Phased Array Velocity Sensor Operational Advantages and Data Analysis

In recent years the underwater navigation industry has expanded into more diverse and unique applications requiring a greater capability from its platform sensor set. Teledyne RD Instruments has answered the demand with a new patented Phased Array technology to be used as part of the growing Doppler Velocity Log and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Product Lines. This new technology derives a fundamental set of advantages over the standard Piston Array. It exhibits how the new Phased Array utilizes a single array transducer composed of multiple elements where four individual acoustic beams are electronically formed at their defined angles. In contrast the existing piston transducer technology utilizes the four individual ceramics where each beam is projected at its respective mounting angle. This yields the opportunity to increase the size of the single array while reducing the overall transducer size giving way for the characteristics which provide for operational improvement. These unique advantages and benefits are outlined in a user centric focus. Through substantial research and development our engineers have designed a method through a filled array process to pressure rate the transducer to a depth of 1000 meters. In terms of the mechanical configuration the attributes are represented and shown how the single phased array contributes to the system design and integration to allow for improved platform cohesion. Furthermore the variables that affect the systems integration and data collection are presented in both a theoretical and experimental means. This is defined by bandwidth and effective speed of sound. Teledyne RD Instruments has been continuing to work towards operational improvement and as such have two products available with our Phased Array transducers, the Explorer DVL and our new PAVS150. The Explorer DVL is tested to compare the piston transducer with our Phased Array transducer option. In this comparison the data will be examined where features such as maximum bottom tracking range, maximum current profiling range, standard deviation vs. altitude and standard deviation vs. bin size. Furthermore the recently released PAVS150 which boasts a bottom tracking range in excess of 500 meters takes to the ocean to define its capabilities. The compact and powerful PAVS150 uses our proven bottom detection algorithms and single ping bottom location capability with its broadband velocity processing technology to provide high-precision velocity data for reliable navigation and position processing in a highly robust and reliable manner over any indeterminate terrain.