Comments: pdf
Ref.: OCEANS MTS/IEEE, Hampton Roads (USA), 17-20 October 2022
Abstract:
Underwater acoustic propagation models (APM) are useful tools to predict acoustic propagation, making
it possible to implement and test equalization algorithms for Underwater Acoustic Communication (UWAC)
systems. To our knowledge, none of the APMs developed so far consider the distortion induced by the
associated electronic circuits, impedance adaptors and acoustic transducers on signal propagation, which
are important mainly in broadband applications. This paper describes the functioning of a new model
capable of predicting the aforementioned distortions on the projector and hydrophone. The electro-Acoustic
Propagation Model (eAPM) calculates the frequency response of the circuits with frequency-dependent
characteristic components (transducers and impedance adaptors) using SPICE simulations and simulates
the acoustic propagation using an Time-Variable APM (TV-APM), all embedded in a single model. SPICE
simulations require the insertion of electrical impedance measurements from the transducers and impedance
adaptors. eAPM also uses the projector’s Transmitting Voltage Response (TVR) and the hydrophone’s Open
Circuit Voltage Response (OCVR), that can be obtained through equipment calibration. The model output
signals have a good agreement with the signal experimentally recorded, showing that the eAPM allows for
in-lab prediction of the distortion induced by the transducers and electronics and its impact on an
application in a realistic acoustic propagation environment. The developed model can be used to predict
distortions on broadband UWAC systems and also to support the development of new transducers, especially
those with a wide bandwidth response.
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