correct the calibration
or select Cancel and
restart from the
beginning.
Select Accept when
the calibration is
satisfactory.
Tip:
Even if the
configuration is out of
tolerance, you can
select Accept. The
software will modify the
tolerance parameter
automatically to make
it fit (see Figure 3).
On an SDH it is
possible to calibrate
beams separately (by
section) use the
section category to Figure 3
define and calibrate
those sections (see
Figure 4).

Figure 4

8.5 TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard

This section guides you in a step-by-step fashion to calibrate the time corrected gain (TGC), the distance amplitude
correction (DAC) curve, and distance gain sizing (DGS).
8.5.1 Time Corrected Gain (TCG) Prisma
The TCG (time corrected gain) wizard aims to equalize the amplitude level of a reflector along the sound path.
Applicability
SDH reference (IIW, SDH reference (IIW, SDH reference (IIW,

• • Navship) Navship) Navship)
Thickness reference Thickness reference Notch reference
It is generally recommended to use SDH references, spaced apart, spread over a range of depth representative of the
part to be inspected.
Before starting
The probe and the unit must be correctly calibrated before beginning this wizard.

Probe: frequency, pulse width, and elements characteristics
Wedge: All Geometry
Scan: focalization, focal distance, start angle, stop angle, start path, range path, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling,
smoothing, filter, signal rectification, TX and RX elements
Note: This wizard allows the user to convert a DAC curve to a TCG curve (and vice versa).

Scan Selection Select the scan to calibrate.
This step is automatically
one scan.

Select type of Select the type of assessment

curves technique:
TCG
DAC
DGS
Calibration The Automated method is

Mode used for phased array probes
(optional).
The Manual method is mostly
used for mono probes.
The Constant dB method
creates a constant gain curve
in dB/mm or dB/in.

Scan Settings Set the Angle item so

that the Extractor cursor
is on the peak amplitude
of the reflector signal.
Set the Start Path and
Range Path items to
include the start and the
end of the reflector
signal.
The Stop Path item
shows the result of the
start and range path
settings.
Determine if you can use
the Gate Follow Peak
item. It is useful, but if
you encounter unwanted
signals in the A-scan you
may have to disable it to
move the gate manually
(once you have set it to
No, it is necessary to
press the key on

the keypad to select the
gate and move it using
the Click Wheel).
Set Gain Select the angle of the A-
References can Extractor cursor for
building the TCG curve
(phased array inspection
only).
Set the reference
amplitude which will be
the reference level for all
TCG points.
The amplitude tolerance
which is the acceptable
deviation from the target
amplitude.
The Auto FSH% item
automatically adjust the
gain so that the gate
peak reaches the
tolerance amplitude.
Set the gain to get a
signal within the
tolerance amplitude.
The Gate Follow Peak
item is the same is in the

Scan Settings step.
Tip:
The reference gain is the

actual reference level
based on reflector
signals. The value is
automatically set to the
current gain when you
select the Set Ref Gain
item and press . For

example, if the Ref Gain
item is set to 0 dB and
the Gain item is set to
10 dB, pressing on
the Set Ref Gain item will
set the Ref Gain item to
10 dB.
Time-based For each reflector:
Correction 1. Start with the reflector
(mono with the highest
element only) amplitude.
2. Maximize the amplitude
by moving the probe on
the part.
3. Make sure the right
signal crosses the gate.
4. Select Add TCG Point at
Gate to add points. You
can select this item as
many times as needed
to readjust existing
points.
5. Move the probe to the
next reflector, and restart
at step 2.
6. Once all reflectors have
been added, press F3 to
end the calibration.
Tips:
Avoid adding couplant

between each reflector; it
increases the variability
of the results.
If the gate does not lock
on the right peak, the
level can be increased or

the set the Gate Follow

Peak item to No.
Box Position Set the Angle item so
that the Extractor cursor
is on the peak amplitude
of the reflector signal.
Set the Box Start Depth
and Box Range Depth
items to include the start
and the end of the
reflector signal.
The Depth Interval item
is used to set the
distance between
reflectors in depth.
Scan Settings step.

Sweep For each reflector:

Figure 1
reflectors 1. Start with the reflector
with the highest
amplitude.
2. Maximize the amplitude
by moving the probe on
the part.
3. Make sure the right
signal crosses the gate.
4. Select Apply TCG at
Reflector to add points.
You can select this item
as many times as
needed to readjust
existing points.
5. Move the probe to the
next reflector, and restart
at step 2.
6. Once all reflectors have
been added, press F3 to
end calibration or to
select another angle
(focal law) to calibrate. Figure 2
Tips:
Avoid adding couplant

between each reflector; it
increases the variability
of the results.
If the Multi-Beam item is
set to Yes, the Prisma
interpolates TCG
amplitude and depth
points for focal laws
between the angles that
have been calibrated.
This speeds up the
calibration process.
If the gate does not lock
on the right peak, the
level can be increased or
the Gate Follow Peak
item set to No.

Verify Once all TCG points have

Correction been created, you can verify if
the amplitude of each reflector
falls within the tolerance.
Verify calibration by:
Sweeping each reflector
to verify that they now
have a similar amplitude.
Each angle can be
verified in this step
phased array only).
Tips:
If a TCG point is out of

tolerance you can adjust
it by pressing F2 to come
back to the previous step
and then select Add TCG
Point at Gate again. The
amplitude will be
adjusted.
Point can also be
adjusted manually.
Press the VIEW key to
access the A-scan view.
Select a TCG point by
pressing OK. The
amplitude correction of
this point can be
adjusted by using the up
and down arrows on the
Click Wheel.

8.5.2 Distance-Amplitude Correction (DAC)
The DAC (distance amplitude correction) wizard allows you to create a DAC curve representing the signal amplitude
change of a reflector at different sound path. The DAC curve is plot on the A-scan with no effect on the gain. These curves
work like detection gates but are built to compensate for the attenuation in the material and/or the effect of focussing.
Applicability
Flat bottom ole Flat bottom hole Flat bottom hole

(FBH) (FBH) (FBH)
Side drilled hole Side drilled hole Side drilled hole
(SDH) (SDH) (SDH)
• • Spherical shaped Spherical shaped Spherical shaped
hole (SSH) hole (SSH) hole (SSH)
Backwall echo Backwall echo Backwall echo
(BWE) (BWE) (BWE)
Radius
It is generally recommended to use SDH references, spaced apart, spread over a range of depth representative of the
part to be inspected.
Before starting
The probe and the unit must be correctly calibrated before beginning this wizard.

Inspection: mono voltage
Probe: frequency
Wedge: type, refracted angle (if angular), wedge velocity LW (if flat or angular)
Part: thickness, velocity LW, velocity SW
Scan: start path, range path, delay offset, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling, smoothing, filter, signal rectification, TX
and RX elements
If any of the above parameters is changed after calibration, it will invalidate the calibration.
Note: This wizard allows the user to convert a DAC curve to TCG curve (and vice versa)
Scan Select the scan to calibrate.

Selection This step is automatically
one scan.

Select type of Select the type of

curves assessment technique:
TCG
DAC
DGS
Scan Set the DAC Curves

Settings item to Yes to display
the DAC curve.
Set the angle of the A-
scan Extractor cursor
for building the DAC
curve.
Set the scan area by
setting the parameters
for the Start Path and
Range Path.
The Stop Path item
shows the result of the
start and range path
settings.
Determine if you can
use the Gate Follow
Peak item. It is useful,
but if you encounter
unwanted signals in
the A-scan you may
have to disable it to
move the gate
manually (once you
have set it to No, it is
necessary to press
the key on the

keypad to select the
gate and move it using
the Click Wheel).

Set Select the angle of the

Reference A-scan Extractor
Gain cursor.
Set the gain to get a
signal amplitude at
80% of the full screen
height.
The Auto FSH% item
automatically adjust
the gain so that the
signal peak amplitude
reaches the gate
position.
item is the same is in
the Scan Settings step.
Tip:
The reference gain is

the actual reference
level based on reflector
signals. The value is
automatically set to the
current gain when you
select the Set Ref Gain
item and press .

For example, if the Ref
Gain item is set to 0 dB
and the Gain item is
set to 10 dB, pressing
on the Set Ref

Gain item will set the
Ref Gain item to 10 dB.

Add DAC Move the probe and

points maximize the signal
from the reflector.
Select the Add DAC
Point at Gate item.
A message will be
displayed indicating
whether the reflector
signal has been
accepted.
Note: If the reflector signal is

not accepted, verify the
calibration and previous steps
to ensure all values are correct.

Scan Settings step.
The Level item is used to
set the gate height.
Set sub-DAC Select the number of
curves sub-DAC curves to be
displayed (maximum
of 3).
Select the tolerance for
each sub-DAC curve in
the chosen unit
(percent or dB).
Validate and Calibration is complete,

add DAC press F3 to validate the DAC
curves curves.
A pop-up window appears to
ask you if you want to add
another DAC curve with a
different angle.

DAC curve When you have calibrated all

interpolation the needed DAC curves,
another pop-up window
appears to ask you if you
want to display the DAC
curves for all other angles
(focal laws) that are not
manually calibrated.
The other DAC curves are
calculated and displayed in
dotted lines, when you
change the angle of the A-
scan Extractor cursor.

8.5.3 Distance Gain Sizing (DGS)
The DGS (distance gain sizing) wizard (sometimes referred to as AVG) is a theoretical sizing technique which uses
attenuation curves to size disk shaped reflectors in materials. The standard measure of defects is ERS (equivalent
reflector size), meaning that the defect is equivalent in size to a reference reflector of the specified size.
Applicability
Flat bottom hole Flat bottom hole Flat bottom hole

(FBH) (FBH) (FBH)
Side drilled hole Side drilled hole Side drilled hole
(SDH) (SDH) (SDH)
• Spherical shaped Spherical shaped Spherical shaped
hole (SSH) hole (SSH) hole (SSH)
Backwall echo Backwall echo Backwall echo
(BWE) (BWE) (BWE)
Radius
Before starting
The probe and inspection unit must be correctly calibrated before beginning this wizard.

Inspection: mono voltage
Probe: frequency
Wedge: type, refracted angle (if angular), wedge velocity LW (if flat or angular)
Part: thickness, velocity LW, velocity SW
Scan: start path, range path, delay offset, wave mode, PRF, sub-sampling, smoothing, filter, signal rectification, TX
and RX elements
If any of the above parameters is changed after calibration, it will invalidate the calibration.

Step Name Step Description and Example

Tips
Scan Selection Select which scan to

calibrate. This step is
skipped if the setup has
only one scan.
Select Type of Select the type of

curves assessment technique:
TCG
DAC
DGS

Set Probe Set the probe near field

Parameters length (NFL) parameter.
This value can usually
be found on the probe
data sheet. Otherwise,
the NFL is calculated
using the following
equation:
N = (D^2)*f / 4*v
Where:
N = Near field length
D = Element diameter
f = Frequency
v = Material sound
velocity
Check if the probe

frequency and PED
(probe effective
diameter) are correct.

Set Reference The test block

Parameters velocity is
automatically set to
the velocity
specified on the
Part tab based on
the Wave Mode
item on the Scan
tab. It should be
verified and
adjusted at this
point if necessary.
Set the reference
type and size.
Note: If the Ref Type item

is set to Back Wall, the Ref
Size item becomes
unavailable.
If calibration is
done for an angle
probe and a radius
reference, set the
Delta Vk item.
The ERS value
specifies the size
of defect that
should be
reported. The ERS
value can be
adjusted during
inspection from
the Scan tab.
The TB
Attenuation item
can be set to
correct for
attenuation in the
test block.

Collect DGS Move the probe and

reference points maximize the signal
from the reference
reflector.
Adjust the gain so that
the reference reflector is
set to 90% FSH.
Note: The reference echo
can be betw een 88% and
92%.
Select Add DGS Point at

Gate to add the point.
A message will be
displayed indicating
whether the reference
echo has been
accepted.
Note: If the reference echo
is not accepted, verify the
calibration and previous
steps to ensure that all
values are correct.
Set sub-DGS Select the number of

curves sub-DGS curves to be
displayed (maximum of
3 sub-DGS curves).
Select the tolerance for
each sub-DGS curve in
the chosen units
(percent or dB).

Validation The calibration is

completed. Press F3 to
validate, construct, and
draw the DGS curves.
Selecting Select the Measures tab

measurements and, from the
Measurements list,
select the
measurements you
want displayed at the top
of the inspection views
(refer to the Customizing
the Measurements Bar
section).

8.6 Encoder Wizard

Applicability
Scan Type
PA Conventional UT TOFD
• • •
Before starting
Verify that the all the parameters for the encoders are set except:for the encoder resolution (Encoding tab, Scan Enc
Resol. item).

Axis Select the axis to calibrate.
Selection This step is skipped if the
setup has a one-axis
encoder.
Axis Move Setup the encoder on
a 30 cm/12 inches
surface.
Select Reset
Position.
Move the encoder for
a distance of
30 cm/12 inches as
precisely as
possible.
Press the F3 key.
Result The number of ticks/mm

(or ticks/inch) is displayed.

8.7 Element Activation Wizard

The Element Activation Wizard is a single step wizard that quickly ensures that each element of the array is working
properly. It is only applicable in phased array inspections. The wizard automatically configures a linear scan at 0 degree
consisting of activating and deactivating each element one after the other along the array.
Applicability
Conventional
PA TOFD None Flat Angular
UT
SDH reference (IIW, SDH reference (IIW, SDH reference (IIW,

• Navship) Navship) Navship)
Thickness reference Thickness reference Radius reference (IIW)
Before starting
Verify the probe frequency, pulse width, and number of elements.
On the Calibration tab, select Element Activation Wizard.
Step Description and

Step Name Example
Tips
Element Select the probe.
Activation/
Set the gain, the
Deactivation
start path, and the
range path to see a
signal from the
reflector.
Select each
element and
deactivate defective
or unwanted
elements.
Select Accept (last
item on the menu)
or press the F3 key
when completed.
TIP:
A defective element
w ill show up w ith a
very w eak signal or
no signal at all.

