High-efficiency amplification and impedance matching for professional hydro-acoustics.
Operating on a lake or a small platform requires equipment that is not just powerful, but also compact and battery-operated. To bring the Akuasound technology to life, the supporting hardware must be just as innovative as the transducer itself.
Transitioning to Class D Technology
In the past, linear equipment (Class A or AB) was the standard for scientific audio applications. However, the rise of Class D (switching) technology has revolutionized the field. For our portable system, we utilize the Sure 200W audio amplifier card (Fig. 5).
Why Class D?
- Small footprint for easy integration.
- Reliability: Robust performance in field conditions.
- Efficiency: High power output with minimal energy waste, perfect for battery power.
Optimizing Power and Impedance
The choice of amplifier is dictated by the source’s DC voltage, power output, and impedance. Initially, the system utilized a 24 VDC power supply with two lead/acid batteries. However, with a standard 8-ohm source, the power output was limited to approximately 25W.
To maximize acoustic pressure, we collaborated directly with our Italian manufacturer to develop a specialized version of the source:
- Double-sided emission
- Double coil in parallel
- Impedance reduction: Moving from 8 ohms to 4 ohms allows for significantly higher power delivery from the same 200W amplifier.
This “Made in Italy” collaboration ensures immediate technical dialogue and a product tailored specifically for the demands of the international underwater audio market.
