BRITISH STANDARD BS 4331-2:

1972
CONFIRMED
OCTOBER 1982

Methods

Assessing the
performance
characteristics of
ultrasonic flaw
detection equipment
Part 2: Electrical performance
BS 4331-2:1972

Co-operating organizations

The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose

supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
from the following Government departments and scientific and industrial
organizations:
Associated Offices Technical Committee*
Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Hydraulic Equipment
Manufacturers
Association of Mining Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers
British Chemical Plant Manufacturers
Association
British Compressed Air Society
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers
Association*
British Gear Manufacturers Association
British Internal Combustion Engine
Manufacturers Association
British Mechanical Engineering Confederation
British Pump Manufacturers Association
British Steel Industry*
Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and
Administrations
Department of Employment and Productivity
(H.M. Factory Inspectorate)
Department of the Environment
Department of Trade and Industry*
Department of Trade and Industry National
Engineering Laboratory*
Electricity Council, the Central Electricity
Generating Board and the Area Boards in
England and Wales*
Engineering Equipment Users Association
Gas Council
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Heating and Ventilating
Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
(Automobile Division)
Institution of Plant Engineers
Institution of Production Engineers*
Locomotive and Allied Manufacturers
Association of Great Britain
London Transport Executive
Machine Tool Trades Association
Ministry of Defence*
Ministry of Defence, Army Department*
National Coal Board*
National Physical Laboratory (Department of
Trade and Industry)*
Royal Institute of British Architects
Telecommunications Engineering
Manufacturing Association
Water Tube Boilermakers Association*

The Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations

This British Standard, having
been approved by the
Mechanical Engineering
Industry Standards Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Executive
Board on
14 January 1972
BSI 03-1999
marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were
directly represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this
British Standard.
Aluminium Federation Ministry of Defence, Navy Department
British Chemical Engineering Contractors Non-destructive Testing Centre
Association Non-destructive Testing Society of
British European Airways Great Britain
British National Committee for Oil Companies Material Association
Non-destructive Testing Scientific Instrument Manufacturers
British Non-ferrous Metals Federation Association
British Non-ferrous Metals Research Society of British Aerospace Companies Ltd.
Association Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
British Overseas Airways Corporation Ltd.
Institute of Physics and The Physical Society Society of Non-destructive Examination
Institution of Engineering Inspection The Welding Institute
Lloyds Register of Shipping Tube Investments Ltd.
Ministry of Aviation Supply United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee references MEE/169
and MEE/169//1
Draft for comment 70/28779

ISBN 580 06967 2

 BS 4331-2:1972

Contents

Page
Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 General 1
4 Transmitter pulses 1
5 Amplifier 2
6 Time base 3
7 Gates 3
8 Variations in power supply 4
Appendix A Test equipment 6
Appendix B Description of bi-polar gate 6
Appendix C Measurement of amplifier frequency response 7
Figure 1 Test arrangement for flaw detector amplifier tests 5
Figure 2 Circuit diagram for bi-polar gate 6
Figure 3 CRT diagrams Amplifier frequency response 8

