Overview

AvTrak 2 is a second generation acoustic navigation and communications instrument designed to form part of an integrated AUV navigation system. It combines the functions of transponder, transceiver and telemetry link in one low power device that has been designed to meet the requirements of a wide variety of AUV mission scenarios and vehicle types.

The unit operates in Sonardyne’s Wideband® or HPR 400 Series tone modes with a variety of other systems and transponders. It is also fully compatible with Sonardyne’s family of survey quality LBL and USBL navigation systems.
AvTrak has a comprehensive yet easy to use command language that allows the AUV to undertake simultaneous LBL ranging, USBL tracking via a surface vessel and robust telemetry for AUV to vessel and AUV to AUV communications.
This capability can be used to provide absolute position reference data to periodically update the AUVs inertial navigation system.

The instrument is available in a variety of configurations including 3,000, 5,000 and 7,000 metre depth ratings, screened chassis option for mounting within the AUVs own pressure vessel as well as directional and omni-directional transducers in both integral and remote formats. This flexible configuration is intended both to assist the AUV manufacturer with mounting of the instrument with the AUV and to ensure the highest levels of acoustic performance.

An internal ‘watchdog’ feature monitors AUV comms activity and can switch the unit into transponder mode for emergency relocation. This feature is supported by an internal back up battery that provides power should the main AUV power fail. A number of acoustically controlled digital I/O lines are also provided for mission abort and emergency ballast jettison control.

Key Features

Incorporates Sonardyne's latest Wideband Sonardyne Wideband
Technology provides the highest accuracy and therefore the lowest risk for all subsea acoustic positioning tasks, regardless of water depth. acoustic navigation and telemetry technology

Compatible with Fusion USBL for surface vessel combined positioning and telemetry (transponder mode)

Support AUV to AUV ranging and telemetry (transceiver mode)

Emergency relocation mode

Digital I/O e.g. for mission abort and ballast jettison

Integral depth and temperature sensors

Extremely low power consumption

Internal back-up battery with external trickle charge

Configurable as a surface vessel unit for AUV ranging and telemetry

Technical Specifications