An electronically focused multiple beam side scan sonar

Phased arrays have been in use since World War II but their commercial application has been constrained by the bulk and cost of the beam forming system. High resolution side scan sonar systems have many operational parameters that may only be extended with the aid of phased arrays, the resolution and the imaging rate being the most important. This thesis describes a microprocessor controlled dynamically focused side scan sonar where high resolution and high image acquisition rates are achieved. Dynamic focusing prevents the depth of field limitations of fixed focus arrays by updating the array phases at regular intervals so as to create a focal point which recedes from the array in synchronism with the returning echoes from the transmitted pulse. A high image acquisition rate is achieved through the simultaneous formation of multiple beams. Using a microprocessor as a low-cost controller demands rapidly executable software and a little specialized hardware. Programmable quadrature phase shifters give phase and amplitude control. A beam forming board combines the phase shifted signals into a beam and samples it. A 'time domain multiplexed' transmitter solves the problem of efficient insonification of swaths. The system timing is complex; while image samples are captured data is formatted and presented for recording on a chart recorder. This occurs in real-time, while the focus of each of the multiple beams is changed almost every two meters. Tank tests of the completed system provide confirmation of the resolution predicted with theory and computer simulation. Sea trials confirm that resolution close to that predicted may be obtained under operational circumstances. The results obtained fully justify the assertion that low cost microprocessor controlled dynamically focused multiple beam phased arrays are both an attainable and an attractive solution to the problems faced by the designer of high resolution side scan sonar systems.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Electrical Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

1985

Author dc:creator

• Fox, Peter

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Denbigh, P N

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/26521

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/26521