Conjugate spectrum filters for eddy current signal processing : Stepinski, T.; Maszi, N. Materials Evaluation, Vol. 51, No. 7, pp. 839–844 (Jul. 1993)

Abstract

The paper addresses the problem of detection and classification of material defects during eddy current inspection. Digital signal processing algorithms for detection and characterization of flaws are considered and a new type of filter for classification of eddy current data is proposed. In the first part of the paper the signal processing blocks used in modern eddy current instruments are presented and analyzed in terms of information transmission. The processing usually consists of two steps: detection by means of amplitude-phase detectors and filtering of the detector output signals by means of analog signal filters. Distortion introduced by the signal filters is considered and illustrated using real eddy current responses. The nature of the distortion is explained and the way to avoid it is indicated. A novel method for processing the eddy current responses is presented in the second part of the paper. The method employs two-dimensional conjugate spectrum filters (CSFs) that are sensitive both to the phase angle and the shape of the eddy current responses. First the theoretical background of the CSF is presented and then two different ways of application, matched filters and orthogonal conjugate spectrum filters, are considered. The matched CSFs can be used for attenuation ofmore » all signals with the phase angle different from the selected prototype. The orthogonal filters are able to suppress completely a specific interference, e.g. the response of supporting plate when testing heat exchanger tubes. The performance of the CSFs is illustrated by means of real and simulated eddy current signals.« less