9 Creating and Customizing Reports

The Prisma allows you to produce defect reports. These reports are produced in PDF format (see www.adobe.com to get
a free PDF reader).
To produce a report:
1. Press the key.

2. In the Save Option dialog box, select Report and, on the keypad, press OK.
3. Press the LOAD key to select the media (internal drive or external USB key).
4. Type report file name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
5. Press OK.
Note: The report can be produce from a configuration or an acquisition.
To customize a report:
1. Press the MENU key and use the Click Wheel to select the Inspection tab.
2. On the Inspection menu, select Report Settings and press OK.
3. Set the items according to your requirements:
Report Type (short or long)
Cursor Info (yes or no)
Inspection Info (yes or no)
Probe Info (yes or no)
Wedge Info (yes or no)
Scan Info (yes or no)
Encoder Info (yes or no)
DAC Info (yes or no)
DGS Info (yes or no)
3D Views Info (yes or no)
Warnings Info (yes or no)
Logo (yes or no)

Data File Analysis 107
10 Data File Analysis

You can review all recorded data files (.utdata) directly on the unit (refer to the "Loading and Saving Files" section for
information about loading files. Once the file is loaded, it is displayed in Configuration mode with most items unavailable
(grayed) to ensure data integrity.
To look at the recorded data, press .
There are various ways to sift through the data:
You can use the scroll bar located at the bottom of the views; press to access it and then use the arrows on
the Click Wheel to move it.
Before analyzing TOFD data ensure that the setup to acquire the data was accurate. The critical parameters for a
proper TOFD analysis are: the part velocity (Part tab) and probe PCS or index offset (Scan tab under TOFD and
Geometry tab under Probe/Wedge).
Calibrate TOFD parameters:

On the Scan tab, under TOFD, set the Ruler LW Pos. item so that the white indicator in the A-scan is aligned with the
lateral wave.
Ruler LW Pos. item
Make measurements using the Hyperbolic cursors or use the signal enhancement features: straightening and
lateral wave removal.

Straightening

Data File Analysis 109
Lateral w ave rem oval

11 Examples of configurations for Mono, PA, and TOFD

Inspections
The examples presented in this chapter guide you in a step-by-step fashion to create setups, proceed with calibration,
inspect and gather data, analyze data and make measurements.
These scenarios start with a existing configuration file, which minimizes the number of parameters to modify.
These are simplified procedures, they do not present you all Prisma capabilities.
11.1 Example of Mono UT Setup

The following example includes how to load a configuration, modify it, and make measurements.
To load the configuration:
1. Press stop ( ) then load ( ).

The list of examples is displayed on screen.
If the selected drive is not the internal drive ( ), press the key to swap media.
2. Press the key to select the file list, then use the Click Wheel ( ) to navigate and select the example to

Examples of configurations for Mono, PA, and TOFD Inspections 111
use for this procedure which is the Example_Conventional_Pulse_Echo.utcfg file.
3. Press to open the file.

Note: If you do not have this probe and wedge, select a setup that looks similar to your probe and wedge. Review all
parameters on the Probes and Wedges tabs to ensure that the setup is relevant (or use the Load item on the
Probes and Wedges tab menus to load a probe and a wedge from the database).
With the example file that you just opened, parameters of the Inspection tab do not need to be modified.
To modify the configuration:

1. On the Probe tab, review the Probe Type item parameter.
2. Under Settings, review the Frequency item parameter.
3. On the Wedge tab, review the parameters of the following items:

Type
Wave Mode (the refracted angle is given for SW or LW)
Refracted Angle
4. On the Part tab, under Properties, review the parameters of the following items:
Thickness
Velocity LW
Velocity SW
5. Press PLAY ( ) to change to the Acquisition mode.

6. On the Scan tab, under Gain, review the Gain item parameter.
7. Under Acquisition Area, review the parameters of the following items:
Start Path
Range Path
Zero
To make a measurement:
1. Move the probe until you see the signal from the reflector (maximize the reflector amplitude in the A-scan).
2. Press PAUSE ( ) to freeze the screen.
3. Press the gate ( ) key once to select Gate 1.
4. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the gate.
5. To change the gate size, press , then change the size using the Click Wheel ( ).
11.2 Example of Phased Array Setup

The following example includes how to load a configuration, modify it, make measurements, and record data.

This example uses a type 1, PE-5.0M32E0.8P probe with a T1-35W0D wedge.

use for this procedure which is the Example_T1_ PE-5.0M32E0.8P_T1-35W0D-REXO.utcfg file.

With the example file that you just opened, parameters of the Inspection, Probe, and Wedge tabs do not need to be
modified.

Thickness
Velocity LW
Velocity SW
2. Under Weld Geometry, review the Weld item parameter.

Start Angle
Stop Angle
Start Path
Range Path
6. Under Focusing, review the Focal Dist item parameter.
7. If needed, setup an encoder as explained in the "Setting up the Encoder or Time Based Scan" section.
8. If needed, perform a calibration; select the Calibration tab and select the appropriate wizard.
To make a measurement:
1. Move the probe so that a reflector goes through the Extractor cursor (maximize the reflector amplitude in the A-
scan).
2. Press PAUSE ( ) to freeze the screen.
3. Press the gate ( ) key once to select Gate 1.
4. Use the Click Wheel ( ) to move the gate.
5. To change the gate size, press , then change the size using the Click Wheel ( ).

To record data:
1. Position the probe at the start position.
2. Press REC ( ).
3. Move the probe toward the end of the part, while applying constant pressure.
4. Press STOP ( ).
5. Edit the file name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
6. Press to accept the name and save the file.
11.3 Example of TOFD Setup

The following example includes how to load a configuration, modify it, and record data.


use for this procedure which is the Example_TOFD_5.0_Phoenix_ISL_60.utcfg file.
With the example file that you just opened, parameters of the Inspection tab do not need to be modified.

1. On the Probe tab, review the Probe Type item.
2. Under Settings, review the Frequency item.On the Wedge tab,review the Type item.
3. Under Settings, review the Refracted Angle item.
4. Under Adv. Settings, Wave Mode (the refracted angle is given for SW or LW) item.

Thickness
Velocity LW
Velocity SW
6. On the Geometry tab, under Probe/Wedge, review the parameters of the following items (PCS will be computed from
information gathered at this step):
W1 and W2 index offset (W1 stands for wedge number 1)
W1 and W2 scan offset (W1 stands for wedge number 1)
W1 and W2 rotation offset (W1 stands for wedge number 1)
7. If needed, on the Encoding tab, review the Encoding Setup item.
8. Under Scan Axis, review the parameters of the following items:
Scan Enc Type (the type of encode your have)
Scan Start Pos (the start position)
Scan Distance
Scan Step
10. Press the and to reset the encoder position.
Start Path

Range Path
10. If needed, setup an encoder as explained in the "Setting up the Encoder or Time Based Scan" section.
11. To properly position the TOFD ruler on the lateral wave and the back wall echo, adjust the Ruler LW Pos. item (
Scan tab, TOFD category).
To record data:
1. Position the probe at the start position.
2. Press REC ( ).
3. Move the probe toward the end of the part, while applying constant pressure.
4. Press STOP ( ).
5. Edit the file name using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
6. Press to accept the name and save the file.

12 Maintenance
This chapter presents what you should do to protect and maintain your Prisma unit.
12.1 General
Do not use the Prisma near a source of electromagnetic noise; this could disrupt data acquisition.
Be careful about electrostatic discharges, especially If there is carpeting in the workplace.
Clean the Prisma often to make sure that oil, dust, or couplant do not damage the unit. To avoid damage
to the surface of the unit, do not use any abrasive or chemical cleaning agents.
Avoid dusty places.
Protect the unit from adverse weather conditions.
12.2 Screen
The Prisma screen is a high-brightness color LCD screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels.
To wash the screen, use a clean, lint-free cloth. Do not use an abrasive material or brush.
Do not use a sharp object (pen, pencil) to point defects or details on the screen.
Do not store or leave the unit where the LCD display will be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of
time.
12.3 Temperature
Avoid putting the unit near a heat source.

Never block the fans openings at the back of the unit.
Always allow air flow between the instrument and its surroundings. Never lay the unit flat on a soft surface
to avoid blocking the air flow.
The operating temperature is from -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)).
Recommended storage temperature is between -25°C to 60°C (-13°F to 140°F).
12.4 Transportation
Make sure that the unit is not submitted to excessive shocks or impacts during transportation.
Make sure the battery is charged when you travel by plane with the Prisma. Some airport administrations
will ask you to boot the unit in front of them; so make sure to have a battery or the power adaptor at hand.
Never transport the unit with a probe connected to it.
Make sure to disconnect every external peripheral when transporting the unit.
Make sure that the proper voltage is supported in the country in which you will be working with the Prisma.

Product Specifications 121
13 Product Specifications


Troubleshooting and Support 123
14 Troubleshooting and Support

This chapter presents troubleshooting tips, how to go about updates and our contact information.
14.1 Troubleshooting Tips

The Prisma unit does not start when pressing the POWER button.
Make sure that a charged battery is in the unit or that the power cord is connected.
The Prisma appears to have "frozen". How do I shut it down?

In the rare event that an emergency shutdown is required, hold the POWER button for 5 seconds to hard-shutdown
the unit. Do not do this in normal situations, since this shutdown method might result in file data loss.
14.2 Update Procedure

The internal software of the Prisma can be updated as new versions become available. The new software can be loaded
onto a USB key to transfer it to the unit. Refer to the instructions provided with the new software for details.
Updates are available at www.sonatest.com; select Support> Downloads.

14.3 Contact Support

For additional support or training, please contact your local distributor.
Visit our website or e-mail us at:
www.sonatest.com
sales@sonatest.com
Contact information
Country: United Kingdom United States, TX
Name: Sonatest Ltd Sonatest Inc
Head office Sales

Global sales Product service
management Support for the region
Department:
Manufacturing
Flaw detector research
and design
Email: sales@sonatest.com sales@sonatestinc.com
Telephone: +44 (0)1908 316345 +1 (210) 697-0335
Fax: +44 (0)1908 321323 +1 (210) 697-0767
Dickens Road, 12775 Cogburn,

Old Wolverton, San Antonio,
Location Address: Milton Keynes, Texas,
MK12 5QQ, 78249-2239,
United Kingdom USA
Website URL: http://www.sonatest.com

Parameters and Functionalities 125
15 Parameters and Functionalities

This chapter describes in detail each of the menu parameters.
15.1 Inspection Menu

The Inspection tab opens the menu in which the inspection is defined. This menu is the recommended starting point,
since the main inspection settings are located there.
15.1.1 PA/UT
Switches operation modes from phased array to conventional inspection and back. When a phased array configuration is
open, this button opens the last mono or TOFD file used, and vice versa.
15.1.2 Hardware Settings
The Hardware Settings category is where you set the voltage, the frame rate, and the pulse damping. The available
parameters depend on the type of scan you are using.
15.1.2.1 Voltage PA Mono
The same high-voltage generator is used for all phased array channels; therefore the same voltage is applied to all
phased array scans. For mono element channels, only one voltage can be used at a time.
Voltage Mono
The voltage ranges from -100 to -450 volts and can be modified by steps of 10 volts. A negative square-wave pulser is
used.
Voltage PA
The voltage ranges from -25 to -75 volts and can be modified by steps of 5 volts. A negative square-wave pulser is used.
A higher voltage value allows deeper sound penetration into the material but increases power consumption
and reduces battery life. It is important to make sure that the transducer being used supports the applied
voltage. We recommend that you read the transducer data sheet before using a voltage higher than -100 V.
15.1.2.2 Mono Pulse Damping
The Mono Pulse Damping item is used to decrease the ultrasonic wave amplitude with respect to time or distance. This
allows the isolation of the signal maximum amplitude by dismissing the lower signals on each side of it.

15.1.3 Report Info
The Report Info category is used to qualify and differentiate your files and reports, we recommend that you fill these
items:
Job/Customer
Site
Operator
Qualification
Procedure Ref
Couplant (name)
This information must generally be included in the examination records as per the inspection code.
Enter the information using the unit keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
15.1.4 Report Settings
The Report Settings category includes all the necessary information to create a complete report of the inspection
whether it is in a short or long version.
15.1.4.1 Produce Report
Generates a report with the information specified in all the items under the Report Info and Reports Settings categories.
15.1.4.2 Report Type
The Report Type item gives you a selection of Long and Short. The short report only generates the very first page of the
report while the long one is spread on multiple pages and contains more complete information.
15.1.4.3 Cursors Info
The Cursor Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the cursor positions details in the
report.
15.1.4.4 Inspection Info
The Inspection Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the inspection details in the
report.
15.1.4.5 Probe Info
The Probe Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the configuration details in the
report.

15.1.4.6 Wedge Info
The Wedge Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the configuration details in the
report.
15.1.4.7 Scan Info
The Scan Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the scan details in the report.
15.1.4.8 Encoder Info
The Encoder Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the configuration details in the
report.
15.1.4.9 DAC Info
The DAC Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the DAC (distance amplitude curve)
details in the report if a DAC is used for the inspection.
15.1.4.10 DGS Info
The DGS Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not the DGS (distance gain curve)
details in the report if a DGS is used for the inspection.
15.1.4.11 3D Views Info
The 3D Views Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not 3D view images in the report.
15.1.4.12 Warnings Info
The Warnings Info item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to include or not warnings details in the report.
15.1.4.13 Logo/Change Logo/Clear Logo File
The Logo item includes the logo in the report. The logo can be changed or cleared from the report. Selecting the Change
Logo File item takes you to the Browser menu where you can select a media and then the logo file to use. Selecting the
Clear Logo File item removes the logo from the report.
15.1.5 Menus
The items included in the Menu category allow you to control the availability of some configuration parameters to prevent
unintentional changes or to reduce the list of parameters to the essential.

