Modular Design of a 2D Transmitting Array for an Advanced Low Frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar

Abstract

This paper presents the modular design of a transmitter array for a High Resolution Low Frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar (HRLFSAS). The proposed solution is equipped with a 2D transmitting array with independently driven elements, capable of delivering wideband signals. The transmitter is coupled with a receiver array to perform high-resolution SAS (Synthetic Aperture Sonar) acoustic imaging. This sonar has been designed to be modular and scalable with high source level, reduced reverberation and completely programmable aperture and steering capabilities. The design and realization of this system has required a considerable effort from CMRE, as the solution presented is unique in the sonar panorama: the integration of nearly 200 independent transducers in a considerably compact system (being a low frequency system) will allow carrying on advanced studies on object and bottom penetrating sonars. This paper provides the description of the system transmit 2D array characteristics in terms of its modular design.