Sonar transducer with explosive shock protector

摘要

The sonar transducer is protected from explosion shock by a variable impedance device, such as a metal oxide varistor, connected in parallel with the energy conversion component. The varistor normally has a very high electrical impedance, but becomes conductive upon application of the very high voltage output of the energy conversion component as a result of a rapid increase in mechanical energy, such as would accompany an underwater explosion in the vicinity of the transducer, to limit both voltage and current to a safe level so that the transducer can thereafter operate within acceptable parameters.