High Frequency Broadband Hybrid Transducer/Amplifier

Traditionally, the sonar amplifier system has been viewed as the configuration of various independent disciplines; transduction, magnetic compensation and matching, power amplifiers and control. Clearly these disciplines cannot be regarded in isolation and there are significant advantages in designing a complete modular sonar system. This proposal describes a unified approach - a hybrid sonar transducer that includes a compact amplifier, matching magnetics, and control electronics within the transducer housing. The goal is that the total package may be treated as a module for inclusion in a scalable array that can be affixed to, or embedded in, the hull or structure of a small unmanned undersea vehicle or glider, or in the coating of a surface combatant or submarine.