Broadband LFM signal source for a module-based diver detection sonar

A new approach to design of the diver detection sonar’s sounding pulse source is pre-sented. It is based on modules comprising 8 or 16 elements of the transducer grouped on the transmitting channel. The basic advantage of this solution is that it reduces significantly the number of group transmitters. The required output power and topology of the transmitters were determined through theoretical estimation and measurements in a four terminal network. Measurements were taken of the frequency characteristics in the transducer modules includ-ing the compensation system used. It is demonstrated that the source level is most irregular in the transducer under examination when the transducer’s voltage has a constant amplitude, i.e. with parallel compensation. It is also demonstrated that by appropriately selecting ele-ments for a series compensation of the transducer, the frequency characteristics becomes more regular and source level is increased at the extreme ends of the working bandwidth. The result is a compensated characteristics on the receiving side.