Eddy current inspection device

An inspection device for the detection of flaws in a component under inspection, comprising:

• a magnetic field generator having a first array of conductors and a second array of conductors that are generally parallel and orthogonal to the first array of conductors, such that electrical current flowing through the first and second arrays of conductors creates a magnetic field directed into the component to induce unidirectional eddy currents within the component;
• at least one pickup sensor having a plurality of magnetoresistive sensors arranged to detect magnetic field signals generated by eddy currents encountering the flaws in the component;
• and
• a housing containing the magnetic field generator and the pickup sensor.

A method of inspecting a component for flaws, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning an inspection device on a surface of the component, wherein the inspection device comprises a pickup sensor having a plurality of magnetoresistive sensors;
• creating a magnetic field directed into the component to induce unidirectional eddy currents within the component so that magnetic field signals are generated by the eddy currents encountering the flaws in the component;
• and
• detecting the magnetic field signals with the pickup sensor.