Quick Start Guide

Conventional UT
Phased Array
TOFD

Table of contents
1

Introduction to your new device ........................................................................................................................4

Inserting and charging the battery for the first time .........................................................................................5

Booting the unit ..................................................................................................................................................6

Connecting probes and USB memory stick ........................................................................................................7

Load an existing configuration ...........................................................................................................................9

Create a configuration ......................................................................................................................................11

Starting data acquisition ...................................................................................................................................13

Understanding the conventional UT screen layout ..........................................................................................15

Navigating through menus and views ..............................................................................................................18

10 Keypad ..............................................................................................................................................................19
10.1

Keypad definition table ..........................................................................................................................20

11 Adjusting gain ...................................................................................................................................................21

12 Automatic 80% gain adjustment ......................................................................................................................22
13 Calibration wizards (for conventional UT) ........................................................................................................23
14 TOFD option......................................................................................................................................................25
14.1

Creating a TOFD setup ...........................................................................................................................25

14.2

Calibrating a TOFD setup .......................................................................................................................27

14.3

Understanding what you look at ...........................................................................................................29

15 Phased array Option .........................................................................................................................................30

15.1

Understanding at the phased array screen layout ................................................................................30

15.2

Moving the A-scan Extractor cursor ......................................................................................................33

15.3

Moving the Top/End view box ...............................................................................................................33

15.4

Adjusting the focus (focal laws) .............................................................................................................33

15.5

Calibration wizards (for phased array)...................................................................................................34

16 Manipulating cursors (Cartesian, Angular, Gate, Extractor Box, and Extractor) ..............................................35
17 Adding cursors ..................................................................................................................................................36
18 Making measurements with gates ...................................................................................................................37
19 Customizing the Measurements bar ................................................................................................................38
20 Taking screenshots and building reports ..........................................................................................................40
21 Defining scan plan geometry (cartesian/axis reference system) .....................................................................41
21.1

Wedge references ..................................................................................................................................42

21.2

Group reference.....................................................................................................................................42

21.3

Part datum .............................................................................................................................................43

22 Setting up position-encoded or time-encoded scans.......................................................................................44

23 Setting up an encoded scan..............................................................................................................................45
24 Selecting a layout with appropriate views .......................................................................................................46
25 Menu tree (menu items vary according to the inspection setup)....................................................................47
26 Ruler and axis color map ..................................................................................................................................49
27 Power LED Behavior .........................................................................................................................................50

28 Color palettes ...................................................................................................................................................51

29 Features not covered in this document ...........................................................................................................52
30 Encoder Connector Pin out...............................................................................................................................53
31 I/O Connector Pin out .......................................................................................................................................54
32 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................55
32.1

Scan types ..............................................................................................................................................55

32.1.1

Sectorial scan ........................................................................................................................................... 55

32.1.2

Linear scan ............................................................................................................................................... 55

32.1.3

Mono scan (conventional UT) .................................................................................................................. 55

32.1.4

TOFD scan................................................................................................................................................. 55

33 Copyright, disclaimers, and certifications ........................................................................................................56

33.1

Copyright ................................................................................................................................................56

33.2

Disclaimer of liability ..............................................................................................................................56

33.3

Certification (electromagnetic compatibility) ........................................................................................57

V1.1

Introduction to your new device

Before starting, make sure that your Prisma kit includes the following:

1.

Drawing: unit, battery and charger

Make sure you have the appropriate probes, wedges, and encoder for the type of inspection you intend
to perform. You may also use the Prisma demo kit, which includes a basic set of accessories necessary to
complete the scenarios described in this document.

V1.1

Inserting and charging the battery for the first time

2.

Drawing: unit back

Unscrew the back door and insert the battery. Remove the waterproof rubber cover over the AC input
socket and connect the AC power adaptor. Before using it for the first time, the battery must be charged
for at least 6 hours; however, the unit can be used while charging.
An optional external battery charger and additional battery packs can be added in order to reduce downtime and increase productivity.

V1.1

Booting the unit

The following is the procedure to boot the Prisma unit.

1. Press the ON/OFF

key.
Please wait; the Prisma requires 35 seconds for a full cold-boot process.
2. At the end of the boot process the graphical user interface (GUI) appears.

3.

V1.1

Drawing: startup screen

Connecting probes and USB memory stick

The following is the procedure to connect probes and a USB memory.
1. Connect the probe to the appropriate connector.

4.

Drawing: UT connectors

In order to connect phased array probes, unscrew and remove the grey protective cap that covers the
I-PEX connector located on the right-hand side of the Prisma. The cap can be stored on the unit by
screwing it on the back panel of the unit, over the CE mark.
IMPORTANT
When a phased array probe is not connected to the unit, the connector protective cap must be
reinstalled in order to prevent water and dust ingress.
If the phased array probe does not have an I-PEX connector, Sonatest can supply an appropriate
adaptor.

5.

V1.1

Drawing: X4 phased array probe DAAH phased array probe X-clamp

Your Prisma will be equipped with either BNC or Lemo 1 connectors for conventional UT and TOFD
probes. Sonatest can similarly supply appropriate cables and adaptors to suit probes with other types of
connectors.
You may use either, or both, channels A and B for conventional UT or TOFD. For pulse-echo scans,
connect the probe to the Tx/Rx connector, labelled T on the case. For pitch-catch scans, connect the
transmitter probe to the Tx/Rx T connector and the receiver probe to the Rx R connector.
2. Insert a USB memory stick into USB port 1. A miniature USB memory stick is supplied, which allows the
cover to close while in use.

