Thesis Proposal – Test tool for Eddy Current Test Instruments

Background

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of conductive materials and components such as steel pipes or wires is often performed using a technique known as Eddy Current testing (ECT).

In this test method, a carrier frequency from an ECT instrument is applied to an inductive test coil which is placed close to the test object. The test coil generates a magnetic field, which induces eddy currents within the test object. Any discontinuity, such as a crack, scratch, hole, or a variation in the material structure, disturbs the eddy currents, which in turn modifies the coil impedance, which is detected by the ECT instrument.

For calibration and verification of the ECT instrument, a test tool that can simulate the test coil signal would be good to have. The tool must function in the oscillator frequency range 300Hz to >=1MHz and be able to simulate defects with selectable amplitude, pulse length and selectable phase delay compared to the oscillator output.

Syntronic has contributed to the development of an ECT instrument capable of detecting quite small defects in materials such as steel with good precision that can be used for evaluation of a selected test tool design.

Thesis Objective

The objective of this thesis is to search for a suitable design and if possible, realize the design in a prototype product.

1. Evaluating needed functionality of the test tool
2. Find a suitable solution
3. Realize the selected design idea in a schematics and layout (Altium)
4. Build a working prototype
5. Verify the prototype
6. Specify the test tool performance

For a successful thesis work, we believe that the applicants should have:

– Interest and knowledge in electronics, both digital and analog electronics, such as microprocessors, various OP-amp and ADC/DAC solutions and measurement technology. 

– Practical experience in electronics, such as schematic design, PCB layout (Altium), programming uP, FPGA knowledge and soldering skllls is considered a plus.

–  Good knowledge in both Swedish and English.

To give you the best possible support during your thesis, we’d like you to be able to come to the office connected to the project and spend most of your time working from there.

Application:

We look forward to receiving your resume, and preferably, a personal letter in which you explain why you want to write your thesis with Syntronic.

We screen and evaluate applications on an ongoing basis. The thesis project may be filled before the application deadline.