Abstract: Improved two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional planar array transducer is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple acoustic beams in two axes and at two or more widely separated acoustic frequencies from a single flat planar array transducer. The transducer planar array consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent two dimensional planar transducer array structures operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated onto a single multi frequency configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, a second higher frequency transducer array is positioned within the aperture area of a lower frequency planar array transducer. Methods of using the aforementioned two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A horizontal acoustic sediment and current profiler and methods of use. In one implementation, the horizontal acoustic sediment and current profiler includes a housing that is configured to house a plurality of transducer elements. In some implementations, these plurality of transducer elements include a plurality of rectangular transducer elements that are each configured to form a beam having a beam width of less than one degree; a first transducer element that is configured to form a first beam at a first frequency; a second transducer element that is configured to form a second beam at a second frequency, the second frequency differing from the first frequency; and a vertical transducer element that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the first transducer element and the second transducer element, the vertical transducer element configured to measure a depth of placement of the horizontal acoustic sediment and current profiler with respect to a surface of a fluidic medium.

Abstract: Multi frequency piston transducers which are capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple overlaid acoustic beams. In one implementation, a dual frequency piston transducer is disclosed which is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming two overlaid acoustic beams. The transducer consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent piston transducers operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated into a single multi-frequency configuration. This single multi-frequency configuration consists of a high frequency aperture disposed within the aperture area of a lower frequency piston transducer. Additionally, multiple dual frequency piston transducers that are incorporated within a single housing are also disclosed that are useful in, for example, ADCP and measurement of vessel/ship speed applications. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned multi frequency piston transducers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional planar array transducer is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple acoustic beams in two axes and at two or more widely separated acoustic frequencies from a single flat planar array transducer. The transducer planar array consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent two dimensional planar transducer array structures operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated onto a single multi frequency configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, a second higher frequency transducer array is positioned within the aperture area of a lower frequency planar array transducer. Methods of using the aforementioned two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional planar array transducer is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple acoustic beams in two axes and at two or more widely separated acoustic frequencies from a single flat planar array transducer. The transducer planar array consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent two dimensional planar transducer array structures operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated onto a single multi frequency configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, a second higher frequency transducer array is positioned within the aperture area of a lower frequency planar array transducer. Methods of using the aforementioned two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional planar array transducer is capable of simultaneously or sequentially forming multiple acoustic beams in two axes and at two or more widely separated acoustic frequencies from a single flat planar array transducer. The transducer planar array consists of two or more electrically and acoustically independent two dimensional planar transducer array structures operating at different frequencies that are physically integrated onto a single multi frequency configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, a second higher frequency transducer array is positioned within the aperture area of a lower frequency planar array transducer. Methods of using the aforementioned two-dimensional planar array transducer and beamformer are also disclosed.