6.

Drawing: PC type connectors

Three USB connectors and an Ethernet connector are located on the side of the unit; protected by the
waterproof cover. The USB ports can be used to connect external memory devices, a keyboard, a mouse,
or a USB hub should you need to connect additional devices. The Ethernet port can be used for remote
session support and to drive an external display via a VNC connection. If a USB memory device is
connected to the Prisma then the user may opt to save configuration (.utcfg) and data (.utdata) files to it.
Otherwise, by default and in the absence of an external memory device, these will be saved to the 5-GB
internal memory.

V1.1

Load an existing configuration

The following is the procedure to load files.

1. Press the

key to open the startup screen where you can select a user-defined or an example

configuration file.

7.

2. Use the Click Wheel

to select Load Configuration and press

8.

V1.1

Drawing: startup screen

Drawing: Using the click wheel

3. Press the

button to toggle through the available memory location options.

If you have connected a USB memory device, the list will include the following:

a.

The Internal partition is where you can save your own files.

b.

The Templates partition is where predefined example

configuration files are stored.

c.

A USB device will provide external memory storage options.

4. Select Templates Read Only.

9.

5. Press the

Drawing: Media Browser (file open)

key to toggle between the different views.

6. Press the

key to select the Menu bar on the left of the screen.

7. Select the appropriate file in the list using the Click Wheel
8. Press

to open the selected file.

File Extension
.utcfg
.utdata
.pdf
.png

Description
Contains the entire configuration for an inspection i.e. the probe, the wedge, the type of
scan, the position of each cursor, the layout and the color palette to use.
Contains the recorded data and everything a .utcfg file contains.
Reports created by Prisma use the PDF file format. Imported PDF files can also be
displayed by the Prisma.
Screen captures created by Prisma use the PNG image standard.
(PNG: portable network graphics)

Table 1: List of supported file types.

V1.1

10

Create a configuration
The following is the procedure to create a new configuration with the help of the New Inspection Wisard.

1. To create a new configuration, press the

2. Use the Click Wheel

key to open the startup screen.

to select Start New Inspection Wizard and press

10. Drawing: startup screen

3. Follow the instructions appearing on screen to set the parameters one by one.

11. Drawing: New Inspection Wizard (Step 1)

4. Select the required inspection type (conventional, TOFD, or phased array) and press

on the

keypad.
V1.1

11

The number of steps required to complete a configuration depends on the option selected. A typical
sequence of steps is as follows:

12. Drawing: New Inspection Wizard (step list)

5. After each step, press

to progress to the next step.

OR
Press

V1.1

to return to the previous step.

12

Starting data acquisition

The Prisma software simplifies your workflow by using three operational modes:

Configuration
Acquisition/Recording
Analysis

These modes are controlled using the STOP

, PLAY

, and REC

keys. The current operation

mode is always displayed at the top-right corner of the screen by the

and
icons.
1. After opening a configuration file (.utcfg), the Prisma always starts in Configuration mode, also referred
to as the STOP
mode. Before starting the data acquisition it is good practice to review your setup.
In Configuration mode the Prisma displays the following screen:

13. Drawing: UT Configuration mode (layout)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Menu
Configuration summary view
3D view
Contextual help view

V1.1

13

2. Press the
3. Press

key to select the Menu bar then use the Click Wheel

to navigate.

to edit a parameter.

4. To navigate the various menus press the

and
arrow keys. Press
around the OK button to move up or down a menu.

or

, or rotate your finger

14. Drawing: UT Configuration mode (components)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Tab bar (selected menu)

Menu Item
Selected menu Item
Category
Tab bar
3D View
Battery status
Information bar
Contextual help view

5. If necessary apply couplant to the part to be inspected.

6. Position the probe on the part.
7. Press

to change to the Acquisition mode (

).

At any time you can return to the Configuration mode by pressing the
key.
You are now ready to select the Calibrate tab and start the calibration process.

V1.1

14

Understanding the conventional UT screen layout

It is important to understand the components of the screen layout. This section guides you through the
main elements of the Acquisition or PLAY

mode.

15. Drawing: UT Acquisition mode (layout)

1. Menu
2. A-scan view
3. C-scan View
4. B-scan view
A number of alternate screen layouts can be selected from the View menu

V1.1

15

16. Drawing: UT analysis mode (component)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Measurements bar
Calibration indicators
Instrument state (Acquisition, Configuration, Recording, Analysis) and battery status
Scroll bar
View layout (current in green)
Encoder position
View measures

The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
depending on the inspection type. To change the layout press
of the screen and use the

to select the Menu bar on the left

key to select the View tab, use the Click Wheel

to select Select

Layout, press
and use the Click Wheel again to select the appropriate layout.
In the image above, the layout comprises one A-scan and one B-scan. This is the result of an encoded scan
of a 0 dual crystal probe over a step block. At the bottom, the colored spots represent the amplitude of
the underlying A-scan sample. The X-axis is the encoder scan axis. The Y-axis is the depth into the test
item.
Each view has its own cross-hair cursors, which can be disabled from the View tab. In drawing 16 above
the A-scan view has one gate and one Cartesian cursor (cross-hair). The B-scan view has two Cartesian
cursors. The Cartesian cursor location will report the depth (D) and true surface distance offset (SD). If
you move the cursor over a red region in the B-scan it will provide you the exact location of the flaw in
the part, regardless of the angle at which the peak signal occurs. All measurements are referenced from
V1.1

16

the wedge reference (Wedge Reference) point. The wedge reference location depends on the type of
wedge you are you using. The wedge reference is represented by the red dot in the 3D and scan plan
views displayed in Configuration mode. For more details see the Defining scan plan geometry
(cartesian/axis reference system) section.

