Simultaneous, Bidirectional Fiber Optic Data Link for an Autonomous UnderwaterVehicle

摘要

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are currently in use for acoustic research.The physical size and weight of its on-board electronic equipment and power supplies hinder the AUV. To take advantage of the large amount of space available on the AUV's launch craft, and umbilical -type link between the AUV and its launch craft was designed. This link enables the data processing and recording electronics to be-moved from the AUV to the launch craft. The removal of the electronics reduces the weight and possibly the size of the AUV, and it reduces system power requirements. A copper wire link is impractical because it does not have the required bandwidth and it reduces mobility and restricts vehicle separation from the surface-based launch craft. As such, a fiber optic data link was selected to link the AUV to the launch craft. This link was designed so that all data recording and processing are accomplished on the launch craft, while maintaining the mobility and separation capabilities of the original autonomous vehicle. The link was designed to fit into an existing vehicle with minor mechanical modifications. UUV, Fiber optic, Data, Link.