BSI 03-1999 i
BS 4331-2:1972

Foreword

In order to keep abreast of progress in the industries concerned, British

Standards are subject to periodical review. Suggestions for improvements will be
recorded and in due course brought to the notice of the committees charged with
the revision of the standards to which they refer.
A complete list of British Standards, numbering over 9,000, fully indexed and
with a note of the contents of each, will be found in the BSI Catalogue which may
be purchased from BSI Sales Department. The Catalogue may be consulted in
many public libraries and similar institutions.
This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:
BS 204, Glossary of terms used in telecommunication (including radio) and
electronics.
BS 205, Glossary of terms used in electrical engineering.
BS 2011, Methods for the environmental testing of electronic components and
electronic equipment.
BS 3683, Glossary of terms used in non-destructive testing.
BS 3683-4, Ultrasonic flaw detection.
BS 4331-1, Methods for assessing the performance characteristics of ultrasonic
flaw detection equipment.
BS 4331, Overall performance.
This British Standard, which is one of a series dealing with the non-destructive
testing of engineering materials and components, has been prepared under the
authority of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee. During
the preparation of this series of standards, it has become evident that ancillary
standards are required for the test equipment and testing materials, and the
purpose of this standard is to establish methods by which the electrical
performance characteristics of ultrasonic flaw detection equipment can be
assessed.
Whilst Part 1 of this standard establishes comparatively simple methods by
which the overall performance of the equipment can be determined, this Part is
particularly concerned with the functioning of the different units incorporated in
the ultrasonic equipment, e.g. the transmitter, amplifier, time base circuits etc.,
and hence the electrical measurements required to assess their individual
performance. The standard is, therefore, intended to provide methods by which
both manufacturers and purchasers of ultrasonic equipment can check the
electrical characteristics of an instrument. Consideration is being given to the
preparation of a further Part dealing specifically with probe characteristics.
It is emphasized that the person responsible for assessing electrical performance
characteristics should be fully conversant not only with the use of ultrasonic flaw
detection equipment and the measuring instruments involved, but also with the
significance of the parameters to be measured.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 8 and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii BSI 03-1999