V1.1

17

Navigating through menus and views

17. Drawing: Menu bar, view selection, cursor selection

1. Press
2. Press
OR
Press the
3. Press

to select the Menu bar, and use the Click Wheel

to edit a parameter and press

to navigate.

again to confirm the new value.

key to cancel making a change.

to toggle between the different views.

4. Press
to toggle between the different cursors of the selected view, then use the Click Wheel to
move the selected cursor (displayed in blue).

V1.1

18

10 Keypad

18. Drawing: keypad

The keypad comprises the following areas. Details of the functionality of each button are provided in Table 2
1. Click wheel
2. Main controls to access menus, views and cursors
3. Alphanumerical keypad and shortcuts
4. Mode selection: PLAY/PAUSE, STOP, REC
5. Files save and load, use these buttons to:
a. LOAD
i. Create a new configuration (setup)
ii. Open a configuration (setup, .utcfg file)
iii. Open a report (PDF)
iv. Open a data file (.utdata file)
b. SAVE
i. Save configuration (setup, .utcfg file)
ii. Save screen capture image
iii. Create and save Inspection report

V1.1

19

10.1 Keypad definition table

Button

Button Name

USB Keyboard

Short Function Description

CANCEL

Escape

Cancels an ongoing value change and resets to the previous value. Exit from a popup window.

Click Wheel

---

Rotate your finger clockwise and counter clockwise to scroll up and down through a menu, to
increase/decrease a parameter value, to move cursor in view area or zoom in/out in 3D view.
Also acts as LEFT/RIGHT key to move during text entry.

UP / DOWN
ARROWS

Arrows

Moves from one menu item to another. Changes a parameter value. Moves up and down the
selected cursor or gate.

LEFT / RIGHT
ARROWS

Arrows

Moves from one menu tab to another. Moves the selected cursor or gate to left and right.

OK

Enter

Edit and confirm new value or selection.

MENU

Get to the menu and allows menu navigation.

VIEW

Toggles between the various views. Display the Measurements bar (in Live mode)

CURSOR

Toggles between the various cursors of the currently selected view. Also acts as Backspace
during text entry.

dB

Changes the gain value of the selected scan. If pressed and held for 3 seconds, it will
automatically adjust the gain to 80% of the selected gate (if RefAmplitude is set to 80%).

WELD

Shows or hides the weld overlay for the selected view.

ZOOM IN/OUT

Zooms in or out of the view, in analysis mode only.

MAX / MIN

Maximizes or minimizes any selected view.

GATE

Focuses or toggles between gates.

RANGE

Changes the range path value of the selected scan.

F1 / HELP

F1

Access the Contextual Help, Quick Start Guide and User Guide Documentation.

F2 / INFO

F2

Displays the view information menu or for wizards returns to previous step or page.

F3 / SET REF

F3

PLAY/PAUSE

Starts or pauses live acquisition of ultrasound images.

STOP

Stops live acquisition or recording or goes a step in configuration mode.

RECORD

Starts the recording mode permitting data to be saved on completion or termination of the
scan.

SAVE

Saves a file (configuration, screenshot or report).

LOAD

Loads a configuration file,. displaying afile list to choose from.

REJECT

---

Illuminated when reject mode is activated

ALARM1 &2

---

Illuminated when any configured gates are triggered

ON/OFF
&
Battery indicator

---

Powers the instrument on (Hold down) or shuts it down. Lightis green when the device is ON.
Refer to the section 27 Power LED Behaviour

Resets the encoders position to the origin, or for wizards advances to the next step or page. .

Table 2: Keypad button functionalities

V1.1

20

11 Adjusting gain
To adjust the gain, press the

key to open the gain items and set the gain of the current scan.

Note: If you have multiple scans (only in UT), you should select the appropriate scan by pressing
before pressing the

V1.1

key.

21

12 Automatic 80% gain adjustment

The following is the procedure to adjust the gain automatically.
1. Press the gate key
arrows

, move the gate over the peak to be maximized using the Click Wheel
, and

2. Press and hold the

key for 3 seconds and it will automatically adjust the gain to the value of the
Ref Amplitude parameter of the selected gate, which is 80% by default.

V1.1

22

13 Calibration wizards (for conventional UT)

The Calibration tab displays the available calibration wizards. The menu items on this tab are displayed in
the order in which the calibrations should normally be performed. If you are using a multi-scan setup
each scan must be calibrated independently. The wizards will facilitate the calibration of the unit taking
into account the reflector type, type of calibration block, user supplied parameters, and the type of
probe/wedge used.
Type

Description

Velocity & Zero

Wizard...

