The S500 is a single beam echosounder designed for small ROVs, AUVs, and ASVs. The transducer and control electronics are unbundled to minimize external mechanical profile and maximize flexibility. The transducer (54mm diameter x 22mm) is rated to 300m depth, and the electronics module is housed inside the vehicle's pressure enclosure. A narrow beam width about 5 degrees focuses the acoustic energy providing 100m range and good angular definition. CHIRP technology also maximizes range and provides excellent range resolution.
Sounder S500
The S500 sonar is a multipurpose single-beam echosounder. It can be used as an altimeter for ROVs and AUVs, for bathymetry work aboard a USV, as an obstacle avoidance sonar, and other underwater distance measurement applications.
The S500 implements CHIRP modulation, which sends a varying frequency ultrasonic pulse. The advantages of CHIRP include better signal to noise ratio, and much higher range resolution than non-CHIRP devices.
The S500 can report a simple distance measurement, or It can also provide the full signal profile for display as a "waterfall" plot like the display of a fishfinder. S500 is supported by SonarView, Cerulean Sonar's sonar viewing application available for free download. Raw signal strength data profiles can also be provided for advanced analysis in technical applications.
The S500 uses a high frequency 500kHz transducer giving about 5° beam width for ROV and AUV altimeter and bathymetry applications. It has a measurement range of over 100m. A bottom-tracking algorithm runs on the device to determine the distance to the seafloor.
Three communication interfaces include Ethernet (100Mb/sec), USB (12Mb/sec), and 3.3-5.0V serial (115kbaud).
Control Electronics
Power Supply 10-30V, 2.5W idle, 5W at max ping rate of 10 pings/sec (typical)Dimensions PCB: 69 x 38mm. Transducer: 4mm below bottom mounting surface, 18mm above bottom mounting surface. 2 M4 x 0.7 mounting inserts spaced 28mm apart.
Interfaces Ethernet (RJ45 connector), Micro USB, 3.3-5.0V Serial (6 pin JST GH)
Minimum Range Resolution
3mm up to 17m range
9mm up to 50m range
24mm over 50m range
reduced resolution optional to reduce waterfall data rateTransducer
Acoustic Frequency 500kHzBeam Width (2-way, conical) about 5°
Modulation CHIRP with 20kHz bandwidth
monotone ping also supportedMinimum Range 0.3m
Maximum Range 100m+
Depth Rating 300m