Underwater Acoustic Instrumentation for Multi-Element Arrays

Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) is engaged in a continuing program in underwater research in the oceans. As part of this program, a requirement exists to study the spatial coherence of sound fields. This paper discusses the design rationale and presents the typical specifications achieved with current DREA electronic data acquisition systems. These systems were developed and constructed at DREA for use with multi-element arrays of acoustic sensors. The electronics is used with various mechanical configurations which are necessary to achieve specific acoustic characteristics. Included in the design are data handling interfaces and provision for storage and replay of the raw data for subsequent analysis.