1 Scope
1.1 This British Standard describes methods for
assessing the electrical performance characteristics
of ultrasonic flaw detection equipment (excluding
probes) and accordingly deals with the functioning
of the transmitter (pulse generator), amplifier, time
base and power supply.
1.2 Information concerning ancillary testing circuits
and the measuring equipment required for carrying
out the tests is given in respective appendices.
NOTE The titles of the British Standards referred to in this
standard are listed on page ii.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard, the
definitions given in BS 3683-4 apply. Attention is
also drawn to BS 204 and BS 205.
3 General
3.1 When carrying out the checks described in this
standard, the equipment shall be operated in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions. It
is recommended that the warming-up period prior
to commencing the checks be not less
than 15 minutes.
3.2 Attention is drawn to the fact that external
electrical interference caused by other apparatus
etc., might affect the performance of the equipment.
3.3 For environmental checks, reference should be
made to BS 2011.
4 Transmitter pulses
This clause applies to uni-directional pulses only.
For the measurements given in 4.3 to 4.8 inclusive,
the transmitter shall be terminated in the
non-reactive resistor as used in 4.1.1 2) and,
wherever practicable, the checks shall be carried out
with the instrument switched to double probe
working. For the measurements given in 4.4 to 4.8
inclusive, the pulse repetition frequency shall be set
to maximum.
4.1 Effective output impedance (Zo)
4.1.1 Instrument switched to double probe
conditions (without probe)
1) At the output socket of the equipment,
measure the open circuit EMF on a calibrated
cathode ray oscilloscope (V1).
2) Terminate the output socket of the equipment
directly with a non-reactive resistor whose value
(R) is within 1 % of its nominal value, and
measure the potential difference across this
termination (V2). It will be found convenient to
use standard terminations of 50 7 or 75 7 and
the value selected shall be noted.
BSI 03-1999
BS 4331-2:1972
3) Calculate the effective output impedance (Zo)
using the following formula:
V1 V 2
Z o = ---------------------
-R
V2
The above procedure shall be repeated to determine
the effect of controls such as pulse tuning, pulse
height etc., on the effective output impedance of the
equipment.
4.1.2 Instrument switched to single probe conditions
(without probe). The procedure described in 4.1.1
shall be repeated with the gain and attenuator
controls set to give minimum and maximum
sensitivity.
4.2 Pulse repetition frequency. The pulse
repetition frequency shall be measured with the
PRF control set at maximum and at minimum. If
the instrument controls include a switched selection
of pulse repetition frequencies, the PRF at each
switch setting shall be measured.
NOTE In some equipment, the PRF may be linked to a range
control and be continuously variable. In such cases, the number
of measurements taken is at the discretion of the user.
4.3 Pulse amplitude. The peak amplitude of the
pulse shall be measured on a calibrated cathode ray
oscilloscope and recorded with the pulse repetition
frequency set at maximum and at minimum.
4.4 Pulse shape. A photograph shall be taken of the
pulse as displayed on a calibrated cathode ray
oscilloscope. The graticule shall be visible on the
photograph, and the time base and y deflection
calibration settings used when the photograph is
taken shall be recorded.
4.5 Rise time. The maximum interval between the
instants at which the value of a pulse reaches 90 %
and 10 % of its peak value shall be recorded in
micro-seconds.
4.6 Decay time. The maximum interval between
the instants at which the value of a pulse
reaches 90 % and 10 % of its peak value shall be
recorded in micro-seconds.
4.7 Pulse duration. The duration of the interval
between the first and last instant at which the value
of a pulse reaches 10 % of its peak amplitude shall
be recorded in micro-seconds.
4.8 Stability (short term). For this check, a period
equal to at least 10 pulses shall be displayed on the
test oscilloscope, using a suitably slow time base
setting. If there are noticeable variations in pulse
amplitude and pulse spacing, these shall be
estimated and recorded. Alternatively, the fact that
there are no detectable variations shall be recorded.
NOTE This check is particularly relevant where very high
pulse repetition frequencies are used.
1
BS 4331-2:1972
5 Amplifier
5.1 Test equipment. For carrying out the checks
described in this clause, it is necessary to use pulsed
carriers in the frequency band 100 kHz to 25 MHz.
If a suitable signal generator giving pulsed carrier
in this frequency band is available, it may be used.
Alternatively, the arrangement shown in Figure 1
has been found suitable for this purpose. See also
Appendix A and Appendix B for other details
concerning the test equipment.
5.2 General
5.2.1 Unless otherwise stated, the measurements
described in this section shall be taken with the
transmitter disconnected from the amplifier input,
i.e. as for double probe working conditions. If this is
not possible, precautions may be necessary to
protect the test equipment from the transmitter
output. It is necessary to provide tests appropriate
to a number of different arrangements as the
amplifier output may be rectified or unrectified, or
switchable from one condition to the other.
5.2.2 Unless otherwise stated, all suppression
controls shall be set to a minimum and if swept gain
is incorporated in the instrument, this shall be
switched off. All high frequency filters shall be set to
ensure that the bandwidth of the amplifier is at
maximum.
5.2.3 In measuring the frequency response of the
amplifier, some judgement is necessary in selecting
the number of measurement intervals and their
spacing in order to ensure that the response curve is
correctly defined. For example, in the case of
instruments which use a wide band untuned
amplifier for probes of all frequencies,
measurements of amplifier pass-band taken at
octave intervals may be sufficient. However, in the
case of instruments with tuned amplifiers which are
set to match the frequency of the probe used, more
closely spaced measurements will be necessary. In
general the response curve should be plotted with a
sufficient number of points to show any variations
in response greater than 20 %. In the measurement
of half-amplitude points on a response curve which
is smooth, it may be satisfactory to interpolate
between two measurements on either side of these
points. However, in cases where there is some doubt
about the regularity of the response curve in these
areas, the actual frequency of the half-amplitude
points should be determined by changing the
frequency of the signal generator.
5.2.4 An approximate check on graduated gain
controls and attenuators may be carried out as
stated in 5.4 of BS 4331-1. See also Note
following 5.3.7 of this standard.
2 BSI 03-1999
5.3 Assessment of performance
5.3.1 Maximum usable sensitivity. For this check,
the frequency at which the y deflection of the
ultrasonic instrument CRT is a maximum is located
by sweeping the frequency of the signal generator.
The instrument gain is increased to maximum
usable sensitivity by removing all instrument
attenuation and setting all gain controls either to a
maximum or to a reading such that the noise level
as displayed on the CRT reaches 20 % of the full
scale height, the latter being as specified by the
instrument manufacturer. The amplifier input is
then adjusted until the peak amplitude on the
ultrasonic instrument CRT is 50 % of full scale
height. The peak-to-peak amplitude at the amplifier
input which produces this result shall be recorded.
5.3.2 Vertical linearity. With the ultrasonic
instrument still set at maximum usable sensitivity
(see 5.3.1), the curve of deflection versus signal
generator voltage from the minimum discernible
amplitude to full scale amplitude is plotted. This
measurement is repeated with the amplifier gain
reduced by 30 dB and the input signal adjusted to
give full scale deflection.
5.3.3 Frequency response. With the ultrasonic
instrument set at maximum usable sensitivity
(see 5.3.1), the frequency of the signal generator is
varied above and below the peak frequency and the
curve showing the height of the signal amplitude on
the ultrasonic instrument CRT is plotted against
frequency. The curve should extend to frequencies
where the deflection on the ultrasonic instrument
CRT falls to 30 % of full scale height, and it is
essential to correct for any variation that the output
voltage of the signal generator may have with
frequency. (See also Appendix C.)
The signal generator frequency is then reset to the
peak frequency and the signal generator amplitude
increased by 20 dB. The gain of the ultrasonic
instrument is decreased until the peak signal
amplitude is again at 50 % of full scale height. The
measurements described in the first paragraph are
repeated to assess the effect of gain setting on
frequency response.
These tests shall be carried out at all frequency
band-widths of the amplifier.

