Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by You Ling
Application of Piezoelectric Ceramics in echo sounders
What are echo sounders?
Echo sounding is based on the principle that ultrasonic waves will propagate in a straight line at a uniform speed in a homogeneous medium and will be reflected at the interface of different media, select the ultrasonic wave with the best penetration ability to water and a frequency around 1500 Hz, and emit sound vertically to the bottom of the water. The signal is recorded, and the time interval from the sound wave emission to the return of the signal from the bottom of the water is recorded, and the water depth is determined by the simulation method or direct calculation.
Echo sounders can also be used to detect and locate underwater objects, such as rocks, wrecks, and fish. They are commonly used by ships, submarines, and other underwater vehicles, as well as by scientists studying the ocean floor and marine life.
There are various types of echo sounders, including single-beam and multi-beam echo sounders, which emit sound pulses in different patterns and are used for different purposes.
How do echo sounders work?
The working principle of the echo sounders is to use the transducer to emit sound waves in the water. When the sound waves encounter obstacles and reflect back to the transducer, according to the round-trip time of the sound waves and the speed of the sound waves in the measured waters, it can be obtained. The distance between the obstacle and the transducer.
Overall, echo sounders work by emitting a sound wave into the water and measuring the time it takes for the wave to bounce back, allowing the depth of the water to be calculated.
Which piezo elements can be used for echo sounders?
Piezoelectric elements have several advantages for use in echo sounders, including their high-frequency response, high sensitivity, and small size. They are also relatively low-cost and easy to manufacture, which makes them a popular choice for this application.
Transducers for underwater communication devices are usually fitted with piezo components of various shapes manufactured of soft piezoelectric materials (PZT-51, PZT-53). However, for high-power applications, electrically hard materials (PZT-8, PZT-41) should also be considered. Sizes depend on the application. The multilayer piezoelectric element used as a transmitter could significantly reduce the level of the driving voltage.