15.1.5.1 Lock Setup
The Lock Setup item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to disable (grayed) most parameters to prevent
unintentional changes to the configuration file.
Parameters used in a daily inspection routine such as gain, calibration wizards, report creation, and some preferences,
are kept unlocked.
At any time the setup can be unlocked by changing the Lock Setup from Yes to No.
15.1.5.2 Short Menu
The Short Menu item gives you a selection of No and Yes allowing you to reduced the number of available parameters to
a minimum. This feature aims at simplifying the unit operation by keeping only the most important parameters displayed
in the user interface. The hidden parameters are automatically set by the unit.
This option can be useful during training sessions.
15.2 Part Menu

The Part tab opens the menu on which the part to be inspected is defined.
15.2.1 Properties
The Properties category allows the user to define the part characteristics.
15.2.1.1 Material
The Material item allows the user to select the type of material being inspected from a list or enter a material type. When
a material is selected from the list, its longitudinal and shear wave velocities are automatically set. However, the default
velocities can be adjusted manually or by using the Velocity Wizard to match the part more precisely.
If a custom material name is entered in the list, you will need to specify that material velocity manually.
15.2.1.2 Part Geometry
The Part Geometry item offers a selection of part types to choose from: plate, pipe outside diameter, and pipe inside
diameter. According to the selection made here, different items may become available for the rest of the part definition
menu.
15.2.1.3 Part Radius
The Part Radius item allows the user to specify the external radius of the pipe. This item is only available when the
selection in Part Geometry is a pipe.

15.2.1.4 Thickness
The Thickness item allows the user to enter the thickness of the part being inspected; it is then displayed in the part
view.
When performing TOFD inspections, the thickness value is used to adjust the ruler properly. An incorrect
thickness value can lead to false measurements.

15.2.1.5 Velocity LW SW
The Velocity LW and Velocity SW items allow the user to enter the sound velocity of the part being inspected. A default
value is attributed according to the selected material, but this value can be changed by overwriting it manually or by using
the Velocity and Zero Wizard (on the Calibration tab).
Material Longitudinal Velocity Shear Velocity

in/µs mm/µs in/µs mm/µs
Aluminum 0.249 6.32 0.123 3.13

AL 1100-0 0.250 6.35 0.122 3.10
AL 2014 0.249 6.32 0.121 3.07
AL 2024-T4 0.014 6.38 0.124 3.16
AL 2117-T4 0.256 6.50 0.123 3.12
Berylium 0.508 12.90 0.35 8.88
Brass 0.173 4.39 0.083 2.12
Bronze 0.139 3.53 0.088 2.23
Cadmium 0.109 2.77 0.059 1.50
Copper 0.183 4.66 0.089 2.26
Glass (plate) 0.227 5.77 0.135 3.43
Glycerine 0.076 1.93 - -
Gold 0.128 3.25 0.047 1.19
Inconel 0.229 5.82 0.119 3.02
Iron 0.232 5.89 0.127 3.23
Iron, cast 0.138 3.50 0.087 2.20
Lead 0.085 2.16 0.028 0.70
Magnesium 0.230 5.84 0.12 3.05
Nickel 0.222 5.64 0.117 2.97
Silver 0.142 4.62 0.063 1.59
Steel, 302 0.223 5.66 0.123 3.12
Steel, 347 0.226 5.74 0.122 3.09
Steel, 410 0.212 5.39 0.118 2.99
Steel, 1020 0.232 5.89 0.128 3.24
Steel, 1095 0.232 5.90 0.126 3.19
Titanium 0.239 6.07 0.130 3.31
Zinc 0.164 4.17 0.095 2.41
Zirconium 0.183 4.65 0.087 2.22
15.2.2 Identifiers
The Identifiers category is used to qualify and differentiate your files and reports, we recommend that you fill these items:
Component (name or type)
Serial #
Location Ref
This information must usually be included in the examination records.

15.2.3 Weld Geometry
The Weld Geometry category allows the user to define, in details, the weld being inspected.
15.2.3.1 Weld
The Weld item offers a list of weld types from which the user can select the type of weld being inspected.
Single V: Symmetrical V weld located at the top of the part.
Single V w eld
Double V: Two symmetrical V welds at the top and bottom of the part. Both welds can be different.
Double V w eld

Custom V/Bevel (asymmetrical): All four corners of the V weld can be different and defined independently.
Double V asym m etrical w eld
Single U: Symmetrical U weld located at the top of the part.
Single U w eld
Double U: Two symmetrical U welds at the top and bottom of the part. Both welds can be different.
Double U w eld

Custom U/J: All four corners of the U weld can be adjusted independently. Set a corner to 0 to obtain a J weld.
Custom U or J w eld
15.2.3.2 HAZ
The HAZ item is where the user defines the width of the heat affect zone (HAZ). This width is applied on both sides of the
weld whether it is symmetrical or not.
15.2.3.3 Root Gap
The Root Gap item allows the user to enter the root gap dimension of the weld.

15.2.3.4 Top and Bottom Bevel Widths
The Top Bevel Width and Bottom Bevel Width items are read only parameters that indicate the total width of the top of
the weld and the bottom of the weld.
Exam ple of the root face height in a w eld
15.2.3.5 Root Face Left and Right
The Face Left and Face Right items are read only parameters that indicate the height of the root face on each side of the
weld.
Exam ple of root face height in a w eld

15.2.3.6 Top and Bottom Left and Right Widths (V)
The Top Left Width, Bottom Left Width, Top Right Width, and Bottom Right Width items are where the user enters the
widths of the weld measured from the weld center line.
Exam ple of w eld w idth m easurem ents
15.2.3.7 Top and Bottom Left and Right Angles (V)
The Top Left Angle, Bottom Left Angle, Top Right Angle, and Bottom Right Angle items are where the user enters the
bevel angles of the weld according to its geometry.
Exam ple of bevel angles on a w eld

15.2.3.8 Top and Bottom Left and Right Heights (V)
The Top Left Height, Bottom Left Height, Top Right Height, and Bottom Right Height items are read only parameters that
indicate the height at which the bevel starts inside the weld. The height is measured from top and bottom following the
weld geometry.
Exam ple of bevel height m easurem ents
15.2.3.9 Top and Bottom Left and Right Radius (U/J)
The Top Left Radius, Bottom Left Radius, Top Right Radius, and Bottom Right Radius items represent the radius of the
rounded section of U and J welds. The radius is measured starting from the center line.
Exam ple of radius for U or J w eld

15.2.3.10 Top and Bottom Left and Right Height Offsets (U/J)
The Top Left Height Offsets, Bottom Left Height Offsets, Top Right Height Offsets, and Bottom Right Height Offsets
items represent the depth of the rounded section of U and J welds. When negative, the weld groove is moved deeper into
the part. When positive, the weld groove is moved away from the part.
Exam ple of w eld height negative offset Exam ple of w eld height positive offset
15.2.4 Calibration Block
The Calibration Block category allows the user to indicate the type of block that was used for the calibration and its serial
number.
This information is included in the printed report. It is not mandatory to use one of the predefined blocks; you can enter
your particular block manually if it is not available in the list.
The following presents some predefined calibration blocks that are accessible in the Cal. Block Type item.
IIW-Type 1*
IIW-Type 2
Mini IIW-2

DC
SC
DS
DSC
4-Step
5-Step
10-Step
Tipsy Step
Mini Resolution

V1/5 (A2)
V2 (A4)
30 FBH
Resolution Block
ASTM E317, Hori.

& Verti. Lin.
ASTM E317,
Resolution
AWS Resolution
Type MAB Mini

Angle Beam
Navships Test
IOW Beam Profile

15.3 Probe Menu

The Probe tab open the menu that allows you to control the parameters of a connected probe. In multi-probe setups, you
will have a choice of probe at the top of the menu, one for each probe.
15.3.1 Add Probe
Selecting the Add item opens the Create new probe dialog box which allows you to to select a new probe type or copy
the configuration from an existing probe for which you can modify the parameters.
The Probe menu header always shows the current number of probes.
15.3.2 Delete Probe
Selecting the Delete item deletes the probe selected at the top of the Probe menu. To select a probe, use the left and
right arrows of the Click Wheel.
15.3.3 Load Probe

Selecting the Load item takes you to the Browser menu where you can select a predefined probe configuration from the
probe database.
15.3.4 Probe Type
The Probe Type item allows you to specify the type of probe connected to the unit.
Phased-Array 1D (1D linear phased array)
Mono Circular (circular (round) mono element)
Mono Square (square mono element)
Dual Crystal (dual crystal mono element)
15.3.5 Identifiers
Manufacturer
Model #
Serial #
This information can be taken from the probe specifications document, or it can sometimes be found engraved on the
probe casing itself.
Example of a Sonatest probe specification document

15.3.6 Settings
The Settings category allows the user to set three of the essential probe parameters which are the frequency, the pulse
width, and the connector to which each probe is connected.
15.3.6.1 Frequency
The Frequency item is the nominal frequency of the probe connected to the unit. It is the frequency at which the probe
should be operated. This specification is usually written on the probe case itself, and the value is in MHz.
Changing the probe frequency will define a new pulse width value. The default value of the pulse width is PW
= 1000/2f where "f" is the nominal frequency in MHz and PW the pulse width in ns (nanoseconds). The pulse
width value can still be adjusted afterward.
15.3.6.2 Pulse Width
The pulse width calculation is based on the probe frequency. The pulse width is the duration of the pulse on
transmission.
The equation to calculate the pulse width is:
1000
_____ = TX pulse width
2f
where
f is the probe frequency in MHz

The result of the equation is in ns.
Exam ple of pulse w idth for a negative

square pulse
For a phased array probe, we recommend using the default value, which is automatically calculated using
the formula shown above.
15.3.6.3 Connected to (Mono only)
The Connected to item allows you to select the physical connector the probe is connected to. For example, for a pulse-
echo technique with a mono element probe connected to the TX/RX connector of channel A, the selection would be Ch. A
TX/RX. For a phased array probe, this item is not available as there is only one PA connector.
Connector Description
Name
Channel A connector. Complete transmitter-receiver for pulse-echo, pitch-and-catch, and TOFD setups
Ch. A TX/RX
using mono element probes.
Channel A connector. Receiver only, used for pitch-and-catch and TOFD setups using mono element
Ch. A RX
probes.
Channel B connector. Complete transmitter-receiver for pulse-echo, pitch-and-catch, and TOFD setups
Ch. B TX/RX
using mono element probes.
Channel B connector. Receiver only, used for pitch-and-catch and TOFD setups using mono element
Ch. B RX
probes.
For the information about the position of the connectors on the unit, refer to the "Connectors" section.
15.3.7 Adv. Settings
The Adv. Settings category allows the user to set probe advanced parameters for PA and conventional inspections.

15.3.7.1 First Element Pin # (PA only)
The First Element Pin # item allows the user to specify to which pin of the phased array connector corresponds the first
element of the phased array probe. This parameter is only available if at least two phased array probes are used. By
default, element number 1 is connected to channel number 1 of the PA connector when only one phased array probe is
used. You may need to change this parameter if you use a Y-splitter, a dual-adaptor cable, or one of the other possible
configurations described below.
Since the Prisma has 16 active channels, it means that only pins 1 through 16 are linked to pulser-receiver circuits. This
is why we use the term "channels 1 to 16" instead of "pins 1 to 16". Many connectivity schemes can be used:
One probe, one connector

The most typical application is to connect a probe with only one connector. Elements 1 to 16 are connected to channels 1
to 16. The First Element Pin # item must therefore be set to 1 (default).
Type 1 DAAH adaptor, single socket -

Hypertronics
Two probes, one connector using dual-socket DAAH adaptor or European probes
For this application, two probes are linked to a single connector. This is the case with a dual-socket DAAH adaptor,
where one PA connector can be connected to two DAAH heads. On each DAAH connector, the connectivity pattern is
specified on the housing, as shown in the image below. For example, if channels 1 to 44 are connected to elements 1 to
44 of the first DAAH head and channels 45 to 88 are connected to elements 1 to 44 of the second DAAH head, then the
First Element Pin # is set to 1 for probe 1 and set to 45 for Probe 2. However, only pins 45 through 64 would be available
to be used on a 16:64 unit, corresponding to elements 1 to 20 of the second probe.

Type 1 dual-socket DAAH adaptor
A pitch-and-catch probe assembly with an embedded wedge also features a connector linking two probes. This
assembly features two arrays, one for pulsing (TX) and one for receiving (RX), and both are sharing the same connector
at the end. Also, they most likely share the same tubing or multi-coax cable. In that case, the channels are split into two
banks: pulsing and receiving. Usually, pulsing elements 1 to 8 are connected to channels 1 to 8, and receiving elements
1 to 8 are connected to channels 9 to 16. Therefore, the First Element Pin # item would be set to 1 for the pulsing
elements (probe 1) and set to 9 for the receiving elements (probe 2).

