Marine Sonic Technology Introduces the Next Generation of SHARPS

Marine Sonic Technology, Ltd., working in partnership with Hermetic Sciences, have delivered components of the next generation Sonic High Accuracy Ranging and Positioning System (SHARPS) to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
SHARPS is being used for positioning and control of the 6500 metre Jason/Medea ROV during missions where very high resolution position information is required.
SHARPS was originally introduced by MSTL in 1985 and was first used by the archaeology community to conduct precision underwater site surveys and later adapted for close-loop control of ROVs.
The new SHARPS utilises spread spectrum signal processing to improve timing resolution, range performance and noise rejection. SHARPS will be available in standard as well as custom configurations to provide three dimensional positioning for ROVs, AUVs, and diver operations. The system has consistently shown 2 ìsec precision during sea trails and will provide sub-centimetre accuracy positioning for detailed ship hull inspections, port and harbour security operations, and archaeology site surveys.