Guides you through a calibration accounting for material

velocity and probe zero.

TCG/DAC/DGS
Wizard...

Guides you through the setup of TCG, DAC, or DGS curves.

Encoder
Wizard...

Guides you through the calibration of the encoder resolution.

Clear Calibrations

Resets one or more calibrations.

Table 3: Conventional UT calibration wizards

V1.1

23

Figures 19 and 20 show the examples of the Velocity & Zero and TCG Wizards.

19. Drawing: Velocity and Zero Wizard

20. Drawing: TCG Wizard

V1.1

24

14 TOFD option
14.1 Creating a TOFD setup
It is possible to either load an existing configuration or use the New Inspection Wizard to create and
calibrate a new TOFD setup.
This section shows how the New Inspection Wizard is used to create a new configuration.

1. Press the

key to open the startup screen and, using the Click Wheel

Inspection Wizard and press

, select Start New

21. Drawing: startup menu

2. Select TOFD and press

V1.1

25

22. Drawing: New Inspection Wizard (step2)

3. Select the type of material.

This will set the material sound speed which will be used to generate an initial probe centre spacing (PCS).

4. Enter the part thickness.

This information will be used to generate a crossing point at 67% depth of the part thickness. When all of
the parameters have been entered press

to move to the next step.

5. Configure the probe by adjusting the parameters and press

6. Configure the wedge the same way.

V1.1

once complete.

26

7. In the Geometry step, the wizard will propose a PCS derived from the values previously entered. Set the
probe to this exact distance (exit point to exit point).

23. Drawing: New Inspection Wizard (Step 5)

8. In the Path step the wizard shows a list of parameters computed from information entered previously.
Modify the Gain, the Start Path, and the Range.

9. Make sure the lateral wave, the back wall, and the converted mode are visible. Make adjustments
accordingly and then press

to move to the next step.

10. Configure the encoder by appropriately adjusting the parameters and press

once done.
11. Modify the measurement type if desired (measurement using hyperbolic cursors is automatically
selected). Press

once done.

14.2 Calibrating a TOFD setup

Having set the PCS, it remains to calibrate the TOFD setup by adjusting the speed of sound and the ruler
position.
1. Move to the Scan tab with the

or

arrow keys.

2. Select the TOFD category by pressing the

or

, or rotate your finger around the Click Wheel

.
3. Expand the TOFD category by pressing
V1.1

.
27

4. Modify the Ruler LW Pos parameter (it controls the white cursor in the A-scan view) to align the ruler
on the TOFD view with the first positive peak of the lateral wave.

24. Drawing: TOFD component

1. Ruler backwall (BW) position

2. Ruler lateral wave (LW) position
3. Non-linear TOFD ruler
5. Make sure that the Ruler BW Pos item is set so that the blue cursor in the A-scan is aligned to the first
negative peak of the backwall echo.
If it is not aligned, try adjusting the material velocity on the Part menu, the zero on the Scan menu, or
the probe spacing on the scanner.

V1.1

28

14.3 Understanding what you look at

The following instructions will guide you through the essential elements of the Acquisition or PLAY mode
.
1. A-scan view
2. TOFD view

25. Drawing: TOFD layout

The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
appropriate to each inspection type.
To change the layout:
1. Press
tab.

to activate the Menu bar on the left of the screen and use the

key to select the View

2. Use the Click Wheel

to select Select Layout, press
, and use the Click Wheel again to select
the appropriate layout.
In the image above, the layout comprises one A-scan view and one TOFD view (the B-scan is called the
TOFD view when making TOFD inspections). This is the result of an encoded scan. The grey is 0% FSH, the
white is +100% FSH and the black is -100% FSH.
The orange cursors in the TOFD view are called Hyperbolic cursors. The double cross-hair cursor
indicates which A-scan is showed in the A-scan view. Changing the extractor angle in the TOFD scan view
will therefore change the A-scan signal displayed in the right-side view.
There are several other functions which perform lateral wave straightening and lateral wave removal
These are explained in detail in the User Guide.

V1.1

29

15 Phased array Option

15.1 Understanding at the phased array screen layout
It is important to understand the components of the screen layout. This section guides you through the
main elements of the phased array Acquisition mode.

26. Drawing: phased array analysis and acquisition layout

The Acquisition mode screen elements:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

V1.1

Menu
Sectorial scan (S-scan) view
Top (amplitude %) view
End (amplitude %) view
A-scan
B-scan

30

27. Drawing: phased array analysis and acquisition (component)

The Analysis and Acquisition mode screen elements:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Measurement bar
Calibration indicator
Instrument state (Acquisition, Configuration, Recording, Analysis)
Scroll bar
View layout (current view in blue)
Encoder position
View measures

The division of the screen layout into areas is called a layout. Different layout options are available
appropriate to each inspection type.
To change the layout:
1. Press
tab.

to activate the Menu bar on the left of the screen and use the

key to select the View

2. Use the Click Wheel

to select Select Layout, press
and use the Click Wheelagain to select the
appropriate layout.
3. Use the Click Wheel to select Select Layout, use the Click Wheelto select the appropriate layout.
In the drawing 27 above, the pie-shaped image is referred to as a sectorial scan or S-scan. It is an image
created from the samples of 71 beams from 35 to 70, with a 0.5 step. The colors code the amplitude of
the underlying A-scans.
The dashed angled line on the S-scan is referred to as the Angular Extractor cursor. This cursor indicates
the origin of the A-scan which is displayed in the A-scan view. Changing the extractor angle in the S-scan
V1.1