Two probes, two connectors, using a Y-splitter

A unit may include two arrays: one for pulsing and one for receiving. They are sometimes identified by a TX (pulsing)
cable and a RX (receiving) cable. Probes from Germany (IntelligeNDT, IZfP, BAM, etc.) may feature the letter S for
"Sende" (TX) and the letter E for "Empfänger" (RX). Since the Prisma has only one PA connector, a Y-splitter adaptor is
required. The Y-splitter has two I-PEX connectors in order to accept two probes, and merges the signals into one
receptacle connected to the unit. The Y-splitter connectivity pattern must be known for proper operation.
Custom connectivity
In order to use different connectivity patterns from the ones described in this document, it is strongly recommended to
contact Sonatest since it may cause severe damage to the instrument.
Note: The Prisma features a minidock connector from I-PEX to connect phased array probes. This connector has a total
of 160 pins. Custom probe adaptors are also available for other types of connectors such as Hypertronics, TCZIF,
ITT Cannon DL5, etc. Contact Sonatest for details.
Minidock receptacle
When using more than one probe, the top of the Probe menu always shows the number of probes in the
configuration. Make sure to properly configure the parameters for each probe. When using two probes, you
will most likely use two scans in pulse-echo mode or a single scan in pitch-and-catch mode. Make sure the
scan parameters are also configured accordingly.

15.3.7.2 Nb Elmt Dim1 Dim2 (PA only)
The Nb Elmt Dim 1 and Nb Elmt Dim 2 items refer to the number of elements disposed along dimension 1 (X-axis) or
dimension 2 (Y-axis) of the probe.
Num ber of elem ents in dim ensions 1 and 2
Dimensions 1 and 2
Dimension 1 and 2 refer to the two axes of the probe surface. For a linear (1D) or a 2D matrix probe, dimension 1 is
preferred for the X-axis and dimension 2 for the Y-axis. Other manufacturers may refer to these as primary and secondary
axes.
We avoid using the “X” and “Y” terms because when the probe is rotated (that is, 90 degrees), the elements along the
first dimension will be aligned with the second axis (that is, Y). Using dimension 1 and 2 is less confusing.

15.3.7.3 Elmt Pitch Dim1 Dim2 (PA only)
The Elmt Pitch Dim 1 and Elmt Pitch Dim 2 items refer to the center-to-center distance from one element to the next, for
either dimension 1 or dimension 2. The element pitch is usually engraved on the probe casing; otherwise refer to the
probe specification sheet.
Elem ent pitch dim ension 1 and dim ension 2
Large values are unlikely because of the necessary wavelengths in NDT and because of the beam deflection
capabilities we want to maximize in phased array.
The pitch between elements affects the position of the center of each element and therefore the focal laws
will be affected.

15.3.7.4 Elmt Size Dim1 Dim2
The Elmt Size Dim 1 and Elmt Size Dim 2 items refer to the size of individual elements along a dimension, either
dimension 1 (X-axis) or dimension 2 (Y-axis).
For round probes, the Diameter item replaces both dimensions 1 and 2.
Elem ent size dim ension 1 and elem ent size dim ension 2

15.3.7.5 Elmt Offset Dim1 Dim2
The Elmt Offset Dim 1 and Elmt Offset Dim 2 items refer to the distance between the corner of the first element and the
edge of the probe housing. These measurements can usually be found in the manufacturer specification sheet.
Elem ent offset dim ension 1 and

dim ension 2
The item to use along dimension 1 (X-axis) is Element Offset Dim 1 and along dimension 2 (Y-axis) is Element Offset
Dim 2.
The first element is not located at the start of the epoxy (protective layer usually black). To locate the first element more
precisely, we suggest the following formula if this information is not specified by the probe manufacturer. Please refer to
the images below to identify each variable.
For a 1D linear array probe

Elmt Offset Dim 1 = [L - (number of elements Dim 1 * Elmt Pitch Dim 1)] / 2
Where
L is the length of the probe casing.
Elmt Offset Dim 2 = (width of the probe - Elmt Size Dim 2) / 2

For a 2D linear array probe

Elmt Offset Dim 2 = [width of the probe - (number of elements Dim 2 * Elmt Pitch Dim 2)] / 2.
Length and w idth of the probe
These parameters will change the representation in 3D and may infer a misalignment of the probe and the
wedge or other distortion in positioning.

15.3.7.6 Element Layout (PA only)
The Element Layout item refers to the position of element number 1 when attached to a wedge. Element number 1 is the
element where the first delay is triggered and its position is usually engraved on the probe casing. The available element
layouts for 1D and 2D probes are listed below.
For 1D array probe

LR Left row
RR Right row
For 2D array probe

BL ROW Bottom left row
BR ROW Bottom right row
TL ROW Top left row
TR ROW Top right row
BL COL Bottom left column
BR COL Bottom right column
TL COL Top left column
TR COL Top right column
The proper element layout can be identified by looking at the probe from the reference point marked on the wedge by the
element number one. The wedge front needs to be on the right hand side. Then, the top and bottom along with the
column and row arrangement can be identified.
Elem ent layout reference

1D linear array
Left row Right row
2D matrix array
Bottom left row Bottom right row

Top left row Top right colum n
Bottom left colum n Bottom right colum n
Top left colum n Top right colum n

15.3.8 Save Probe
Select the Save item to save the current probe configuration to the probe database.
15.4 Wedge Menu

The Wedge tab open the menu that allows you to control the parameters for the refracting wedge, if you are using one.
You will have multiple menus, one for each probe you are using in your setup.
15.4.1 Load Wedge

Selecting the Load item takes you to the Browser menu where you can select a predefined wedge configuration from the
wedge database.
15.4.2 Wedge Type
The Wedge Type item allows you to specify the type of wedge used if any. Select either Angular or Flat. When no wedge
is used, select None.
Exam ple of an angular w edge Exam ple of a flat w edge
15.4.3 Identifiers
Manufacturer
Model #
Serial #
This information can be taken from the probe or wedge specifications document, or is sometimes engraved on the
wedge itself.
15.4.4 Settings
The Settings category allows the user to set three of the essential wedge parameters which are the contact surface and
the cut angle.

15.4.4.1 X Offset
The X Offset item represents the distance between the beam exit point and the front of the wedge. The location of the exit
point is sometimes marked on the side of the wedge.
15.4.4.2 Contact Surface
The Contact Surface item allows the user to select the wedge surface. If the surface is not a planar one, a list of shapes
is available for curved surfaces such as pipes, tubes, nozzles, axles, billets, etc.
Planar
Axial concave
Circumferential
concave
(unsupported)

Axial convex
Circumference
convex
(unsupported)
15.4.4.3 Radius
The Radius item refers to the wedge curvature when a curved surface is selected in the Contact Surface item under
Settings.
Exam ple of a curved w edge
The wedge must be contoured to the part diameter for an optimal coupling.
15.4.4.4 Cut Angle
The Cut Angle item refers to the angle of the wedge. Unlike for conventional testing, where the refracted angle is usually
used, phased array uses the actual wedge angle. To convert the refracted angle in steel to the wedge cut angle, the
Snell's law is used. In the formula, the incident angle correspond to the wedge cut angle.

The V LW Steel parameter is the longitudinal wave velocity in steel, when the wedge is used for longitudinal wave
inspections. If the wedge is used for shear wave inspections, the velocity used in the Snell's law will be the shear wave
velocity in steel.
Cut angle
15.4.4.5 Refracted Angle
For conventional UT, the refracted angle is usually used. To convert the wedge cut angle to the refracted angle in steel,
the Snell's law is used. In the formula below, the incident angle correspond to the wedge cut angle.
V LW Steel is the longitudinal wave velocity in steel, when the wedge is used for longitudinal wave inspections. If the wedge
is used for shear wave inspections, the velocity used in the Snell's law will be the shear wave velocity in steel.
15.4.5 Adv. Settings
The Adv. Settings category allows the user to set wedge advanced parameters.
15.4.5.1 Wave Mode
The Wave Mode item allows the user to specify which wave mode will be used in the material to inspect. The wave node
of the part is used in combination with the refracted ngle when calculating the wedge shape. For instance, if the refracted
angle is in shear wave, then the part shear wave velocity will be used in Snell's Law formula to deduct the wedge cut
angle.

15.4.5.2 Wedge Velocity LW
The Wedge Velocity LW item allows the user to set the longitudinal wave velocity in the wedge. The unit uses this value
in order to calculate the proper wedge refraction and delay.
This information can be taken from the probe or wedge specifications document; it often can be found engraved on the
wedge itself or can be measured.
The following table is given as a reference.
Material LW Velocity LW Velocity
(mm/µs) (in./µs)
Water 1.48 0.0583
Rexolite (cross-linked polystyrene) 2.33 0.0929
Lucite 2.68 0.1055
Plexiglass 2.76 0.1087
Polystyrene 2.67 0.1051
Glycerine 1.92 0.0756
Source:
- NDT Resource Center website
- Port Plastics website
We STRONGLY recommend that you measure the velocity of the materials you intend to use for both the
wedge and the part. The resulting delay laws are highly dependent on these velocities. Within a tolerance
of ±5%, your acoustic results should not be affected much.
15.4.5.3 Customize Wedge
The Customize Wedge item allows the user to define a more detailed wedge geometry if desired. Since the wedge
geometry is crucial in phased array inspections, customization of the wedge is always required.
In conventional inspections only the X Offset and Refracted Angle items are required for proper ultrasonic
measurements. The Customize Wedge item will only affect the visual look of the wedge in the 3d view.

15.4.5.4 Back Height, Front Height, Height
The Back Height and Front Height items allow the user to define the back and front height of an angular wedge. The back
height is crucial to the exit points calculation. If you are using a special wedge, such as a snail wedge, you need to
measure the front height where the slope stops.
For a flat wedge or a delay line, only the Height item is available.
Back and front height for a standard w edge
Back and front height for a snail w edge
Height for a flat w edge or delay line
Make sure you select the proper wedge type before setting the height.

15.4.5.5 Width and Length
The Width and Length item allow the user to define the area of the wedge in contact with the inspection surface. If you
are using a special wedge, like a snail wedge or a wedge with extra parts, you have to exclude these parts when you
measure those values. See the examples below, the red part is not included in the length measurement.
Exam ple of a w edge w idth and length
Exam ple of a snail w edge w idth and length

m easurem ents. The red part is excluded.
The length value is crucial for the exit points calculation.

15.4.5.6 Roof Angle
The Roof Angle item allows the user to define a complementary angle for the wedge. Wedges with roof angle are usually
used in pitch-and-catch setups.
Exam ple of a roof angle
The roof angle is always measured from the lower corner. When a roof angle exists, the back height is
measured from the same corner. Roof angles are rarely higher than 30°.
15.4.5.7 Probe Back Distance and Side Distances
The Probe Back Dist and Probe Side Dist items allow the user to set the distance between the corner of the probe
housing and the edge of the wedge.
Exam ple of probe back and side distances on an

angle w edge
The probe back distance parameter is crucial to the exit points calculation.

15.4.5.8 Probe Inset
The Probe Inset item allows the user to define the depth the transducer is recessed into the wedge, which is the actual
depth of the hole inside the wedge.
Probe inset depth
15.4.6 Save Wedge
To save the current Wedge configuration in the wedge database.
15.5 Scan Menu

The Scan tab opens the menu that allows the user to control the parameters for the scan to be achieved. It is essentially
controlling what ultrasound needs to be generated and how the data acquisition will be performed.
15.5.1 Add Scan
Selecting the Add item allows the user to add a new scan or select an existing one for which the configuration can be
adapted to the inspection to be made. The Create new scan dialog box proposes using the New Scan Wizard, new scan
types, or a copy of the current scan type.

The Scan tab header always shows the current number of scans.
15.5.2 Delete Scan
Selecting the Delete item deletes the scan selected at the top of the Scan menu.
15.5.3 Scan Type
The Scan Type item offers a list of scan types to choose from. The choices are: Sectorial PE, Linear PE, Mono PE, Mono
P & C, and TOFD. Each scan is configured either in pulse-echo (PE) mode or pitch-and-catch (P & C) mode, except for
TOFD scans which always are used in pitch-and-catch. Each type of scan is described below:
Sectorial
The sectorial scan, also called azimuthal scan or more commonly S-scan, is a cross-sectional image of the inspected
volume. It represents an angular coverage of the volume under the probe.
Linear
The linear scan, commonly called L-scan, is represented on screen as a parallelogram view, directly under the probe or
at a specific angle. The L-scan is generated by multiple A-scans at the same transmitted angle, but from different exit
points. A small group of elements are activated to generate each beam (focal law), and the group of elements moves
along the elements array for each subsequent beam.

Mono
The mono scan refers to the conventional A-scan representation, using a single reception element. The A-scan is a
waveform representing the amplitude of the ultrasound signal as a function of time or distance of propagation. Signals
become apparent as soon as reflections occur on the travel path of the ultrasound wavefront. A reflection may indicate a
defect, such as a crack, but most of the time you get signals from bouncing waves on component geometry (that is, weld
root).
TOFD
The time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) scan involves a pitch-and-catch setup of mono testing probes where data is generally
displayed using a gray-scale B-scan.
When selecting the pitch-and-catch mode, do not forget to define the Tx (transmitting) and Rx (receiving)
probes using the Probe TX and Probe RX items on this menu. Because of the number of elements on phased
array probes, it is also possible to do pitch-and-catch on a single probe by setting correctly the first and last
active elements for Tx and Rx parameters.
Scan Limitation
The maximum number of scans differs according to the Prisma option used:
Mono scans = 2
PA scans = 1
Note: The unit cannot achieve concurrent PA and UT (veo units only).
15.5.4 Gain
The Gain category is used to control all gain parameters.
15.5.4.1 Gain and Reference Gain
The Gain item controls the actual gain, in decibels (dB), applied to the receivers. The gain is a real time parameter and it
can be changed anytime during the acquisition.
The Ref Gain item is the actual reference level based on reflector signals. The value of the reference gain is automatically
set to the current gain when you select the Set Ref Gain item. For example, if the Ref Gain item is indicates 0 dB and the
Gain item is set to 10 dB, selecting the Set Ref Gain item changes the reference gain value to reflect the current gain, that
is, 10 dB.
15.5.4.2 Software Gain
The Software Gain item is used to digitally increase or decrease the gain used in recorded inspection files (.utdata) to
adjust the gain after the acquisition.
15.5.4.3 Automatic Full Screen Height Percentage (FSH%)
The Auto FSH% item offers a menu for an automatic adjustment of the gain to obtain a reflector signal at a given
reference amplitude level.

