
Impact Subsea‘s ISA500 Altimeter represents a significant leap forward in underwater distance measurement technology, establishing new benchmarks for precision and reliability in marine operations.
The ISA500, widely deployed on Remotely Operated and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, combines advanced sonar technology with digital correlation techniques to deliver exceptional performance in challenging underwater environments.
Range and Accuracy of ISA500 Altimeter
What sets this altimeter apart is its range capability, exceeding 120 meters (393 feet) in standard conditions. In optimal scenarios with highly reflective surfaces like solid rock, the device can achieve measurements up to an impressive 175 meters (575 feet). This extended range capability is achieved through a sophisticated digital correlation echo detection system paired with a highly sensitive composite transducer.
Perhaps most notably, the ISA500 achieves an accuracy level of 1mm – a specification that puts it in competition with laser-based measurement systems. This precision is made possible by the device’s advanced digital correlation technique, which processes measurements at an astounding rate of 2,000,000 times per second.
ISA500 Features for Real-World Applications
The ISA500’s versatility is enhanced by its comprehensive software configurability through the seaView platform. Users can fine-tune various parameters including detection mode, operational frequency (ranging from 400 to 600kHz), and output formats without ever needing to open the device. This flexibility, combined with multiple interface options (RS232, RS485, and analog outputs), makes the ISA500 exceptionally adaptable to diverse underwater applications.
A feature is the optional integrated Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which can automatically correct for pitch and roll movements – a crucial capability for maintaining accurate measurements in dynamic underwater environments.
Durability
Available in both titanium and acetal configurations, the ISA500 is engineered to withstand the harshest underwater conditions. The device has undergone rigorous environmental testing to meet API 17F qualification standards, demonstrating exceptional resilience to shock, vibration, and thermal stress. With depth ratings available up to 11,000 meters, it’s suited for everything from shallow-water operations to deep-sea exploration.
While these highlights showcase the ISA500’s impressive capabilities, they only scratch the surface of this sophisticated underwater measurement system.
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