5.3.4 Equivalent input noise. For this check, the
signal generator frequency is reset to the peak of the
amplifier response curve, and with the ultrasonic
instrument at maximum usable sensitivity
(see 5.3.1), the input amplitude is reduced until the
resulting deflection on the cathode ray tube is barely
discernible above the noise. The peak-to-peak
amplitude at the amplifier input which produces
this result shall be recorded. This may be obtained
either by direct measurement or approximately by
correcting the signal generator amplitude for the
loss in the connecting chain to the amplifier input,
neglecting the amplifier input impedance.
5.3.5 Threshold level. For this check, the deflection
versus input voltage curves obtained in 5.3.2 are
extrapolated to zero deflection and the values of the
input voltage at these points are recorded. The
ratios of these input voltages to the input voltage
levels required to produce 50 % maximum deflection
under the same amplifier conditions are then
regarded as threshold level at full gain, mid-gain
and minimum gain. It should be noted that at
maximum usable sensitivity, the value may be
affected by input noise.
5.3.6 Dead period after transmitter pulse. The same
test equipment as illustrated in Figure 1 is used for
this check except that the synchronizing pulse to the
pulse generator is disconnected and the instrument
under test is switched to single probe working. The
pulse generator repetition rate is adjusted to
approximately ten times that of the flaw detector
and the signal generator frequency is set to
mid-band. The signal amplitude on the flaw detector
is then adjusted to give 50 % full scale height at an
intermediate depth range. The dead period after the
transmitter pulse can be expressed as a depth (at a
quoted material velocity) through which the
amplitude rises to 70 % of the final amplitude, or
rises to 35 % full scale height. The check shall be
carried out at approximately 20 %, 50 % and 80 % of
the maximum usable instrument sensitivity.
5.3.7 Swept gain. This may be regarded as an
optional check to be carried out where swept gain is
provided. The same test rig and the same conditions
as described in 5.3.6 may be used. The signal
amplitude of the flaw detector is adjusted to 50 %
full scale height with the swept gain switched off
and with the instrument sensitivity set to 50 % of
the maximum usable. The swept gain is then
switched on and its control set to maximum.
If the commencement of the swept gain is variable,
it should be adjusted to start at the beginning of the
test range. The signal amplitude is measured at the
start of the test range and at 20 %, 50 % and 100 %
of the range, the values obtained being expressed in
dB. The test range and velocity used shall be
recorded.
BSI 03-1999
BS 4331-2:1972
NOTE During the checks described in 5.3.2 and 5.3.3 an
approximate assessment of flaw detector attenuator accuracy
may be obtained by comparing its readings with the actual
changes in attenuation.
6 Time base
6.1 Linearity
6.1.1 For checking the linearity of the time base, the
testing arrangement described in 5.1 may be used
provided that the pulse generator has a double
delayed pulse output, this facility being used to
check linearity by sweeping the double pulse
through the time base range. As an alternative, the
procedure described in Section 4 of BS 4331-1, may
be used.
6.1.2 When the first method is used, the frequency
of the signal generator is set to mid-band, the width
of the individual pulse being not more than 1/20 of
full range and the space in between pulses being not
more than 1/20 full range. The distance between
leading edges of the two pulses shall be measured at
the beginning, middle and end of the range, this
check being carried out on each time base range.
6.1.3 Regardless of the procedure selected, the
following additional checks shall also be made.
6.2 Fluctuation with supply voltage. The
linearity shall be checked at the extremes of supply
voltage ranges specified by the equipment
manufacturer. If the instrument is also
battery-operated, this check should be repeated at
the specified upper and lower limits of battery
voltage.
6.3 Drift (ambient). The linearity shall be checked
under continuous operating conditions over an
eight-hour period, due account being taken of
reduction in battery voltage over that period
(see 6.2), when the instrument is battery-operated.
The ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and
humidity, should be recorded.
7 Gates
7.1 General. The range of the gate width and delay
controls can be measured by using the test
equipment illustrated in Figure 1.
7.2 Gate delay range. The signal generator is set
to the middle of the receiver frequency range
(as measured) in use and the attenuators adjusted
to give a signal on the display of 50 % full scale
height. The gate delay shall be set to minimum and
the pulse generator adjusted to align the displayed
pulse with the leading edge of the gate. The delay
time for these conditions is noted. The
measurements are then repeated with the gate
delay set to maximum. The time range for the gate
delay is obtained from the two delay times from the
pulse generator.
3
BS 4331-2:1972

