Sonarlink - A Deep Ocean High Data Rate, Adaptive Telemetry System

The design, implementation, testing, and uses of a high data rate, adaptive deep ocean acoustic telemetry and communications system are discussed. Digital and analog information may be transferred independently or simultaneously from depths in excess of 20,000 feet. Frequency Modulation (FM), Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK), and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) are combined to insure the highest data rates commensurate with acoustic transmission conditions. A microprocessor based controller permits an ultra-low power standby mode, fail-soft recovery, Built-In-Test Equipment (BITE), and multiple fall-back levels as well as providing the user with the ability to dynamically alter many of the operating parameters to compensate for varying environmental conditions.