AIRMAR Introduces New Chirp-Ready Broadband Transducer for Hydrographic Survey Applications

AIRMAR Technology Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new M563, a dual-band CHIRP-ready broadband transducer designed for research and survey applications. “The M563 is an ideal solution for OEMs with frequency agile sounders or CHIRP capable sounders for use in shallow and coastal survey applications,” stated John Bauchat, Senior Business Development Engineer. “In addition to offering customers technology that enhances the performance of existing sounders, AIRMAR’s innovation supports the development of new sounder technology,” Bauchat added. The M563’s compact size and affordable cost makes this transducer a low-cost/high-value performance enhancement.

The acoustic performance of AIRMAR’s broadband piezoceramic transducers include extremely low-ringing and excellent sensitivity, resulting in optimal system performance including sharp, crisp acoustic pulses for improved clarity, resolution, and measurement accuracy. The M563’s two broadband arrays deliver superior performance throughout low and high-frequency bands allowing operation at discrete frequencies, broadband CHIRP or coded waveforms. The unit is available with a low-band frequency range of 25 kHz to 45 kHz and high-band options of either 80 kHz to 130 kHz, 130 kHz, 130 kHz to 210 kHz, or 160 kHz to 260 kHz.

The M563 transducer’s quality construction coupled with advanced features such as Transducer ID® and a high-precision temperature probe provide customers with additional value that is not available from competitors.

AIRMAR’s exclusive Transducer ID® technology allows the M563 to provide important data to the echosounder including transducer model, functions, frequency, power rating, beam pattern, impedance, and more. With this technology, the echosounder can configure itself to the transducer to optimize performance. The result is superior detection of targets, bottom composition, and contour over a wide range of conditions. Transducer ID® also offers OEMs self-diagnostic, troubleshooting, and feedback capabilities.

The unit includes a high precision temperature probe that provides accurate temperature readings that can quickly detect small fluctuations in sea temperature.