7.3 Gate width. To determine the gate width 8 Variations in power supply
range, the signal generator shall be set as in 7.2.
8.1 Mains and battery. As variations in power
The gate width is then adjusted to minimum and the
supply voltage may have a deleterious effect on the
pulse generator delay adjusted to align the
performance of the flaw detection instrument, the
displayed pulse firstly with the leading edge and
secondly with the trailing edge of the gate pulse. effects of such variations shall be determined by
The difference between these two times gives the repeating the checks described in 4.8, 5.3.1
and 6.1.1 at the specified upper and lower limits of
gate pulse time. The procedure is repeated with the
mains supply and/or battery voltage.
gate width set to maximum. The range of gate width
times may then be calculated. 8.2 Voltage (current) cut-out. It shall be verified
that the cut-out operates within the specified value
7.4 Presentation of gating time. If the gate
position is indicated by a pedestal, the height of this by reducing the supply voltage to the instrument.
pedestal shall be measured as a percentage of full
scale height. The rise and fall times of the pedestal
shall also be measured on the shortest depth range
using the fastest material velocity available, this
measurement being expressed in micro-seconds.
7.5 Trigger sensitivity. For this check, the gate
width is set to mid-position and the displayed signal
adjusted to the centre of the gate. The amplitude of
this signal shall then be reduced until the flaw
alarm just operates, and this amplitude recorded. It
shall be verified that this signal just operates the
flaw alarm at both the beginning and at the end of
the gating time. To check the minimum width of
pulse necessary to operate the alarm, the displayed
pulse is returned to the centre of the gate time and
the width of pulse reduced until the alarm just
ceases to operate. As this test may be related to
pulse repetition frequency, the frequency used shall
be recorded.
NOTE When the signal in the gate is used to operate external
equipment, e.g. recording or monitoring devices, it is desirable
that the characteristics of the gate outputs should be quoted.