15.5.4.4 Reference Amplitude
The Ref Amplitude item is used as a default reference for the TCG and Sensitivity wizards, and for AWS measurements.
All measurements in decibels (dB) are referenced to this parameter.
15.5.5 Acquisition Area
The Acquisition Area category is where the user defines the ultrasound beams characteristics, the wave and travel
modes. According to the type of scan used, some of the items will be hidden.
15.5.5.1 Resolution
The Resolution item allows the user to define the angular step between each beam in the S-scan. An angular resolution
of 0.5° means 0.5° separate each beam.
The resolution settings will affect the size of the scans. Therefore, it also affects the acquisition speed,
power consumption, and recorded file sizes.
15.5.5.2 Start and Stop Angle (S-scan)
The Start Angle and Stop Angle items are used to define the pie shape of the S-scan. Values range from -90° to +90°.
For example, if the start angle is -45° and the stop angle +45°, you get a 90-degree scan pie piece.
The angles supplied are theoretical. When the resulting beams (focal laws) are programmed in a phased
array system, the effective angles might be altered because of system delay resolution or velocity variation.
The start and stop angles will affect the size of the scans. Therefore, they will also affect the acquisition
speed, the power consumption, and the total size of the recorded file.
15.5.5.3 Angle (L-scan)
The Angle item is used to define the direction of focusing of your L-scan. It changes the shape of the parallelogram. The
delays for each focal law will be adjusted to steer the resulting angle for each set of active elements.
The angles supplied are theoretical. When the resulting beams (focal laws) are programmed in a phased
array system, the effective angles might be altered because of system delay resolution or velocity variation.
Steering the angle too far away from the 0-degree mark will result in weaker signals.

15.5.5.4 Start, Range, and Stop Paths
The Start Path and Range Path items allow the user to define the sampling window. They tell the unit when to start
sampling the A-scans and for how long, for all beams in the scan.
The Stop Path item is a read-only parameter that indicates where the acquisition path ends (the sum of start path and
start range values). Therefore, a start path of 10 mm with a range of 60 mm will result in a stop path of 70 mm.
The Start Path and Range Path values are calculated in either microseconds, or millimeters or inches, depending on the
type of travel mode selected in the Travel Mode item (last item under the Acquisition Area category). If the travel mode is
calculated in path, the value is displayed in millimeters or inches and if it is calculated in time, the value is displayed in
microseconds.
15.5.5.5 Zero
The Zero item offers an additional delay offset to be added to the delay line for fine-grained adjustments. It adjusts the
signal position laterally. In phased array applications the delay applies equally to all beams.
15.5.5.6 Wave Mode
The Wave Mode item allows the user to specify which wave mode will be generated in the inspected material:
longitudinal waves (LW) or shear waves (SW). Selecting the proper wave mode is required in order to calculate the
proper refraction, attenuation, and delay.
The selection will be based on what was entered on the Part menu under the Properties item.
15.5.5.7 Travel Mode
The Travel Mode item allows the user to select the type of measurement to use for the ultrasound beam path distance. It
affects all measurements made for the scan. The choices are:
Full Path (round-trip distance in mm or in.)
Half Path (one-way distance in mm or in.)
Full Time (round-trip time in µs)
Half Time (one-way time in µs)
To select the distance measurement unit in either metric (millimeters) or imperial (inches), select the Prefs tab and,
under System select Unit System.

15.5.6 Focusing
The Focusing category is where the user defines the focus for all beams in a phased array configuration. This item is not
available when you are working with a conventional testing configuration.
15.5.6.1 Number of Active Elements (L-scan)
The Nb Active Elmt item allows the user to select the number of active elements used to form the phased array beam to
sweep over the full array of a linear scan (L-scan). This is also referred as the "active aperture". The active aperture is
always less than the full probe aperture, which is composed of all probe elements.
A balance must be obtained by applying the following rule of thumb:

Using more active elements creates a small focal spot and short focus depth
Using less active elements creates a long focal spot and wide focus depth
The Prisma can use up to 16 active elements for high volume resolutions that precisely map and size defects, especially
in conjunction with the Sonatest Wheel Probe.
This parameter automatically affects how many beams will be created for the L-scan.
The formula to calculate the number of beams is:

number of beam = number of elements - number of active elements + 1
For example, 32 elements - 8 active elements + 1 = 25 beams
Selecting the Double Resolution item will double the amount of generated beams with the half index point shift.
15.5.6.2 Double Resolution (L-scan)
The Double Resolution item is only available when making linear scans. This item allows the user to use double the
resolution; that is, twice the number of beams (minus 1) to form the active aperture to get a better lateral resolution.
The double resolution works as follows:

The Nb Active Elmt item determines a number of activated elements over the full array for the first beam (that is, 8
elements).
For the second beam (focal law), one element is deactivated; 7 elements are now activated (note that this beam
has 1/8 less acoustic energy).
For the next beam, the next element is activated; 8 elements are now activated. And so on.
The formula to calculate the number of beams with a double resolution is:
(number of elements - number of active elements + 1) x 2
For example, (32 elements - 8 active elements + 1) x 2 = 50 beams

15.5.6.3 Focalization
The Focalization item allows the user to choose between three types of focalization. These define how the theoretical
focal point will be moving, from one beam to another.
For sectorial scanning, you can choose between Constant Path, Constant Depth, and Constant Offset.
Constant path is always good to start with, to get a first try on the component.
Constant path focalization
Constant depth is practical when you are looking for defects in a cladding or at the internal diameter of a large-diameter
component.
Constant depth focalization

Constant offset is useful for scanning the side-wall or center of a weld in an AWS® or API® code context.
Constant offset focalization
In linear scanning, the only focalization type available is constant depth focusing.
Constant depth focalization for linear

scanning
For a linear scan, a number of elements are activated over the full array. With each new beam, an element is deactivated
and another one is activated. This type of scan is also known as electronic scanning. The scanning always occurs at a
constant angle and at a constant focal depth.

15.5.6.4 Focal Distance
The Focal Dist item allows the user to set the distance at which the focal point should be positioned, relative to a certain
reference.
Depending on the focalization type (Focalization item) selected, this parameter will be:
An ultrasound path relative to the exit point,
if it is a constant path scan.
A path,
if it is a constant depth scan.
An offset relative to the back of the wedge (or center of the exit points if no wedge is used),
if it is a constant offset scan.
A depth,
if it is a linear scan.
15.5.7 TOFD
The TODF category is only available when making inspection using the time-of-flight diffration method.
15.5.7.1 Ruler Lateral Wave Position
The Ruler LW Position item allows the user to set an offset (in µs) from the start of the acquisition of the A-scan to the
position of the lateral wave (first positive peak). This offset is always positive and is shown as a white line in the A-scan
view. Changing this parameter will not affect the A-scan signal. This offset is used to correct or fine tune the position of
the TOFD depth ruler. It is also used as straightening and lateral wave removal tools.
15.5.7.2 Theoretical Time Lateral Wave
The Theo. Time LW item is a read only parameter that indicates the time distance that represents the position of the
lateral wave (theoretical). This parameter corresponds to the shortest sound path of the scan.
Theoretical tim e lateral w ave and backw all

If the relative error on the theoretical time of the lateral wave position is more than 10% with the experimental time, at
least one of the following parameters might be incorrect: the material thickness, the material speed, the wedge angle, or
the distance between the two TOFD probes.
15.5.7.3 Theoretical Time Backwall
The Theo. Time BW item is a read only parameter that indicates the distance that represents the position of the backwall
(theoretical). This parameter corresponds to the longest sound path of the scan.
If the relative error on the theoretical time of the backwall position is more than 10% with the experimental time, at least
one of the following parameters might be incorrect: the material thickness, the material speed, the wedge angle, or the
distance between the two TOFD probes.
15.5.7.4 Probe Center Spacing PCS
The PCS item is a read only parameter that, in TOFD inspections, indicates the distance between the beam exit point of
each probe (PCS). This is the result of the distance entered on the Geometry tab for the Spacing/PCS item when two
probes are linked by the Follows item on that same tab.
PCS is the distance betw een the tw o exit points (red dots)
15.5.7.5 Beam Intersection Percentage
The Beam Inter Pct item is a read only parameter that indicates the depth of the nominal beam at the PCS location (in %
of part thickness). This depth is shown in the 3D view as a small yellow line and should ideally be 66.6% of the part
thickness.

15.5.8 Straightening
Straightening is an analysis tool to help define the lateral wave position and align all A-scans on a common lateral wave.
This counteracts the effect of unwanted signals at the front wall (such as surface breaking cracks) that disturb the lateral
wave produced by the sound propagation just below the part surface.
The lateral wave is specified by using a time interval with the lateral wave trigger tolerance (LW Trig. Tolerance) item.
The algorithm is referenced on the first positive or negative flank found in the zone, depending on the selection (Positive
or Negative) made in the LW Peak Polarity item.
15.5.8.1 Activate Straightening
When set to Yes, the Activate Straightening item enbles the straightening of the lateral wave in the TOFD view. Before
activating the straightening feature, the lateral wave position must be configured on the Scan tab, under TOFD, in the
Ruler LW Pos. item.
15.5.8.2 Straightening Indicators
When the Straightening Indicator item is set to Yes, a box is displayed in the A-scan and TOFD views. This box shows
the range that will be used to apply the straightening correction. Increasing or decreasing the width (time interval) of the
box is done in the lateral wave trigger tolerance (LW Trig. Tolerance) item.
15.5.8.3 Lateral Wave Trigger Tolerance
The LW Trig. Tolerance item allows the user to define the time interval (in µs) used to make the straightening correction.
To view the changes made to this parameter, the Straightening Indicators item must be set to Yes.
15.5.8.4 Lateral Wave Peak Polarity
The LW Peak Polarity item allows the user to choose the peak polarity of the signal to use for the straightening feature.
15.5.9 Lateral Wave Removal
The LW Removal category allows the detection of defects near the surface by removing the box that has been defined in
the straightening procedure. If the box width is set properly, only the lateral wave will be hidden in the TOFD view.
Removing the lateral wave is a visual effect of the TOFD view, no data will be erased from the data file.
15.5.9.1 Activate Lateral Wave Removal
The Activate LW Removal item, when set to Yes, enables the removal of the lateral wave. The LW Removal Indicator
item is then is automatically set to Yes.

15.5.9.2 Lateral Wave Removal Indicator
When the LW Removal Indicator item is set to Yes, a box is displayed in the A-scan and TOFD views. This box shows the
range that will be used to remove the lateral wave. If the box width is set properly and completely covers the lateral wave,
only the lateral wave will be hidden in the TOFD view.
Set it to No to see the effect of the lateral wave removal in the TOFD view.
15.5.9.3 Lateral Wave Removal Factor
The LW Removal Factor item is used to set the percentage of the lateral wave removal. The effect might be different
depending on the shape and consistency of the signal; this parameter should be adjusted until good results are
obtained for a particular setup.
15.5.9.4 Lateral Wave Zone Start
The LW Zone Start item allows the user to define the start position (in µs) of the box that will be used to remove the
lateral wave. The value should always be a little smaller than the one specified in the Ruler LW Position item under TOFD
. Enable the LW Removal Indicator item to make sure that box width completely covers the lateral wave in the TOFD view.
15.5.9.5 Lateral Wave Zone Range
The LW Zone Range item allows the user to define the width (in µs) of the box that will be used to remove the lateral
wave. Enable the LW Removal Indicator item to make sure that box width completely covers the lateral wave in the TOFD
view.
15.5.10 Tx Pulse Repetition Frequency
The pulse repetition frequency (PRF) is also called the firing rate. It refers to the number of pulses transmitted per unit of
time, in Hz. The PRF is adjusted according to the number of ultrasound beams (focal laws) in order to get the smoothest
A-scan and S-scan rendering possible. In other words, the PRF determines how often the system triggers high-voltage
on all 16 channels, and it also defines how often the system samples the signals on each 16 channels.
To avoid ghost echoes, the signal from one pulse must be received before the next pulse is emitted. This condition is
met when:
PRF < 1 / [(start path + range) * sub-sampling]
The unit can display a full sectorial scan (S-scan) at up to 60 Hz on the screen.
Along with the acquisition distance and number of beams, the PRF dictates the maximum possible frame rate. If this
frame rate is too high for the needs, the Max Frame Rate item under Hardware Setting on the Inspection tab can help
limit the frame rate to a certain level.
The PRF is limited by the Max Frame Rate item in non-encoded inspections.
Use the lowest possible PRF as often as you can since it saves power and lowers the occurrence of
acoustic phantom echoes caused by the part geometry.

15.5.11 Rx
This section presents the many parameters that can be used to modify the reception of ultrasound signals.
15.5.11.1 Signal Rectification
The Signal Rectification item allows the user to change the signal display in the A-scan. The most common setups use
either the Full (fully rectified signal) or the None (RF waveform) parameter.
Rectification has an impact on the full screen height (FSH) display. If the rectification is set to Full, the amplitude will vary
from 0 to 100 % FSH. If the rectification is set to None, the amplitude will vary from -100 to 100 % FSH.
None: Non-rectified waveform (RF waveform)
Unipolar+: Positive half-wave rectification
Unipolar-: Negative half-wave rectification
Full: Fully rectified waveform
Rectification alters both displayed and recorded signals.

