A Modular Acoustic Measurement Electronics Systems

A Modular Acoustic Measurement Electronics (MAME) system was developed for use in underwater acoustics. Although the system is configured as an active sonar, its modular nature allows utilization in a wide variety of underwater acoustic measurements. As an active sonar, the general features include the following: system control by an HP85 computer connected through an IEEE 488 bus, generation of transmission pulses of arbitrary shape via a programmable pulse generator, four channel reception, programmable time varying gain in steps, and use of a programmable dual-conversion mixer/ filter to allow recording at a lower frequeny. The modules of the MAME system conform to two standards-- the computer automated measurement and control (CAMAC) standard, IEEE 583, and the nuclear instruments modules (NIM) standard set by the AEC NIM Committee. Many of the parts and modules are available commercially. Major portions of the system, however, were designed and produced in-house using commercially available housings that conform to these standards. The modular approach allows great flexibility in the design of underwater acoustic measurement instrumentation with minimal cost for new equipment.