1.2
Technical Overview
The NORBIT Wide Band Multibeam Sonar (WBMS) is the most compact, high resolution, wide swath
multibeam sonar available. With a dry-weight of less than 4.5kg (10lbs), beam widths of only 0.9° at
400kHz, and low power consumption, the stand-alone multibeam sonar easily mounts to a survey
platform of any size and may be powered by a small battery (e.g. laptop extension battery pack) or
standard AC plug.
The WBMS is optimized to transmit a frequency modulated (FM) sound wave centered at either
200kHz (for deep waters) or 400kHz. From the returning signal, 256 or 512 beams are formed within
a user-selectable 5° to 210° fan-shaped swath, utilizing the integrated sound speed probe. The
curved receiver arrays of the NORBIT systems allow for narrow beams over a wide swath with
significantly reduced beam spreading compared to flat arrays. The curved array allows for a more
forgiving sonar in areas of surface sound speed variations. NORBIT has implemented cutting edge
signal gain compensation, adaptive gating/thresholding, and proprietary amplitude and phase
detection algorithms to achieve accurate and repeatable bottom detections.
For projects requiring maximum sounding coverage, NORBIT has developed a steerable
transmission sonar called the STX. The STX can sweep through a 20° along-track sector in scanning
mode, providing a 3D scan of the environment. The STX can be operated as a forward-looking sonar
or as a conventional multibeam, making this one of the most versatile systems developed by
NORBIT. The STX is ideal for complex surveys where coverage gaps must be minimal, structural
detections must be accurate and the survey
completed in as little time as possible.
All processing and export of time-stamped bottom
detection occurs within the sonar head. The system
requires very little user intervention to achieve clean
and repeatable bathymetry. Hardware installation is
similarly very easy and quick. A single cable powers
and connects the sonar to a small Sonar Interface Unit
(SIU). The SIU similarly connects to a data
acquisition/sonar control PC by a single ethernet
cable.
The NORBIT WBMS is unique to the industry as the
first platform designed as a cylindrical array wideband
system with frequency modulated (FM) transmission
signals. With latest FPGA circuits, integrated surface
sound speed probe, and 21
st
century engineering, the system provides the resolution and
capabilities of much bulkier systems. Efficiency savings begin with installation: the compact (and
lightweight) form-factor enables for simpler, less robust, mounting infrastructure than earlier
generation box-shaped multibeam sonar systems. Low power requirements allow added flexibility
on very small survey vessels as well as any vessel of opportunity.
NORBIT offers many options for a tightly integrated bathymetric mapping solution that combines all
sensors required to carry-out high-grade bathymetric surveys. The integrated system, with a
complete GNSS/INS system, drastically streamlines the setup process and reduces measurement
uncertainties. NORBIT offers a range of integrated systems and peripherals to suit varying survey
demands and budgets.
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