Principle Of Operation - Interphase iScan V90 Operation Manual

Principle of Operation

The iScan V90 Forward Scanning Sonar uses a proprietary
and patented phased array acoustic technology first developed
for marine use by Interphase Technologies. Known as
"phased array ultrasound technology", its capabilities have
been proven in the military and medical industries for many
years. The amazing video images provided by medical
ultrasound equipment are familiar to most people and clearly
demonstrate the technology's ability to show highly defined
images in a "real time" or "live action" mode.
Interphase's phased array is a group of piezoelectric ceramic
elements that are precisely sized and spaced. Each element
can send and receive acoustic pulses. When all elements in the
array are sending or receiving acoustic energy at the same
time, the entire array behaves like a single larger element with
one important difference: the ability of the array to concentrate
its acoustic energy in different directions, depending on the
different "phasing" of the signals applied or received by each
element. Depending on the signal phasing of the array,
acoustic beams can be directed in an almost unlimited number
of directions. For example, using an 8 element phased array
transducer, the iScan V90 is capable of steering the acoustic
beam in any of 60 different directions.
Since the acoustic beam in the phased array is steered
electronically, requiring no moving parts, it can be quickly and
reliably scanned and re-scanned over a large area. When
displayed, the changing information between subsequent scans
takes on an almost animated quality - for example, showing
movement of underwater targets such as fish or rapidly
changing bottom conditions.
During operation, the iScan V90 converts a small amount of
electrical current from your battery into ultrasonic sound
pulses, which are then fed to the phased array transducer.
These acoustic pulses travel out from the transducer in a cone
shaped pattern, called the cone angle. When the sound pulse
strikes an underwater object, it is reflected back (echo return),
received by the transducer and converted back into small
electrical impulses. These impulses are amplified, then
displayed as an image on the LCD screen.
Award Winning
Technology
For its pioneering work in
developing Phased Array
Scanning Sonar,
Interphase Technologies
won the prestigious
IMTEC INNOVATION
AWARD.
The iScan V90 is based on
this same award-winning
technology.
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