INTERFACE MODULE FOR AN UNDERWATER HOST AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH INTERFACE MODULE

摘要

A power and communications interface module for connecting multiple payloads to an underwater host has a primary power and communications connector capable of transferring electric power from the underwater host to the interface module and communicating data between the interface module and the underwater host and a plurality of secondary power and communications connectors for connecting to a plurality of payloads. An interface computing system is electrically powered with power from the primary power and communications connector. A data-communication interface is configured between the interface computing system and the primary power and communications connector. Multiple software interface drivers are available in the interface computing system. Operating of the power and communications interface module includes selecting one software interface driver from the multiple software interface drivers and activating the selected software interface driver to communicate with the selected underwater host through the primary power and communications connector.