Desenvolvimento e caracterização de um sistema de ultrassom pulso-eco microcontrolado

Abstract

Ultrasonic pulser/receiver devices are widely used in non-destructive tests (NDT), non-destructive evaluation (NDE), and characterization of tissue-mimicking materials. However, its high cost and dependence on foreign technologies limit its accessibility. This work presents the development and characterization of an ultrasound pulser/receiver system based on pulse-echo operating mode, which presents a simplified architecture, low relative cost, and portability. We project the system to analyze liquids, biomaterials, materials that mimic tissues, and metals. We achieved this through unipolar pulses with adjustable durations of up to 23.00 ns, amplitudes of up to -100 V, and a configurable pulse repetition frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 4 kHz. It allows us to select 1 to 3 pulses per period. A friendly interface, displayed on a 16×2 LCD screen, facilitates signal parameterization. Using a microcontroller eliminates the need for complex peripheral circuits, reducing costs and energy consumption. Experimental tests validated system performance, demonstrating equivalence to commercial reference devices. The validation included the estimation of the pure water sound speed at 22.18◦C, yielding 1499.98 ± 0.02 m/s, with an error of only 0.25% compared to the theoretical value provided by the Marczak’s model. The project’s versatility enables its adaptation to analyze other materials, offering a viable national alternative to imported equipment and opening up new possibilities for academic and industrial applications.