31

will change the A-scan angle displayed in the A-scan view. This is one advantageous feature of phased
array, i.e. it permits the interrogation of multiple beam angles in real-time.
The cross-hair cursor on the S-scan is called a Cartesian cursor. The cross-hair location will report the
depth (D) and true surface distance (SD) offset. If the Cartesian cursor is moved over a coloured region on
screen it will return the location of that position regardless of the angle at which the peak signal occurs.
All measurements are referenced from the wedge reference point. The wedge reference location
depends on the type of wedge you are you using, if any. The wedge reference is represented by the red
dot in the 3D and scan plan views used in the Configuration mode.
For more details see the Defining scan plan geometry (cartesian/axis reference system) section.
Each view has its own rulers which can be used to quickly evaluate the location of flaws.

28. Drawing: phased array analysis and acquisition layout, ruler identification

Each A-scan has independent signal gates. The gates can be positioned along the time/distance axis. Each
gate has a threshold level which if exceeded by the signal triggers a measurement, the result of which is
displayed next to the relevant gate; whenever the signal crosses the gate, a measurement is calculated
and displayed on the side of the gate. Measurements are also presented at the top of the screen.
The green triangle at the top right of the screen indicates that real-time imaging mode is active and that
ultrasonic pulses are continually being generated. Real-time data can be recorded by pressing
image frozen by pressing

V1.1

or the

32

15.2 Moving the A-scan Extractor cursor

The following is the procedure to move the A-scan Extractor cursor.
1. In acquisition mode press the
2. Press the

key and select the desired S-scan view.

key (once or multiple times) to select the extractor in the current view.

3. Use the Click Wheel

to move the selected Extractor cursor to the desire position.

15.3 Moving the Top/End view box

The following is the procedure to move the top/End view box.
1. In acquisition mode, press the
2. Press the

key (once or multiple times) to select the S-scan view.

key (once or multiple times) to select the extractor in the current view.

3. Use the Click Wheel (

) to select to move the selected box.

4. Press
to modify the box size then use the Click Wheel to change dimensions and press
accept them.

again to

15.4 Adjusting the focus (focal laws)

When using phased array it is important to be able to adjust the focusing of the ultrasonic sound beam.
This is achieved using the Focus Dist item. The focusing capability is restricted to the near-field length. In
other words, beam focusing is only achievable to distances shorter than the near-field length. For weld
testing, a non focused beam is often preferred and this can be achieved by setting the focal distance to a
value much greater than the near-field length. Refer to the 3D view to know the near-field length of the
probe.
1.

Press the

2.
3.

Use the RIGHT ARROW key on the Click Wheel

to reach the Scan tab.
Use the DOWN ARROW key to reach the Focus Dist item.

4.
5.

Press the
key to modify the value.
Rotate the Click Wheel to increase or decrease the focal distance.

6.

Press the

V1.1

key.

key to accept the new value.

33

15.5 Calibration wizards (for phased array)

The calibration wizards are listed in the sequence that they are normally used. For a multi-scan inspection
each scan must be calibrated separately.
Type

Description

Velocity & Zero Wizard

Guides you through calibration of the material velocity and the

measurement zero.

Wedge Delay Wizard

Guides you through calibration of the Wedge Delay. Only

applicable to phased array.

Sensitivity/ACG Wizard

Guides you through calibration of Angular Corrected Gain

(ACG) sensitivity. Only applicable to phased array.

TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard

Guides you calibration of Time Corrected Gain (TCG), Distance

Amplitude Correction (DAC) curves and Distance Gain Sizing
(DGS or AVG).

Encoder Wizard

Guides you through calibration of the encoder resolution.

Element Check Wizard

Guides you through the process for determining if an element

is defective.

Clear Calibrations

Resets one or more calibrations.

Table 4: List of phased array wizards

Displayed below is a screen capture of the Sensitivity Wizard:

29. Drawing: phased array, Sensitivity Calibration Wizard

V1.1

34

16 Manipulating cursors (Cartesian, Angular, Gate, Extractor Box, and Extractor)

The following is the procedure to move the different cursors available in all the views.
1. In Acquisition mode use the
2. Use the

key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate view.

key (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 the gate size press

V1.1

then change size by using the Click Wheel.

35

17 Adding cursors
Table 5 lists the available cursors.
Type

Description

Drawing

Gate

Gates are used to make flank and peak measurements in A-scan views.
When the gate is triggered by an echo, the peak amplitude level is
displayed, as well as its absolute position in Depth (), Surface
Distance () and Sound Path (). All Sound Path measurements use
the SCAN Travel Mode, thus measurements can either represent the
Full or Half Sound Path in the part (mm or inches), or the Full or Half
Sound Time spent in the part (s).
The Gate quick access key is

Extractor

The extractor is used to extract A-scans from L-scans or S-scans.

Cartesian

Cartesian cursors are used to measure surface distance (SD) and depths
in S-scans, L-scans and A-scans.