No smoothing can be applied when the rectification is set to None (RF Waveform), Unipolar+ or Unipolar-.
15.5.11.2 Digital/Analog Filter
The Filter item offers a list of band-pass filters.
Filtering issues
Using filters has pros and cons. They provide a smoother signal variation because they clean some background noise
from the A-scan signals, but the drawback is that they can eliminate weak signals related to defects. Therefore, they must
be used with caution.
The recommended value when starting a new applications is Automatic, which lets the unit select the proper frequency
band according to the probe frequency. Otherwise, the unit provides several band-pass filters. It is recommended to
select the proper filter very early in the application setup process and to leave that parameter constant for all subsequent
inspections of the same nature to have comparable data.
Filters affect the amplitude of the received signal. It is then necessary to select the appropriate filter before
performing any calibration.

15.5.11.3 Sub-Sampling
You can use Sub-Sampling item in order to reduce the size of scans, hence reducing the resulting file size. When the
sub-sampling parameter is activated, the software keeps the most significant sample in a certain ratio of samples, while
rejecting the least significant ones. For example, a ratio of 1:4 means 1 sample is kept for every 4 samples acquired. The
chosen sample always is the one with the maximum amplitude.
The possible ratio values are:

1:1
1:2
1:4
1:8
1:16
1:32
1:64
1:128
15.5.11.4 Rejection
The Rejection item enables a signal processing which consist in rejecting (set to 0) samples with values below the r
ejection threshold. This threshold is an absolute value applied on both phases of the signal, negative and positive. The
Rejection Threshold item becomes available to set a threshold when a threshold mode is selected in the Rejection
item.
In Linear mode, all values below the threshold are flattened (set to zero).
In Suppressive mode, values below the threshold are set to zero and the threshold is subtracted from all values above it,
effectively lowering the entire signal.
Rejection of samples affects the A-scan signals and all the imaging in a destructive manner. Therefore, you
must be careful when selecting the rejection mode to keep in mind that data has been suppressed.
15.5.11.5 Smoothing
The Smoothing item allows the user to pre-filter the signal with a low-pass filter during signal processing.
Smoothing, like filtering, affects the A-scan signals and all the imaging. Therefore, you must be careful when
selecting the smoothing mode. Typically, the smoothing will affect the dead zone, meaning that each signal
will decay down to zero after a period of time. You should make sure that weak signals such as tip diffraction
and corner reflection are discernable enough for your sizing requirements. The use of a filter will affect raw
data during a recording.

15.5.11.6 Contouring
The Contouring item is a digital signal processing where peak signal amplitude decays linearly at a set rate. The decay
rate is set by the Cont. Decay Rate parameter. Contouring is not available for RF signals.
Contouring, like smoothing, affects the A-scan signals and all the imaging. Therefore, you must be careful
when selecting the contouring mode. Contouring affects the zone after each peak, even small ones.
15.5.11.7 Averaging (Mono)
The Averaging item allows the user to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of a conventional A-scan by selecting one of
seven levels of averaging. For example, for an averaging value of 1:4, the unit will acquire four times a given sample, sum
the values of this sample and divide the sum by four. The resultant value will be displayed in real-time.
High averaging values can significantly slow down the acquisition speed, since the entire acquisition is
performed multiple times. For example, an averaging value of 1:4 requires the unit to acquire the same
beam four times before displaying it, resulting in a longer processing time and higher power consumption
per resulting beam.
15.5.11.8 Interface Triggering (IFT) Active
When set to Yes, the IFT Active item enables the part interface triggering for this scan. It is available for the following
types or primary scans:
A-scan (mono)
L-scan (phased array)
Once enabled, a new gate (white named "I") is made available in the A-scan view.
Interface triggering is used to synchronize signal interface when it varies from one beam to another. This corrects the
distance between the probe and the part when the wedge does not have a fixed height. For example, with a wheel probe
or with an immersion setup.
15.5.11.9 IFT Gate Start
The IFT Start item allows the user to set a delay after the acquisition start, where the unit should search for interface of
the part. Also controllable through the IFT gate in the A-scan.
15.5.11.10IFT Gate Range
The IFT Range item allows the user to define a lapse of time to search for the part interface. Also controllable through the
IFT gate in the A-scan.
15.5.11.11IFT Gate Threshold
The IFT Threshold item is set as a percentage of the full screen height (%FSH) to establish the interface trigger. Also
controllable through the IFT gate in the A-scan.

15.5.11.12Equivalent Reflector Size
The Equivalent Reflector Size item is shown when a DGS calibration has been performed.
It allows the user to specify the size of defects that should be reported, such that a signal at 0 dB relative to the DGS curve
will be sized equal to this value. It can be adjusted within limits specified by the current DGS setup and will cause a
recalculation of the DGS curve.
The equivalent reflector size is sometimes referred to as the "registration level".
15.5.11.13Acquisition Frequency
The Prisma samples the ultrasound echo signals at up to 100 MHz when used with phased array testing and up to
200 MHz with conventional testing. This parameter applies to all scans.
Therefore, with a 200-MHz configuration, only mono testing scans can be used. Possible values are 50 MHz, 100 MHz
and 200 MHz.
The Acquisition Frequency item setting affects the number of samples acquired for one waveform (A-scan). For
example, changing from 50 MHz to 100 MHz will double the number of samples acquired. To record scans with long
beam paths, use sub-sampling to limit the amount of data transferred or to respect the maximum number of samples
allowed.
As a rule of thumb, the acquisition frequency must be at least four (4) times greater than the nominal
frequency of the probe. For example, an acquisition frequency of 50 MHz is appropriate for a probe with a
nominal frequency centered at 5 MHz.
15.5.12 Probe Connection Tx and Rx
The Probe TX/RX item Identifies the probe used for transmission (Tx) and the probe used in reception (Rx). In the pulse-
echo mode, the same probe is used for both transmission and reception, while in typical pitch-and-catch and through
transmission modes two probes are used.
15.5.13 Elements, First and Last Tx and Rx
The First Elmt TX, Last Elmt TX, First Elmt RX, and Last Elmt RX items tell the unit what elements to activate to perform
the scan. For both TX an RX probes, you need to set the first and the last elements to be activated. All the elements in that
range will be activated. The first element position is the reference for all the parameters affecting the focal law.
In pitch-and-catch and through transmission modes, the maximum number of active elements in TX or RX
cannot exceed 8 elements.

15.5.14 Statistics
The Statistics category provides information about the quantity of beams used, quantity of samples taken, and the
sample resolution (Path Resolution). All items are read only.
15.5.14.1 Beam Quantity
The Beam Qty. item indicates the number of beams forming the scan (S-scan or L-scan).
For a sectorial scan (S-scan), the number of beams can be modified using the Resolution, Start Angle, and Stop Angle
items under Acquisition Area. For a linear scan (L-scan), the number of beams is a result of the First Elmt RX and Last
Elmt RX items under Elements, and the Nb Active Elmt and Double Resolution under Focusing.
A phased array beam is just like any other ultrasound beam. It has a near field, a focal spot, a focal length, and a certain
width. It can eventually feature side lobes or grating lobes because of the periodicity of the array or because of elements
being too large for the wavelength.
A phased array instrument like the Prisma can generate a lot of beams sequentially. The beam former (the unit that
forms the beams) needs a lot of parameters in order to form each beam. We call this set of parameters a focal law. And
in order to generate a scan constituted of many beams, the beam former needs just as many focal laws.
Note: A focal law does not necessarily mean an angle; for example, in the case of an L-scan, all beams use the same
angle, but centered at another index point. Sometimes a "focal law" can be referred to as a "beam".
Each beam includes a set of time delays that we call the delay law, which is calculated to focus the acoustic energy at the
requested angle and focal point.
15.5.14.2 Sample Quantity
The Sample Qty. item indicates the number of measurement points in the A-scan. This quantity depends on the Start
Path and the Stop Path items under Acquisition Area, the Sub-Sampling item under Rx, and the Acquisition Frequency
under Hardware Settings on the Inspection tab.
The resulting number of samples is recalculated when changing the parameters. For example, if we change the
acquisition frequency from 100 MHz (2.5 ns) to 50 MHz (5 ns), the number of samples changes (half as much in this
case).
The unit samples ultrasound signals at a rate of up to 100 MHz for phase array and of up to 200 MHz for conventional
inspections. Therefore, the achievable delay resolution is 2.5 ns, which is adequate for probes of about 13 or 15 MHz.
For recording long metal-path scans, use sub-sampling to limit the amount of data transferred and to respect the
maximum number of samples allowed.
15.5.14.3 Path Resolution
The Path Res. item indicates the number of sample per millimeter or per inches. The path resolution is basically the
sample quantity divided by the sound path length. It is a quick way to determine if the proper acquisition frequency and
sub-sampling value have been properly configured.

15.6 Geometry Menu

The Geometry tab opens the menu that allows the user to specify how probes are positioned in relation to each other
and where the group of probes is located on the part to inspect.
15.6.1 Probe/Wedge
The Probe/Wedge category allows the user to specify how probes are positioned in relation to each other.
15.6.1.1 Follows
The Follows item allows the user to pair a probe with another to better manage their positions in multiple probes
configurations. It is especially useful for pitch-and-catch and TOFD configurations.
15.6.1.2 Wedge Index and Scan Offsets
The W1 Index Off. and W1 Scan Off. items allow the user to enter the distance between the group reference point and
the wedge/probe reference along the scan and index axes.
The same goes for all wedge items.
Scan and index offset m easurem ents
Note: See "Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System)".

15.6.1.3 Wedge Rotation
The W1 Rotation item allow the user to define the orientation of the probe relative to the scan axis.
The same goes for all wedge items.
15.6.1.4 Spacing/PCS (Paired Probes)
The Spacing/PCS item is only available when two probes are paired by enabling the Follows item. Once a probe follows
the other, enter the distance between the beam exit point of each probe. For TOFD scans, the probe center spacing
(PCS) value is also displayed on the Scan tab, in the PCS item under TOFD.
PCS is the distance betw een the tw o exit points (red dots)
With phased array probes, the front of the angular wedge is the reference point. If the probe has a flat wedge
or no wedge, the center is the reference point. Refer to the "Wedge References" section of the "Defining
Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System)" chapter of this manual for details.
15.6.2 Encoding Area
The Encoding Area category allows the user to determine the area of the part to inspect with regards to the encoders.
15.6.2.1 Encoding Area Center Line Position
The Enc. Area CL Pos item allows the user to enter the offset of the encoding area from the part datum, in the direction of
the center line.
15.6.2.2 Encoding Area Center Line Offset
The Enc. Area CL Offset item allows the user to enter the offset of the encoding area from the part datum, away from the
center line.

15.6.2.3 Encoding Area Rotation
The Enc. Area Rotation item allows the user to enter the rotation applied to the encoding area. This parameter rotates
both the scan and index axes clockwise.
15.7 Encoding Menu

The Encoding tab opens the menu that allow the user to control parameters for each connected encoder and specify the
recording sequence and area.
15.7.1 Encoding Setup
The Encoding Setup item allows the user to select the kind of encoder setup being used. An encoding setup can be
performed on the scan axis (one axis) or on both scan and index axes (two axes).
15.7.2 Encoder Name
The Encoder Name allows the user to enter the name of the encoders being used. Encoders are generally identified by
manufacturer or model name.
15.7.3 Reset Position
The Reset All Pos. item, when selected, resets the position of the encoders to the origin. It can quickly be accessed by
pressing the F3 key on the unit keypad.
15.7.4 Scan and Index Axes
The Scan Axis and Index Axis categories offer the user all the items to configure the axes names, and the encoder and
scanning parameters.
Note: Throughout this section we only mention the scan axis but consider that all items are the same for both scan and
index axes.
15.7.4.1 Axis Name
The Scan Axis Name item allows the user to specify a custom axis name to make your file more understandable.
15.7.4.2 Encoder Type
The Scan Encoder Type item allows the user to specify the type of encoder used for each axis. The Prisma supports
quadrature and differential encoders and also offers a manual entry mode.
Quadrature encoder
This type of encoder uses two output channels (A and B) to sense the position. Each channel corresponds to one track
within the encoder. Both tracks are 90 degrees out of phase. The leading track will determine the direction of the encoder
(clockwise or counterclockwise). The number of pulses and the relative phases of both channels provide enough
information to track both the position and the direction of rotation.

Differential encoder
This type of encoder uses 4 output channels (A+ , A- , B+, and B-) to sense the position and the direction. Each channel
corresponds to one track within the encoder. Both tracks are 90 degrees out of phase. The leading track will determine
the direction of the encoder (clockwise or counterclockwise). The number of pulses and the relative phases of both
channels provide enough information to track both the position and the direction of rotation.
Manual
This mode is available for the index axis only. The F3 key is then used to increment the index axis.
15.7.4.3 Encoder Resolution
The Scan Enc Resolution item allows the user to set the encoder resolution specific to each axis. The encoder resolution
is defined by the number of ticks triggered per millimeter (or inch). The encoder resolution is usually specified in the
encoder specification sheet.
15.7.4.4 Start Position
The Scan Start Position item allows the user to define the position from where the data recording starts. The scan and
index start positions are referenced to the datum, which is the (0,0) reference point on the part.
Scan and index positions

15.7.4.5 Reset Position
The Scan Reset Position item allows the user to define the position where the encoder is located when selecting the
Reset All Pos item. Most often, the reset position is similar to the start position, but it can be modified if the initial position
of the encoder is located outside the actual encoding area.
15.7.4.6 Distance
The Scan Distance item allows the user to define the length, relative to the start position, over which data will be acquired
while moving the probe over the inspected part. Along with the scan start position, it defines the encoding area.
15.7.4.7 Stop Position
The Scan Stop Pos item indicates the position, relative to the scan and/or index start position, where the encoding area
ends and data stops being acquired.
15.7.4.8 Step
The Scan Step item allows the user to define the distance between each acquisition point on an axis. It is the acquisition
resolution of that axis. For example, if the scan step is set to 1 millimeter, the unit will acquire a new scan every
1 millimeter.
The scan step directly affect the final data file size and the scanning speed. If you experience issues with the
data file size being too large or the scanning speed being sluggish, you can increase the step value or
reconfigure one of the following settings:
Using Sub-Sampling (Scan menu, Rx category)
Using a lower Acquisition Frequency or PRF (Inspection menu, Hardware Settings category)
Reducing the Range Path (Scan menu, Acquisition Area category)
Increasing the angular Resolution, which reduces the number of beams (Scan menu, Acquisition Area
category)
Reducing the Scan Distance
Increasing the Scan Step
15.7.4.9 Invert Direction
The Scan Invert Dir item allows the user to reverse the encoder count on the scan or index axis. When this parameter is
set to Yes, the position given by that encoder will be considered as positive when the encoder reports a negative position,
and vice-versa.
15.7.5 Statistics
The Statistics category indicates the data file size and the maximum encoding speed you will according to the
configuration parameters you have entered.

