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DVL-300K Phased

Doppler Velocity Log Phased



DVL-300K-Phased

Key Features

  • Phased-array technology: Ensures accurate and stable velocity measurements.
  • High bottom tracking performance: Reliable up to 200 m altitude with a velocity accuracy of ±0.3% ±1 mm/s.
  • Extended water profiling range: 4.5–150 m with long-term accuracy ±0.2% ±2 mm/s.
  • Rugged titanium housing: Lightweight (<9 kg in air) and corrosion-resistant for long-term deployments.
  • Flexible integration: RS-422 communication and PD6 (ASCII) data format, compatible with INS and control systems.
  • Versatile depth ratings: Standard 300 m, optional 3000 m and 6000 m for deep-sea applications.

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Overview

System Composition

The DVL-300K-Phased Doppler Velocity Log consists of two main components: a phased-array transducer and an electronic chassis, featuring an integrated waterproof design.

  • Phased-array transducer (waterproof): Responsible for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, capturing velocity-sensitive Doppler shifts.
  • Electronic chassis: Handles signal preprocessing, acoustic analysis, velocity calculation, and acoustic transmission functions.

This flexible design supports both separate configuration and fully integrated options, ensuring adaptability to different vehicle layouts and integration requirements.

Specifications

Specification Parameter
Working Frequency600 kHz
Array TypePhased Array (4 beams)
Bottom Tracking Altitude1 m – 80 m
Bottom Tracking Velocity Range±7.5 m/s
Bottom Tracking Accuracy±0.2% ±1 mm/s
Bottom Tracking Resolution0.05 mm/s
Water Profiling Range2 m – 50 m
Water Profiling Velocity Range±7.5 m/s
Water Profiling Long-Term Accuracy±0.2% ±2 mm/s
Source Level (re 1 μPa)215 dB @ 1 m
Beam Width (1-Way)2.3°
Beam Angle (Nominal)30°
Maximum Operating Depth300 m (options: 3000 m, 6000 m)
Current Profiling Capability10 m fixed layer
Acoustic Array Pressure Resistance1 MPa (customizable per requirement)
Velocity Measurement ModesBottom Tracking / Auto Current Tracking (automatic switching)
Sound Speed CorrectionNot required
Operating Voltage18 – 36 VDC
Average Power Consumption≤ 15 W
Operating Temperature−5 °C to +45 °C
Storage Temperature−30 °C to +60 °C
Electronic Chassis Dimensions125 × 100 × 100 mm
Phased Array DimensionsΦ82.5 × 36 mm / Φ75 × 40 mm (excluding cable)
WeightPhased Array: <0.6 kg; Signal Processing Module: <0.9 kg
CommunicationsRS-422; Output Data Format: PD6 (ASCII); Frames Transmitted in Bottom Tracking Mode：:BI, :BD Frames Transmitted in Water Layer Tracking Mode：:WI, :WD

Applications


  • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
    The DVL-300K-Phased Doppler Velocity Log is well-suited for both compact and large-diameter AUVs, providing highly accurate bottom velocity and altitude measurements. This enables precise navigation, path planning, and control even in GPS-denied environments.
  • Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
    For inspection-class ROVs, the DVL-300K-Phased ensures reliable bottom tracking and altitude data, supporting stable maneuvering and positioning in near-bottom or confined subsea environments.
  • Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs)
    On surface platforms, the DVL-300K-Phased delivers dependable speed-over-ground measurement and drift compensation, maintaining navigation accuracy when GPS signals are unavailable, degraded, or intentionally denied.

Principle of Phased-Array DVL

The Phased-Array Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) operates on the Doppler effect, measuring frequency shifts in acoustic signals reflected from the seabed or suspended particles in the water column. These Doppler shifts correspond directly to the platform’s velocity relative to the bottom.

Unlike conventional single-beam DVLs, the phased-array DVL employs multiple precisely controlled acoustic beams at a fixed frequency—such as 300 kHz in the DVL-300K-Phased—to deliver enhanced accuracy, stability, and reliability.

The phased-array transducer emits synchronized beams toward the seabed. As the AUV, ROV, or USV moves, the returning echoes experience frequency changes proportional to its motion. By analyzing these shifts across four beams, the system computes three-dimensional velocity components and altitude above the seabed, with automatic switching to water-column tracking when bottom lock is unavailable.

Key Advantages of Phased-Array DVLs

  • Higher accuracy and resolution enabled by advanced beamforming.
  • Compact, no moving parts design, ideal for integration on AUVs, ROVs, and USVs.
  • Reliable bottom tracking across shallow and mid-depth waters.
  • Seamless INS integration for robust underwater navigation and dead reckoning.

The DVL-300K-Phased exemplifies these benefits with a compact phased-array transducer and a titanium electronic chassis in a fully sealed design, ensuring durability in harsh marine environments. It provides precise three-dimensional velocity data, altitude measurements, and current profiling, making it an essential navigation sensor for unmanned platforms operating in GPS-denied environments.