Angular

Angular cursors are used to perform sound path measurements in Sscans and L-scans.

Extractor
Box

The Extractor Box is used to extract Top and End views from S-scans and
L-scans.

Hyperbolic

Hyperbolic cursors are used to evaluate surface distance (SD) and depth
measurements in a TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) scan. The TOFD
view is a B-scan view from a pitch-catch probe geometry. The
hyperbolic cursor is used because the depth measurement is non-linear.

Table 5: List of available cursors.

The manual addition of a cursor to a view is achieved as follows:

1. In Acquisition mode, press the
2. Press

and select the View tab.

3. Use the Click Wheel

V1.1

key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate view.

to select the Add Cursor item.

36

18 Making measurements with gates

Gates are the most common and precise way to make measurements. A gate measurement is made as
follows:
1. In Acquisition mode, use the gate
2. Use the Click Wheel

to move the selected gate to the desired position.

3. To change the gate size, press

V1.1

key (once or multiple times) to select the appropriate gate.

and change size using the Click Wheel.

37

19 Customizing the Measurements bar

30. Drawing: Measurement bar

The Measurements bar is shown at the top of the screen in PLAY mode, when a menu is not selected and
a view is selected (in PLAY mode press the
button). It can also be shown permanently in PLAY
mode by enabling the Keep Measures preference.
To select desired measures from cursors:
1. Press
if you are not already in PLAY mode.
2. Select the Measures menu and select Select Measures.

31. Drawing: Measure menu

3. Select one of the measurements items (1 through 5) and press

to modify it.

32. Drawing: select the Measure menu

Each measurement item is composed of three parts; the cursor identifier, the reference point, and the
type of measurement. For example, G1 ^
2 means the true depth in the second half skip of the
peak detected in the gate number 1.

V1.1

38

The following three tables present the details of each measurement type.
Identifier

Cursor Type

Ref

Reference Point

Meas

MeasurementType

Amplitude in percent

Angular/Extractor

Peak (or point)

Cartesian

Flank

Depth

Gate

Start

Hyperbolic (TOFD)

First point of a
gate

Sound path (from exit

point)

Stop

End point of a
gate

Surface distance (from

wedge reference)

SQ

Square Box

AB

Angular Box

DAC

Distance amplitude
curve

True
depth(considering
half-skips)

Table 6: List of available measurements

V1.1

39

20 Taking screenshots and building reports

The following is the procedure to make screen capture and produce reports.

1. To make a screenshot or create a report press the

key.
2. Select Report or Screen Capture (refer to sections about loading and saving files).

V1.1

40

21 Defining scan plan geometry (cartesian/axis reference system)

The scan plan is defined on the Geometry tab where the position of the probes and wedges are set.
Table 7 lists the icons used to visually identify the principal data on the scan graphic.

Table 7: 3D view symbols

V1.1

41

21.1 Wedge references

Table 8 defines the wedge reference ( ) for various different probe-wedge combinations for phased array
and conventional UT configurations. Note that the wedge reference is different in each case.
Probe Type

Reference
At the beam exit point

Probe without wedge

At the centre of the wedge

contact surface

Probe with a flat wedge

At the centre of the wedge

contact surface

Probe with an angular wedge

At the centre of the wedge front

edge

Drawing

Phased Array

Conventional UT

Probe with or without wedge

Table 8: List of wedge reference point definitions

21.2 Group reference

When an inspection involves more than one probe, the probes are positioned relative to a group
reference point, or Grp Ref, identified by . This can be located anywhere on the probe retention
assembly, but it is a good practice to choose a position coincident with the centre line of the weld or scan
axis and the probe/wedge assembly. See drawing 33.

V1.1

42

33. Drawing: group reference (Grp Ref)

21.3 Part datum

The part datum, identified by , is a point chosen on the inspected part which acts as the spatial origin
for all of the acquired data. Where possible it is recommended that the part datum is coincident with the
Grp Ref point. Alternatively, an offset between the Scan Start Position on the Encoding tab and the Grp
Ref can be defined.

34. Drawing: Part Datum

V1.1

43

22 Setting up position-encoded or time-encoded scans

There are two main types of encoded inspection:

Time-encoded scans, which are typically manual, free running scans where UT pulses are
continuously emitted.
Position encoded scans, which acquire data when the position encoder triggers the arrival at the
specified position.

1. Press STOP

to return in configuration mode.

2. Use the RIGHT ARROW key on the Click Wheel

to access the Encoding tab.

3. Press
to edit the Encoding Setup parameter.
4. Select:
None for manual (free running)
Scan Axis Only for encoded (encoder triggered)
5. Configure the Encoding tab parameters appropriately for the encoder.
6. If Scan Axis Only is selected, connect the encoder to the socket marked E on the back panel of the unit.

35. Drawing: unit back-panel connectors

7. Press PLAY
and select the appropriate layout.
8. If Scan Axis Only is selected, try moving the encoder/scanner to check it is functioning
9. Use the Encoder Wizard to set the encoder step and granularity.
Note: In order to connect two encoders a Y-splitter cable is used for the connector marked E.

