A preamplified, steerable, multichannel line array hydrophone: ITC-8255

This paper describes a unique 48-channel, steerable hydrophone array and presents its preliminary calibration data. ITC-8255, a multi-channel hydrophone array, is composed of 48 piezoelectric ceramic rings. The unit is constructed in a line array format with each group of24 elements brought to an electronics module located at the ends of the array. The output of each ceramic element is fed into a low noise preamplifier. The preamplifiers work with an external power supply, which is regulated within the transducer. A calibration circuit provides access to the preamplifiers to monitor their operational state. Two modular electronic housings are located at each end of the array. The housings of the modules are designed for easy assembly and disassembly. The array, including its electronic modules at each end, is near nine feet long. This array has been designed and manufactured by International Transducer Corporation, Santa Barbara, Ca. The array was developed for calibration and tracking of noise sources in a range facility of U.S. Navy