Programmable DIMUS Processor

A 48‐element, 256‐beam, 25‐kHz sample‐rate programmable DIMUS processor is currently being constructed to work with a variety of arrays on the research platform FLIP. The design approach eliminates the need for a discretionary hard‐wired steering matrix, while the system clock rate remains essentially the same as for a serial beamformer of conventional design. The processor is easily reprogrammed for different array configurations or for changes in the set of beam steering directions. Although the technique has been developed specifically for a single bit DIMUS beamformer (using clipped hydrophone outputs) it is equally applicable to multiple level Digital Multibeam Steering Systems.