Patent ID: 7817076
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: G01N,G01R

Abstract:
1. A testing instrument system for testing objects non-destructively with analog signal waves, selectively using a single element probe or an array probe, the testing instrument comprising: an interface for receiving a plurality of analog inputs from the array probe, and for receiving a single analog input associated with the single element probe; a scaling amplifier network configured to receive the single analog input and to produce therefrom a plurality of differently scaled representations of the single analog input; a multiplexer including a plurality of input terminals sufficient to receive the plurality of analog inputs and the plurality of scaled representations of the single analog input, and including a plurality of multiplexer output channels, the multiplexer being effective to output a selected group of the signals presented at the input terminals thereof; a plurality of analog to digital converters (ADCs) coupled to the multiplexer output channels to produce corresponding digital signals, the plurality of analog to digital converters being sufficient in number to allow simultaneous allocation of a respective analog to digital converter to each of the plurality of analog signals associated with the array probe; a mode selector coupled to the multiplexer and configured to cause the multiplexer to selectively couple to its multiplexer output channels of a selected group of the signals provided at its input terminals; and a control circuit which is effective to cause the respective outputs of the ADCs to provide at least one of the digital magnitudes of the plurality of analog signals and a high dynamic digital representation of the single analog input, wherein the high dynamic digital representation of the single analog input is provided in a form of a digital output which has a bit resolution greater than that available from any single one of the ADCs, by utilizing a plurality of said ADCs for processing said single analog input.