Acoustic ranging system for multi-line towed acoustic arrays

摘要

An acoustic ranging system and method of use is provided that measures the magnitude of the separation of a pair of towed acoustic line arrays at a discrete point along the length of each array. One array acts as the measurement source, while the other array acts as a frequency-shifted echo repeater. The source array incorporates one sonar transmitter and two sonar receivers. The system further includes a configurable frequency shifter that enables one measurement source to make measurements with multiple repeater arrays.

主权项

1. An acoustic ranging system comprising:
a source array with a centerline and including a signal generator, a transmitter capable of providing an output, and first and second receivers with each capable of receiving a signal; and an echo repeater array with a centerline and including a receiver for receiving the output of said transmitter of said source array, a configurable frequency shifter, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal that is received by both said first and second receivers of said source array; wherein said source array and said echo repeater array are separated from each other relative to their centerlines by a distance and by an array skew.