V1.1

44

23 Setting up an encoded scan

The following is the procedure to set up an encoded scan.
1. Press the STOP
key to return to the Configuration mode.
It is easier to review Geometry parameters in Configuration mode.
2. Review the parameters on the Geometry tab.
3. Navigate the menus using the

and

arrow keys. Press

or

, or rotate your finger around the

OK button to move up or down the menu. Press

to select from the following parameters to edit:
Geometry: W1 Index Offset (W1 stands for "Wedge 1", or "Probe 1" if theres no wedge)
Geometry: W1 Scan Offset (W1 stands for "Wedge 1", or "Probe 1" if theres no wedge)
Geometry: W1 Rotation (W1 stands for "Wedge 1", or "Probe 1" if theres no wedge)
4. Review the parameters on the Encoding tab use an encoder is intended:
Encoding: Encoding Setup
Encoding: Scan Enc. Type (the type of encoder used)
Encoding: Scan Start Pos (the start position )
Encoding: Scan Distance
Encoding: Scan Step
5. Press PLAY
6. Press

V1.1

to change to the Acquisition mode.

and

to reset the encoder position, as required.

45

24 Selecting a layout with appropriate views

The type of inspection determines the views that are available. Table 9 lists the different
view types.
View

Description

A-scan view

B-scan view

C-scan view

D-scan view

S-scan view

TOP

Top view

END

End view

TOFD

TOFD view

MTOP

Merged Top view

MC

Merged C-scan

B-LOG

Thickness B-Scan view

Table 9: List of available view types

Select the View tab and press

1.

to open the list of available views.

36. Drawing: view layout

2.

Use the Click Wheel

V1.1

to select the desired layout.

46

25 Menu tree (menu items vary according to the inspection setup)

Inspection

Hardware Settings

Probe

Wedge

Add

Load

Voltage Phased Array

Delete

Wedge Type

Voltage Mono

Load

Mono Pulse Damping

Probe Type

Report Info

Manufacturer

Site

Model

Operator

Serial

Procedure Ref
Couplant

Report Settings
Procedure Report
Report Type
Cursors Info
Inspection Info
Probe Info
Wedge Info
Scan Info
Encoder Info
DAC Info
DGS Info
3D Views Info
Warnings Info

Manufacturer

Identifiers

Job/Customer

Qualification

Identifiers
Model
Serial

Settings
X Offset

Settings

Contact Surface

Frequency
Pulse Width

Cut Angle

Advanced Settings

Connected To

Wedge Velocity LW

Advanced Settings

Diameter

First Element Pin #

Back Height

Nb Elmnt Dim 1

Front Height

Elmt Pitch Dim 1

Width

Elmt Size Dim 1

Length

Elmt Offset Dim 1

Roof Angle

Elmt Size Dim 2

Probe Back Dist

Elmt Offset Dim 2

Probe Side Dist

Element Layout

Save

Encoding

Probe Inset

Save

Part

Logo

Encoding Setup

Change Logo File

Encoders Name

Material

Clear Logo File

Reset All Position

Part Geometry

Menus

Scan Axis

Properties

Thickness

Lock Setup

Scan Axis Name

Velocity LW

Short Menu

Scan Enc Type

Velocity SW

Calibrate

Scan Enc Resolution

Identifiers

Velocity & Zero Wizard...

Scan Start Position

Component

Wedge Delay Wizard...

Scan Stop Position

Serial #

Sensitivity/ACG Wizard...

Scan Distance

TCG/DAC/DGS Wizard...

Scan Step

Encoder Wizard...

Scan Invert Direction

Element Activation Wizard...

Clear Calibrations

Statistics
Data File Size
Max Phys. Enc. Speed

Measures
Select Measures
- Measurement 1 to 6

Location Ref

Weld Geometry
Weld
HAZ
Root Gap
(Weld geometry)

Calibration Block
Cal. Block Type
Cal. Block Serial #

Encoded Axis Reference

V1.1

47

Scan

Scan (continued)

Add
Delete
Scan Type

Gain
Gain
Reference Gain
Set Reference Gain
Software Gain
Auto FSH%
Reference Amplitude

Acquisition Area
Resolution
Start Angle
Stop Angle
Angle
Start Path
Range Path
Stop Path
Zero
Wave Mode
Travel Mode

Focusing
Number of Active Element
Double Resolution

RX

Select Layout

Signal Rectification

View Orientation

Digital Filter

Add Cursor

Analog filter

Palette Properties

Sub-Sampling

View Palette

Rejection

Palette Position

Reject Threshold

Palette Ampl. Low

Smoothing

Palette Ampl. High

Contouring

Palette Depth Low

Cont. Decay Rate

Palette Depth High

Averaging

Depth/Amp Mode

- IFT Start, Range, Threshold

Depth/Path Mode

Acq. Freq

Data Gate

Probe Connect

Reference Gate

Probe TX/RX

Elements

IFT Culling

Rulers & Grids

First Element TX/RX

Rulers

Last Element TX/RX

Depth/Path Mode

Statistics
Beams Quantity

Grids

Scroll & Zoom

Samples Quantity

View Scrolling Mode

Path Resolution

Frame Start

Cursor
Name

Focal Distance

Type

Ruler Lateral Wave Position

Data Extraction

IFT Active

Focalisation

TOFD

View

Zoom

Geometry

Probe/Wedge 1

Color

W1 Index Offset

Position

W1 Scan Offset
W1 Rotation

Theo Time Lateral Wave

Level/Threshold

Theo Time Lateral Wave

Surface Dist (Start/Stop)