15.7.5.1 Data File Size
The Data File Size item indicates the expected file size according to your current settings. File size can be reduced by:
Using the Sub-Sampling (Scan menu, Rx category)
Using a lower Acquisition Frequency and PRF (Inspection menu, Hardware Settings category)
Reducing the Range Path (Scan menu, Acquisition Area category)
Increasing the angular Resolution, which reduces the number of beams (Scan menu, Acquisition Area category)
For an encoded setup:

Reducing the index and/or scan distance (Scan Distance)
Increasing the index and/or scan step (Scan Step)
15.7.5.2 Maximum Encoding Speed
The Max Phys. Enc. Speed item indicates the evaluation of the maximum encoding speed based on the physical
limitation when working at 100% duty cycle.
15.8 Calibrate Menu

The Calibrate tab opens the menu that contains all calibration wizards to help the users calibrate the unit, probes, and
wedges. Most calibrations can only be performed in Acquisition mode.
15.8.1 Velocity Wizard
The Velocity & Zero Wizard item guides the user in a step by step fashion to calibrate the material velocity and zero
point, using 2 reflectors. Refer to the "Velocity and Zero Wizard" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the
details.
When the material velocity is known, it can be manually entered on the Part tab under Properties (see the "Defining the
Part to Inspect" section).
The velocity must be calibrated only once for each wave mode even when using a multi-scan setup. The
velocity is specific to the part and is shared between all scans of a same wave mode.
15.8.2 Wedge Delay Wizard
The Wedge Delay Wizard item guides the user in a step by step fashion to calibrate the wedge delay. This is done to
compensate for the sound path variation in angular wedges and compensate for wedge wear. The calibration ensures
that indication are displayed at the correct depth.
Refer to the "Wedge Delay Wizard" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the details.

15.8.3 Sensitivity/ACG Wizard
The Sensitivity/ACG Wizard item guides the user in a step by step fashion to calibrate the sensitivity also known as ACG
(angular corrected gain). The Sensitivity Wizard compensates the sound attenuation due to the wedge and the angle
variation in the S-scan. The calibration ensures a uniform signal amplitude for each focal law for a given reflector.
Refer to the "Sensitivity/ACG Wizard" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the details.
15.8.4 TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard (Curves)
The TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard item guides the user in a step by step fashion to calibrate the TCG, DAC, or DGS curves.
TCG (time corrected gain)

The TCG wizard equalizes the amplitude level of a given reflector size at different sound path by adjusting the gain. The
unit increases or reduces the gain progressively to correct the attenuation in the material and/or the effect of focusing.
DAC (distance amplitude correction)

The DAC wizard creates a DAC curve representing the signal amplitude change of a given size reflector at different sound
path. The DAC curve is plotted on the A-scan without changing the gain. These curves work like detection gates, set at
different screen height, to compensate for the attenuation in the material and/or the effect of focussing.
DGS (distance gain sizing)

The DGS wizard creates an attenuation curve to size disk shaped reflectors. The attenuation curve takes into account the
probe and the reflector characteristics. These curves work like detection gates, set at different screen height, to
compensate for the attenuation in the material.
Refer to the "Calibrate TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard (Curves)" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the details.
15.8.5 Encoder Wizard
The Sensitivity/ACG Wizard item guides the user in a step by step fashion to calibrate the encoder resolution. This is
used when the encoder specification is not available.
Refer to the "Encoder Wizard" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the details.
15.8.6 Element Activation Wizard
The Element Activation Wizard is only used for phased array inspection. It guides the user in a step by step fashion to
evaluate the probe elements sensitivity and find defective elements.
Refer to the "Element Activation Wizard" section in the "Calibration Wizards" chapter for all the details.
15.8.7 Clear Calibrations
The Clear Calibration item allows the user to reset to zero one or all calibrations that were performed for the current
configuration file.

15.9 Measures Menu

The Measures tab opens the menu that allows the user to select the information that will be displayed in the
measurements bar (see the "Elements of the Graphical Interface" section).
15.9.1 Select Measures
The Select Measures item allows the user to select the information to be displayed in the measurement bar. Up to six
measurements can be displayed at a time. Each cursor and gate is identified by a letter and a numerical identifier.
For example, G1^% stands for Gate 1 Peak (^) amplitude in percentage (%).
Exam ple of available m easures
ID Cursor Type
A Angular/Extractor
C Cartesian
E Frame Extractor (encoded views)
G Gate
H Hyperbolic (TOFD)
SQ Square box
AB Angular box
DAC Distance amplitude curve
Ref Reference Point

^ Peak (or point)
/ Flank
Start Start point of a gate
Stop End point of a gate

Meas Measurement Type

%FSH Amplitude in percent
%REF Amplitude reference to the curve (DAC or
DGS)
Depth (from the part surface)
True depth (considering half-skip)
Sound path (from exit point)
Surface distance (from wedge reference)
AWS D Indication rating (d), as per AWS with a
80% reference
The list of available measures varies depending on the cursors and gates currently being displayed.
15.9.2 Encoded Axis Reference
The Encoded Axis Ref item allows the user to choose the reference for measurements:
Wedge Reference
Part Reference
This will affect the rulers; the zero will be either the wedge reference or the part reference. It will also affect the measures
provided in the measurement bar, some menus, views, and reports.
Changing this parameter will not affect the raw data.
15.10 Preferences Menu

The Prefs tab opens the menu that allows the user to set global parameters that apply for the use of the unit. It contains
such preferences as the type of display, date configuration, network setup, etc. This is also where you find unit
information about calibration, options, and updates.
15.10.1 Media Browser
The Media Browser item allows the user to select the drive to use to open, copy, and move files (configurations, data,
screen captures, and reports).
To navigate through the different drives, press the key.
15.10.2 Display
The Display category offers the user a selection of display preferences.

15.10.2.1 Auto-Hide Menus
The Auto-Hide Menus item, when set to Yes, automatically hides the menu bar and tabs (except for the selected tab)
when in the Acquisition mode to provide a bigger display area for the ultrasonic views. The menu and tabs can be
displayed by pressing the MENU key; the tabs reappear at the top of the window and the menu pops up over the view
area. To hide the menu and tabs again, press the VIEW key.
15.10.2.2 Default Amplitude and Depth Palettes
The Default Amp. Palette and Default Depth Palette items allow the user to select the palette that will be used by default
when creating new views; that is, when switching layouts. This is just a default setting, the palette can be changed at any
time during the configuration.
The TOFD view palette is always the TOFD gray scale.
15.10.2.3 Keep the Measurement Bar
The Keep Meas. Bar item allows the user to locks the measurements display in the Acquisition mode.
When set to Yes, measures are always displayed at the top of the screen when views are displayed.
When set to No, measures disappear to let the menu tabs take the space when pressing the MENU key on the unit
keypad or when editing parameters. To display the measures bar again, press the VIEW or CURSOR key.
15.10.2.4 Background Color
The Background Color item allows the user to select a white or black background for the interface for outdoor or indoor
use.
15.10.2.5 Screen Brightness
The Screen Brightness item allows the user to change the screen brightness. It is usually used to save power when
operating with batteries.
15.10.2.6 A-Scan Range
The A-Scan Range item allows the user to determine the full screen height (FSH) scale of the A-scan view ruler. When
set at 100% (default), the signal is seen up to the point of saturation. With a bigger range, the signal above the saturation
point is made visible.
Note: Taking the FSH% measurements above the 100% saturation level is not recommended, especially in phased array
inspections, because some channels might be saturated and may not contribute enough power for the signal to be
meaningful.
15.10.3 System
The System category offers the user a selection of system preferences.

15.10.3.1 Language
The Language item offers a list of languages to be used by the unit.
15.10.3.2 Unit System
The Unit System item allows the user to choose between Metric (millimeters) and Imperial (inches) for the
measurements.
15.10.3.3 Name Generation
The Name Generation item is used to add complementary information after the original name for files that will be saved.
Select one of the choices below:
Incremental
File_Name_0001: The screen capture or report number added at the end of the file name will be increased by 1 for every
new file saved from the same configuration or data file.
Date Stamped
File_Name_2011-09-01T135634: Only available for saving data files. The six numbers after the "T" are used to define the
time (in this case, 13 h, 56 min, 34 s).
Encoder Stamped
File_Name_0.00mm_50.00mm: Only available for saving data files. The first number is the scan start position and the
second one is the scan stop position.
15.10.3.4 Date Format
The Date Format item offers a selection of date format:

YY-MM-DD, the international convention to display the date (year-month-day)
MM-DD-YY, the English language convention to display the date (month-day-year)
DD-MM-YY, the French language convention to display the date (day-month-year)
The date appears in the unit status indicator at the top right corner of the unit display and in reports.
15.10.3.5 System Date and Time
The System Date/Time item allows the user to set the current date, time, and time zone. The unit uses these settings to
establish the date and time.
15.10.4 Network
The Network category allows the user to set networking parameters.

15.10.4.1 Networking Options (DHCP)
The DHCP item allows the user to connect the unit to a network.
Using DHCP is often the easiest options. However, some networks require manual configuration or special
authorizations to access the network. Please contact your local IT administrator if you wish to connect this unit to the
network.
15.10.4.2 VNC Server
The VNC server item, when set to Yes, allows the user to access the unit through a remote desktop connection. A
password must the be set in the VNC Password item.
15.10.4.3 VNC Password
When the VNC server item is set to Yes, a password must be defined to access the remote desktop. Type the password
using the keypad as you would do with a portable phone.
15.10.5 Support
The Support category offers information about the unit, and the possibility to add options and install updates.
15.10.5.1 Last Calibration
The Last Calibration item indicates the date of the last time the unit was calibrated by Sonatest.
15.10.5.2 Set Calibration Date
The Last Calibration Date item is used by Sonatest to set the date of the unit last calibration. The calibration date is
password protected and only Sonatest agents can modify it.
15.10.5.3 Add Option
The Add Option item opens a window that allows the user to enable software options. Type the activation key number
using the keypad as you would do with a regular phone.
15.10.5.4 System Update
The System Update item allows the user to install software updates. Select whether the update will be performed from a
USB key or the Internet.
Note: When the installation process is complete, the unit must be restarted. Upgrading the unit is a permanent change
which cannot be undone.
USB device
Downloaded the update file from the Sonatest Web site and copy it to the root of a USB drive then select this option in the
dialog box.

Internet
The unit must be connected to the Internet through the network cable. The update will be downloaded and installed if a
new version is available.
15.10.5.5 Support Console
The Support Console item displays advanced support options. Use as directed by one of Sonatest support agents.
Gather and store device information

Creates a package automatically saved on the connected USB key or internal memory (if no USB key is connected) listing
all events on the unit.
Gather and send device information to Sonatest

Creates a package automatically sent to Sonatest when the unit is connected to the Internet.
Start remote support session

Enables remote control of the unit by Sonatest support agents.
15.10.5.6 About
The About item opens a window that displays unit information (software version, hardware version, used power, etc.),
and the unit licenses.
15.11 Cursor Menu

The Cursor tab opens the menu that allows the user to display the position and other properties of the current gates or
cursors.
15.11.1 Name
The Name item allows the user to set a unique identifier for the current cursor or gate.
15.11.2 Type
The Type item indicates the type of cursor being used. Refer to the "Adding or Deleting Cursors" section for a detailed
description of each type of cursor.
15.11.3 Color
The Color item indicates the color of the cursor or gate being used.
15.11.4 Position
The Position category offers many parameters to set the position of cursors and gates.

15.11.4.1 Level
The Level item allows the user to set the amplitude level of the gate alarm, as a percentage of the full screen height
(% FSH). When a Top or an End view is extracted from the Extractor Box cursor, this parameter also controls the
threshold under which samples are ignored, which helps reduce noise.
15.11.4.2 Surface Distance
The Surface Distance item allows the user to set the horizontal distance of the cursor as measured on the part surface,
starting from the wedge reference point ( ). For more information, refer to the "Wedge References" section in the "
Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis Reference System)" chapter.
15.11.4.3 Depth
The Depth item allows the user to set the cursor position, in the view, with regard to the part surface. The depth does not
take into account the multiple half skips.
15.11.4.4 True Depth
The True Depth item allows the user to set the depth of the cursor with regard to the part surface considering the number
of half skips. It is always less or equal to the thickness of the part.
15.11.4.5 Enc Scan Axis
The Enc Scan Axis item allows the user to set the position of the cursor on the scan axis.
15.11.4.6 Enc Index Axis
The Enc Index Axis item allows the user to set the position of the cursor on the index axis.
15.11.4.7 Focal Law (L-Scan)
The Focal Law item is used to specify the index of the selected focal law (starting at 1) for the Extractor and Angular
cursors in the L-scan view.
15.11.4.8 Angle (S-Scan)
The Angle item is used to specify the angle, in degrees, of the Extractor and Angular cursors in the S-scan view.
15.11.4.9 Sound Path
The Sound Path item is the distance (mm, in., or µs) from the probe exit point to the cursor position. It can represent the
full distance (round-trip) or the half distance, depending on the type of travel mode selected in the Travel Mode item on
the Scan tab under Acquisition Area.

