T.O. 33B-1-14-174.3.1.2 SignalDetection.A simple but effective signal detection technique is to use a bridge circuit as illustrated in Figure 4-12. With currentflowing through the test coil and the coil positioned on a flaw-free or reference area, the variable impedance Z1 can beadjusted so that zero current flows through the amplifier. This adjustment is termed either “balancing” or “nulling” thebridge. When the coil is placed on a flawed or damaged area, the resultant change in current through the coil“unbalances” the bridge and current flows through the amplifier. This current is the inspection signal. The signal hasthe same frequency as the current through the coil. The phase and amplitude of this signal contains information on thecondition that caused the bridge unbalance.Figure 4-12. Simplified Bridge Circuit4.3.1.3 SignalAnalysis.In the simplest type of instrumentation, analysis of the signal consists of measuring the change in magnitude of thecurrent flowing through the bridge. Changes in the magnitude of the alternating current are amplified and converted toa direct current for display or readout. In more sophisticated instrumentation, both amplitude and phase are measured4.3.1.4 Displays.The method by which eddy current signals are presented is dictated by the type of information required and thecomplexity of the instrumentation. When only signal amplitude is measured, meters, alarm signals, or recorders arecommonly used. When both amplitude and phase information are to be displayed, a cathode ray tube or some other twodimensional display device is normally used.4.3.1.4.1 AmplitudeDisplay.Meters may be analog (needle moving over a fixed numerical scale) or digital. Audible or visual alarms may be set totrigger when the signal amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold. A recorder presents a continuous record of thesignal amplitude during an inspection for subsequent analysis.4.3.1.4.2 ImpedancePlaneDisplay.Defects or other variations in material characteristics will alter the strength and distribution of an induced eddy currentflow. Changes in the eddy current flow will result in changes in the inducing coil or sensor coil currents. Thesechanges can be expressed as an apparent change in the coil’s electrical impedance. This makes it possible to associatechanges in material properties with specific changes in the apparent impedance of either the excitation or sensor coils.The two-dimensional display that permits this is the most commonly used and is called an impedance plane display.The usefulness of impedance plane displays will be discussed later starting with paragraph 4.3.2.5.
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