PCS

Depth (Start/Stop)

Enc. Area CL Pos

Beam inter Pct

True Depth (Start/Stop)

Enc. Area CL Offset

Straightening

Encoding Scan/Index Axis

Enc. Area Rotation

Encoding Area

- Activate Straightening

Focal Law

- Show Indicators

Angle

Media Browser

- LW Trig. Tolerance

Sound Path

 Display

- LW Trig. Threshold

Gate Start/Stop

 System

LW Removal
- Activate LW Removal
- LW Removal Indicator
- LW Removal Factor
- LW Zone Start
- LW Zone Range

TX

Gate Width

Measures

Prefs

 Network
 Support

Gate Follow Peak

Triggered By

Alarm
Gate Alarm
Delete Cursor

PRF
V1.1

48

26 Ruler and axis color map

View
A-scan

Axis Content
Amplitude
Sound path

B-scan

Scan
Sound path

C-scan

Scan
Surface distance

D-scan

Index
Sound path

S-scan

Surface distance
Depth

Top

Scan
Surface distance

End

Scan
Depth

TOFD

Scan
Depth (non-linear)

Table 10: List of ruler color map

V1.1

49

27 Power LED Behavior

The unit is turned off
Power LED Color

Status

BLUE

Charging

OFF

Charged, or no power cord

When unit is turned on (on battery power)

Power LED Color
RED

Status
Battery critical (0% to 20%)

YELLOW

Battery low (20% to 30%)

GREEN

Battery OK (30% to 100%)

When unit is turned on (plugged in)

Power LED Color

Status

BLUE

Charging

GREEN

Charged

Table 11: List of power LED behavior

V1.1

50

28 Color palettes
Palette Names

Color Gradient

3 level threshold
ABF Amplitude
Aeronautic
Cubic Law
Fire Ice
Rainbow
Spectrum
Thermal
Greyscale
TOFD
Table 12: List of color palettes

V1.1

51

29 Features not covered in this document

The following list of features are not covered in this quick start guide, but are addressed in the full User
Guide.

V1.1

Calibration on each type of reflectors

DAC
Split DAC
DGS
Split DGS
API
AWS measurements
TCG
BEA
TOFD lateral wave straightening
TOFD lateral wave removal
Data analysis
Detailed documentation of all type of measurements
Example of typical inspections
Enabling software options

52

30 Encoder Connector Pin out

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

V1.1

Red -> VCC

Blue - > ENC1_A
Green -> ENC1_B
Orange -> ENC2_A
NC
White -> ENC2_B
NC
Black -> GND

53

31 I/O Connector Pin out

Pin #

Description

1 (red dot)

Power 5V, 300mA

max.

5V TTL, Trig-Sync

Output, Gate 1

Output, Not yet

defined

Output, Not yet

defined

Input, Not yet

defined

Input, Not yet

defined

8(center pin)

Power return
Ground

V1.1

54

32 Definitions
32.1 Scan types
The Type parameter on the Scan tab allows the user to select between Sectorial, Linear, Mono, and TOFD
scans. Scans can be configured to be either pulse-echo (PE) or pitch-catch (PC), with the exception of
TOFD which is always pitch-catch. The scan types are described in the following sections.
32.1.1 Sectorial scan
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.
32.1.2 Linear scan
The linear scan, or L-scan, is represented on screen as a parallelogram view, directly under the probe or at
a specific angle. The L-scan is created from multiple A-scans from different exit points, but with the same
beam angle. A small group of elements are activated in order to generate each beam (focal law) and the
group of activated elements is cycled along the elements array for each subsequent beam.
32.1.3 Mono scan (conventional UT)
Mono scan refers to the conventional A-scan representation acquired using a single element or pair of
elements in the case of a dual probe. The A-scan is a waveform representing the amplitude of the
ultrasound signal as a function of time or propagation distance. Events in the A-scan , or echoes, occurs
when the ultrasound wave packet encounters a discontinuity, which may be a defect, such as a crack, or
may be due to the intrinsic geometry of the item inspected.
32.1.4 TOFD scan
The time-of-flight-diffraction (TOFD) scan involves a pitch- catch arrangement of conventional UT probes
from which the data is displayed using a greyscale B-scan to encode multiple A-scans.

V1.1

55

33 Copyright, disclaimers, and certifications

33.1 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.
E-mail: sales@sonatest.com
Web: www.sonatest.com

33.2 Disclaimer of liability

All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this manual or any other
information supplied by Sonatest Limited in connection with the use, features and qualifications of the
Prisma is 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 characteristics of materials. You bear all risk in connection
with the use of the product.
You are reminded that all warranties as to merchantability and fitness for purpose are excluded from the
contract under which the product and this manual have been supplied to you. The Sellers only obligation
in this respect is to replace such quantity of the product proved 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 loss 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).

V1.1

56

33.3 Certification (electromagnetic compatibility)

This product conforms to the following European Directives:

Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (RoHS)
Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

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 contains a fully certified Bluetooth module (FCC ID : T9J-RN42).
The Prisma also complies with EN 12668-1:2010, Non-destructive testing and verification of ultrasonic
examination equipment Part 1: Instruments.

V1.1

57