15.11.4.10Gate Start
The Gate Start is used to set the position of the beginning of the gate in the A-scan.
15.11.4.11Gate Stop
The Gate Stop is a read only item that displays the result of the gate start position and its width.
15.11.4.12Gate Width
The Gate Width is used to set the width of the gate (mm, in., or µs), which corresponds to the distance between the gate
start and the stop path (on the Scan tab under Acquisition Area).
15.11.4.13Gate Alarm
The Gate Alarm allows the user to select the condition that will trigger an alarm (On, Inverted, or Off) which will be
indicated by the alarm LEDs on the front panel of the unit). This cursor property is available for each gate.
To set an alarm:
1. In Acquisition mode, use the VIEW key to select the A-scan view and, using the CURSOR key, select the desired
gate.
2. Press the MENU key to return to the menu items and, using the Click Wheel, under Alarm set the Gate Alarm item
to On.
15.11.5 Measures
The Measures category offers the user a choice for making measurements using gates.
15.11.5.1 Gate Follow Peak
The Gate Follow Peak item automatically centers the gate on the signal peak amplitude. When the gate does not detect a
peak in its range, it automatically moves towards the highest peak in the A-scan. This feature is useful, but if you
encounter unwanted signals in the A-scan you may have to disable it to move the gate manually (once you have set the
Gate Follow Peak item to No, you must press the key on the keypad to select the gate and move it using the Click
Wheel).
15.11.5.2 Triggered By
The Triggered By item allows the user to determine which part of the specified signal measures the depth. Measuring to
the flank of a peak is often more accurate than measuring to the summit. Options are available for measuring to the
Leading Flank or the highest point on the Peak.
15.11.6 Alarm
The Gate Alarm item allows the user to activate an alarm when the signal is either above or below the gate threshold.

15.11.7 Delete Cursor
The Delete Cursor item allows the user to delete the selected cursor from the view. Some cursors ca not be deleted,
especially if a view is extracted from it (for example, the angular extractor). To add a cursor, use the Add Cursor item on
the View tab.
15.12 View Menu

The View tab opens the menu that allows the user to manage the current view display features.
The current view is the one highlighted in the lower-left corner of the screen. Press to toggle between views. The
View tab can quickly be accessed by pressing the F2 key.
15.12.1 Select Layout
The Select Layout item opens a list of layouts to choose from. The layouts available at a given time vary according to the
number and the types of scans used. When these parameters change, an appropriate layout is always selected
automatically.
Exam ple of layout selection w ith an L-scan

15.12.2 View Orientation
The View Orientation item allows the user to control the display orientation of the view, that is whether the view is rotated
90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.
15.12.3 Add Cursor
The Add Cursor item opens a window that allows the user to select a new cursor to add in the selected view. For more
information about cursors, refer to the "Adding or Deleting Cursors" section in the "Setup and Operation Workflow"
chapter.
15.12.4 Palette Properties
The Palette Properties category offers the user many color ruler palette settings.
15.12.4.1 View Palette
The View Palette item allows the user to select the color ruler used to represent the amplitude or the depth (depending
on the selection made for the depth/amplitude mode in the Data Extraction category).
15.12.4.2 Palette Position
The Palette Position item allows the user to select the position of the color ruler in the view. Selecting None hides the
ruler.
15.12.4.3 Palette Depth
The Palette Depth allows the user to set the minimum/maximum position of the depth color map in millimeters or
inches.
Sample points with a value less than the Low setting will be displayed using the under range color while sample points
with a value over the High setting will be displayed using the over range color.
15.12.4.4 Palette Amplitude
The Palette Amp. allows the user to set the minimum/maximum position of the amplitude color map from 0 to 100%.
Sample points with a value less than the Low setting will be displayed using the under range color. Sample points with a
value over the High setting will be displayed using the over range color.
15.12.5 Data Extraction
The Data Extraction category offers the user a selection of ways to sample a portion of the inspection date to have a
closer look at a specific signal.

15.12.5.1 Depth/Path Mode (A-Scan and B-Scan Views)
In A-scans or B-scans, choose between the depth and path ruler for the extraction of the ultrasound data.
Depth mode
The depth ruler is displayed. Gate references are in depth. That is, in an S-scan, changing the extractor will maintain the
gate at the same depth.
Path mode
The sound path ruler is displayed. Gate references are in path. That is, in an S-scan, changing the extractor will maintain
the gate at the path.
15.12.5.2 Depth/Amplitude Mode (Top, End, C-Scan, and B-LOG Views)
In Top, End, C-scan or B-LOG views, choose the extraction mode of the ultrasound data.
Depth mode
This mode is also known as TOF (time of flight). The color represents the distance, or depth, of the highest peak sample
in the area. The highest palette values then represent the farthest or deepest distance from part surface.
Amplitude mode
The color represent the highest amplitude from surface on the depth axis. Then the highest palette values represent the
highest amplitude.
15.12.5.3 Data Gate (C-Scan and B-LOG Views)
The Data Gate item allows the user to select whether the scan is representing absolute gate measurements or a
calculation of one gate relative to another. A depth C-scan should always show the difference between two gates, rather
than the absolute position of a gate.
15.12.5.4 Reference Gate (C-Scan)
The Ref Gate item allows the user to select the gate to which the data gate is relative to. More often than not this will be
set to Interface, such that the data gate location will be relative to the front face of the part. When the Interface Gate is not
active, measurements are in absolute values.
15.12.5.5 IFT Culling
The IFT Culling item, when selected, keeps only the samples past the IFT gate (interface triggering).
15.12.6 Graph Options (B-LOG)
The Graph Options category offer a choice of graphical grid displays.
15.12.6.1 Show B-Scan
The Show B-Scan item allows the user, in a B-LOG view, to hide the ultrasound data so that only the graph lines are
visible.

15.12.6.2 Line Colors
The Show B-Scan item allows the user, in a B-LOG view, to choose the color of the graph lines displayed in the view. To
disable the lines, select None. The B-LOG view can show the following graph lines:
Current Line
The profile at the currently extracted focal law.
Minimum Line
The depth of the thinnest signal of all focal laws.
Maximum Line
The depth of the thickest signal of all focal laws.
Average Line
The average depth of all focal laws.
15.12.7 Overlays
The Overlays category offers the user a selection of information to display over the inspection data. The types of overlays
available depend on the selected view.
15.12.7.1 Envelope
The Envelope item continuously displays the peak signal amplitudes in the A-scan over a period of time. To reset the
envelope, disable and re-enable the envelope option.
15.12.7.2 Show Measures
The Show Measures item allows the user to display various cursor measurements over the inspection data.
15.12.7.3 Part Overlay
The Part Overlay item allows the user to display the part contour drawing over the inspection data in L-scans, S-scans,
and A-scans. The overlay drawing is based on the part definition made on the Part tab, in the Properties and Weld
Geometry categories.
15.12.7.4 Half Skip
The Half Skip item allows the user to display the part overlay for a number of half skips. A half skip corresponds to the
thickness of the part; therefore, changing the number of half skips changes the overlay display. This is useful to help the
user locating the defect in the weld and the part.
15.12.7.5 Show DAC, DGS, and TCG
The Show DAC, Show DGS, and Show TCG items allow the user to show or hide the correction curves in the A-scan view.
These overlays are only available if they were created at the time of the inspection configuration.

15.12.8 Rulers and Grids
The Rulers & Grids category offers a selection of ruler display and the possibility to display a grid in the A-scan.
15.12.8.1 Rulers
The Rulers item allow the user to choose a set of rulers to display in the selected view or to disable rulers.
15.12.8.2 Circular Ruler (S-Scan)
The Circular Ruler allows the user to display markers for each angle of the focal law in the sectorial scan.
15.12.8.3 Grids
The Grids item allow the user to show or hide measurement grids in the selected view.
15.12.9 Scroll & Zoom
The Scroll & Zoom category offers different ways to look at encoded data in views.
15.12.9.1 View Scrolling Mode
The View Scrolling Mode allows the user to choose between two scrolling mode: Stacking and Smooth.
15.12.9.2 Frame Start
The Frame Start item allows the user to select a start point, in an encoded data view, when the view has been zoomed in
(see the Zoom item).
15.12.9.3 Zoom
The Zoom item is the zooming option in percent, applied in an encoded data view. The user can determine the first frame
with the Frame Start item.

Ultrasound Techniques 199
16 Ultrasound Techniques
This chapter describes how the different scan types are obtained. It presents the sectorial, linear, conventional (mono),
and TOFD scans. Each scan is configured either in pulse-echo mode or pitch-and-catch mode; except for TOFD scans
which always are used in pitch-and-catch.
16.1 Sectorial Scan

The sectorial scan, also called azimuthal scan or more commonly S-scan, is a 2D cross-sectional image resulting from
a set of focal laws (beams) sweeping a defined range of angle. It represents an angular coverage of the volume under
the probe. The sectorial scan is characterized by the fact that each beam is formed using the same set of elements but
the electronic delays to form the beams are different for each angle.
Exam ple of a sectorial scan w ith beam s sw eeping a range of angles

16.2 Linear Scan

The linear scan, commonly called L-scan, is represented on screen as a parallelogram view, directly under the probe or
at a specific angle. The L-scan is generated by multiple A-scans at the same transmitted angle, but from different exit
points. A small group of elements is activated to generate each beam (focal law), and the group of elements moves
along the elements array for each subsequent beam. Unlike for the S-scan, a different set of elements is used to form
each beam. For example, the first beam is formed by pulsing elements 1 to 6, the second beam pulsing elements 2 to 7,
the third beam by pulsing elements 3 to 18, and so on. However, the same electronic delays are applied for each beam.
As the linear uses a fixed angle, it basically emulates a conventional single crystal transducer.
The linear scan is also referred as an electronic scan or E-scan.
Exam ple of a linear scan w ith a group of 6 active elem ents perform ing an electronic raster scan

16.3 Mono Scan (Conventional UT)

The mono scan refers to the conventional A-scan representation, using a single reception element. The A-scan is a
waveform representing the amplitude of the ultrasound signal as a function of time or distance of propagation. A signal
appears when the ultrasound wave front reaches a reflector. A reflector may be caused by a defect or by the component
geometry.
Exam ple of a m ono testing scan

16.4 TOFD Scan

The time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD) scan involves a pitch-and-catch setup of mono element probes where data is
generally displayed using a gray-scale B-scan. TOFD relies on the time of flight of indications rather than on their
amplitude. The transmitter and the receiver are always facing each other. When a pulse is emitted, the first signal to be
received is the lateral wave signal. The lateral wave has the shortest distance to travel and is usually followed by the
backwall signal which has the longest distance to travel. Any defect within the volume of the inspected part will appear
between the lateral wave and the backwall signals.
TOFD inspections use longitudinal waves, since they are traveling approximately twice as fast as the shear waves the
longitudinal waves reflections arrive first to the receptor. Indication beyond the longitudinal wave backwall are coming
from mode converted waves.
The figure below shows a typical TOFD setup with the transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) transducers. In most cases,
the probe center spacing (PCS) is adjusted to have the beam intersection at 2/3 of the plate thickness. Specific
recommendations are available in most standards.
Example of a TOFD scan setup

As mentioned above, the lateral wave is the fist signal to arrive to the receptor followed by the backwall signal if no
indication has been detected. It is also interesting to note that the phase of the lateral wave signal and the backwall
signal are inverted. The backwall signal phase is shifted 180° as the wave travels in a high impedance medium and is
then reflected at the interface of a lower impedance material. This phase shift is observed in the non-rectified A-scan.
Exam ple of a lateral w ave and backw all signals seen on a non-rectified A-scan

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User Guide

3 Instrument and Accessories 5

4 Connecting Probes and Powering Up 17

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

6 Configuration and Operation Workflow 43

7 Defining Scan Plan Geometry (Cartesian/Axis 66

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

9 Creating and Customizing Reports 106

13 Product Specifications 121

15 Parameters and Functionalities 125

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

16 Ultrasound Techniques 199

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

2 Disclaimers and Notices

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

2.3 Equipment Directive Conformance

FCC Part 15 notice:

This product conforms to the following European directives:

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

2.4 Risks and Hazards

2.5 Operator Requirements

2.6 Operating Conditions

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

3 Instrument and Accessories

The following chapter presents this instrument and its accessories.

3.1 Hardware Overview

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Phased Array (optional)

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

3.3 Encoder Connector Pinout

Pin # Signal Name Description

Power 5 V, 300 mA max.

3 ENC1_B SE input encoder phase B

Differential input positive encoder

Differential input negative encoder

Differential input positive encoder

Differential input negative encoder

8 (center pin) GND Power return – Ground

Note: Prisma uses input buffer AM26LV32ID, inputs characteristics (differential):

Copyright © 2013 Sonatest Limited - 2.2.2013-03-20

Cable mount connector

Solder cup version:

Pin number Wire color Signal

1 (red dot) Blue VCC 5 V

2 Blue-White Encoder phase A

3 White-Blue Encoder phase B

8 (center pin) White GND return

3.4 GPIO Connector Pinout

GPIO (general purpose in/out)

2 Out 1 5 V TTL, reserved (trig-synchro )

5 V TTL, alarm gate signal if

4 Out 3 Output, not yet defined

5 Out 4 Output, not yet defined

6 Input 1 Input, not yet defined

7 Input 2 Input, not yet defined

8 (center pin) GND Power return – Ground