Sonar Amplifier Matching Circuit for Stable Resonance Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sonar systems face challenges in stabilizing transmission power over a narrow band near the resonance frequency, limiting their ability to transmit ultrasonic waves effectively and avoid interference with other vessels.

Innovation Solution

The amplifier circuit includes a transducer with impedance characteristics having two resonance frequencies and a matching circuit with a capacitive component and inductor, adjusting their values to achieve two resonance frequencies and an anti-resonance frequency, expanding the stable transmission band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a matching circuit is used to amplify voltage without a transformer, then the device size is reduced, but the transmission power stability band becomes narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidtransmission power stability band
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a variable capacitor that can adjust its capacitance value dynamically. This allows the matching circuit to maintain optimal impedance matching across a broader frequency range, thereby expanding the transmission power stability band while keeping the device transformer-free and compact. The variable capacitance parameter enables the system to adapt to different operating frequencies without requiring a large transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the resonance frequency is matched to stabilize transmission power, then the transmission power is stable near the resonance frequency, but the frequency band for stable transmission is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission power stabilityVSAvoidfrequency band
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by using a variable capacitor that can change its capacitance value in response to different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the matching circuit to maintain resonance matching across a wider frequency range, enabling the system to preserve transmission power stability while operating over an expanded frequency band. The dynamic nature of the capacitor contrasts with fixed-component traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If a transformer is used to amplify voltage, then high voltage can be applied to the transducer, but the device becomes large in size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage amplification capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical transformer with an electronic matching circuit consisting of capacitors and inductors. This substitution eliminates the need for a large magnetic core and windings, significantly reducing device size while maintaining the voltage amplification capability through resonant impedance matching. The electronic circuit achieves the same functional outcome as the transformer but with a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration stabilizes transmission power across a wider frequency band, allowing for more stable and efficient ultrasonic wave transmission, reducing interference, and enabling miniaturization of the sonar device.

Implementation Method 1

the impedance at a resonance frequency can be lowered by matching the resonance frequency of the transducer connected to the matching circuit with the resonance frequency of the transducer itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The impedance characteristic of the transducer connected to the matching circuit includes a first resonance frequency and a second resonance frequency higher than the first resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12395131B2Amplifier circuit and sonar
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US12395131B2 patent drawing
  • US12395131B2 patent drawing
  • US12395131B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An amplifier circuit to be used in a sonar is described. The amplifier circuit includes a transducer and a matching circuit. The transducer has an impedance characteristic having a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency higher than the resonance frequency. The matching circuit is connected to the transducer. The impedance characteristic of the transducer connected to the matching circuit has a first resonance frequency and a second resonance frequency higher than the first resonance frequency.