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Acoustic underwater positioning and navigation systems HiPAP and HPR

Hydroacoustic positioning principles

A hydroacoustic positioning system consists of both a transmitter (transducer) and a receiver (transponder). A signal (pulse) is sent from the transducer, and is aimed towards the seabed transponder. This pulse activates the transponder, which responds immediately to the vessel transducer. The transducer, with corresponding electronics, calculates an accurate position of the transponder relative to the vessel.

Wide range of applications

HiPAP is a hydroacoustic Super Short Base Line - SSBL or USBL, towfish tracking system, able to operate in shallow and deepwater areas to proven ranges in excess of 3000 metres. It is a multi-purpose system used for a wide range of applications including towfish & towed platform tracking, DP reference i/p, high accuracy subsea positioning and telemetry and scientific research. Optional enhanced operation is available with Hydroacoustic Aided Inertial Navigation, HAIN, system which increases the HiPAP SSBL positioning accuracy by a factor of up to 300%.

Basic principles of underwater positioning

Key HiPAP features

Unique spherical transducer design with up to 241 individual elements
Extraneous noise suppression techniques
Extremely narrow, ±5 degree listening beams
Extreme tracking range capabilities
True Multi-User LBL function
Comprehensive transponder range to support positioning operations
Reference output to dynamic positioning system

Available systems

We presently offer two different lines of Acoustic underwater positioning and navigation systems. For more information on each system use the links on the left side:

HiPAP - High Precision Acoustic Positioning
HPR - Hydroacoustic Position Reference

Our family of underwater positioning and navigation systems uses three different principles for measurements and calculations. Any combination of the three principles secures flexibility as well as a high degree of redundancy and accuracy.

	SSBL - Super Short Base Line The calculation of positioning is based on range and on vertical and horizontal angle measurements, from a single multi element transducer. The system provides three-dimensional transponder positions relative to the vessel. The HPR (Hydroacoustic Positioning Reference) and HiPAP (High Precision Acoustic Positioning) systems are both leaders within these principles.

	SBL - Short Base Line The calculation of position is based on range, and vertical and horizontal angle measurements from a minimum of three hull mounted transducers. The baselines are between transducers on the vessel. A transponder is positioned relative to the vessel. Accuracy is < 0.5% of slant range. The system provides three-dimensional transponder positions relative to the vessel.

	LBL - Long Base Line The calculation of position is based on range measurements only. The ROV, a subsea module and the vessel are positioned relative to a calibrated array of transponders.

	MULBL - Multi-User Long Base Line system Multi-User Long Base Line (MULBL) hydroacoustic positioning system. Several individual vessels and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) units can now position themselves using the same seabed transponder array. Product page Multi-User Long Base Line

	Acoustic Positioning Operating Station (APOS) The HiPAP and the HPR systems are operated from the APOS which is a Windows NT based software. The system can be operated from one single APOS station or from a wide number of APOS operator stations connected on a network.

	Cymbal – the new acoustic protocol Second generation HiPAP systems, models 501/451/351/101 which are fitted with the new transceiver unit may be upgraded to the new Cymbal acoustic protocol. This protocol utilizes wideband Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signals. The Cymbal protocol transmits more energy into the water and thus has longer range, and together with uniqueness coding makes a number of new HiPAP features available.