4 BSI 03-1999
 BSI 03-1999

BS 4331-2:1972
Figure 1 Test arrangement for flaw detector amplifier tests
5
BS 4331-2:1972
Appendix A Test equipment
The following equipment is recommended for
carrying out the measurements described in this
standard:
A.1 Cathode ray oscilloscope for making transmitter
pulse measurements:
Vertical amplifier bandwidth d.c.
to 30 MHz 3 dB.
Vertical amplifier rise time not greater
than 20 ns.
Vertical amplifier calibration accuracy 3 %.
Calibrated sweep speeds 2 4s to 2 s full screen.
Accuracy of calibration 3 %.
A.2 Pulse carrier signal generator giving pulse
widths of 1 4s to 10 4s of 100 kHz to 25 MHz
carrier. If this equipment is not available the
equipment described in A.3 and A.4 may be used in
the test apparatus given in Appendix B.
A.3 Constant amplitude signal generator covering
frequency range 100 kHz to 25 MHz having an
output level of 1 mV to 2 V r.m.s.
A.4 A triggered double pulse generator giving pulses
of 0.5 4s to 100 4s width and up to 25 ms delay. The
output pulse level should be in the range of 0.5 V
to 3 V peak positive or negative.
A.5 Calibrated attenuators 020 dB, 75 7 or 50 7
impedance for frequency range of 100 kHz
to 25 MHz.
Figure 2 Circuit diagram for bi-polar gate
6 BSI 03-1999
Appendix B Description of bi-polar
gate
NOTE The material in this appendix is included by courtesy of
the Non-destructive Testing Centre, Harwell, from whom further
details may be obtained.
B.1 Circuit. The circuit diagram for the bi-polar
gate required for producing carrier pulses from
continuous carrier is shown in Figure 2.
Transistor. Double emitter transistor.
Transformer. The winding consists of as many turns
as possible of sub-miniature 50 7 co-axial cable on a
plastics covered ferrite toroid. Sufficient cable
should be wound on to give an inductance of 0.8 mH
to 0.9 mH.
B.2 Assembly. The gate is assembled on a
copper-clad laminate board, the copper being used
as an earth plane. With the high rejection ratios
possible with the gate, an earth plane assembly is
required to achieve optimum performance. The
earths should not be brought together to a common
point.
B.3 Gate pulse. As arranged, a positive gate pulse
is required. If a negative gate pulse only is available,
the transformer connections to the transistor should
be reversed. The gate remains open for the duration
of the gate pulse.
B.4 Carrier output. The working maximum of the
carrier output is approximately 0.5 V peak.
B.5 Function. In the absence of a gate pulse, the
impedance between the two emitters is a high
resistance in parallel with a capacitance of a few pF.
In the presence of a gate pulse, the impedance
between the two emitters falls to the order of 50 7.
 BS 4331-2:1972

Appendix C Measurement of amplifier C.3 In measuring frequency response, it is

frequency response reasonable to take the top of the pulse as the
indicator
C.1 Assuming that the signal generator has an (see Figure 3d), as most detectors are peak
output impedance of 50 7, and the bi-polar gate is detectors. A satisfactory procedure is to set the gain
terminated in the 20 dB pad, there will be a drop in of the flaw detector amplifier to maximum usable
signal at the output of the generator when the gate sensitivity as in 5.3.1 and maintain the amplitude of
is operated to let the signal through (gate open) due the pulse constant at approximately 2/3 full scale
to the sudden loading. The trace on an oscilloscope height on the instrument CRT. The frequency
connected to the output terminals of the signal response can then be obtained from the readings in
generator will be as shown in Figure 3a. This will dB of the external attenuator, this being sufficiently
not upset a good signal generator and the output accurate for this purpose due to the presence of
signal from the gate can be kept constant in the 20 dB pad in the test circuit. It should be noted
amplitude as the frequency is varied by simply that these will be relative and not absolute
operating the standard adjustments provided on the measurements of gain.
signal generator for this purpose. In most cases,
having the gate open for a period of 10 cycles has
been found sufficient.
C.2 The appearance of the carrier pulse in band on
the instrument CRT will be as shown in Figure 3b,
the exact appearance depending on the response of
the flaw detector. Outside the frequency band the
pulse will appear as shown in Figure 3c. The edges
of the gate pulse will tend to ride through the
system and appear as spikes on the trace.

BSI 03-1999 7
BS 4331-2:1972

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 3c

Figure 3d

Figure 3 CRT diagrams Amplifier frequency response (see Appendix C)

8 BSI 03-1999
blank
BS 4331-2:
1972
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