Ping DSP
Ping DSP 3DSS-DX-450 3D Side-Scan Sonar with Multibeam Bathymetry
Ping DSP 3DSS-DX-450 is a compact, dual-transducer 3D side-scan sonar and wide-swath bathymetry system designed for over-the-side pole mounting and integration with small ASVs and AUVs. It simultaneously produces high-resolution 3D side-scan imagery, conventional 2D side-scan imagery and bathymetric data from a single sonar platform.
The system uses advanced acoustic transducer arrays, SoftSonar™ electronics and patented signal-processing technology to resolve multiple simultaneous acoustic arrivals. Returns from the seabed, sea surface, water column and multipath are separated, producing geometrically correct 3D imagery and reliable bathymetry in challenging shallow-water environments.
Wide-swath coverage of up to 14 times the sonar altitude enables efficient hydrographic surveying, while real-time 3D point-cloud visualization supports the detection, inspection and measurement of underwater targets.
Features and Benefits
- Simultaneous 3D side-scan, 2D side-scan and bathymetric outputs
- Proven IHO Exclusive Order bathymetric accuracy and repeatability
- High-resolution, geometrically correct 3D underwater imagery
- Wide-swath coverage of up to 14 times the sonar altitude
- Real-time 3D point-cloud display and target-capture tools
- Patented processing for separating seabed, surface, water-column and multipath returns
- Compact, low-power dual-transducer design
- Operation in water depths from approximately 0.7 m to 75 m
- Suitable for pole-mounted, ASV and small AUV installations
- Support for third-party navigation, motion and hydrographic survey systems
3D Side-Scan Imaging
Unlike conventional side-scan sonar, which primarily displays range and signal amplitude, the 3DSS-DX-450 assigns range, angle and amplitude information to each acoustic return. This produces a geometrically correct three-dimensional point cloud that can be viewed from different directions, colourized by depth or backscatter intensity, and used to measure target dimensions.
The 3D imagery spans the entire water column and helps operators identify wrecks, pipelines, cables, pilings, debris, hazards, vegetation and other fine-scale underwater features. The system can distinguish concurrent returns from the seabed, suspended targets and surface reflections, improving performance near structures and in multipath environments.
Wide-Swath Bathymetry
The 3DSS-DX-450 delivers high-density swath bathymetry with coverage extending up to 14 times the sonar altitude under suitable environmental conditions. It is particularly effective in very shallow water, where conventional sonar systems may experience increased multipath and surface-reflection interference.
The configurable bathymetry engine supports up to 1,024 beams across sectors from 90° to 220°. Beamwidths from 0.25° to 5° and equidistant, equiangular or hybrid output modes can be selected according to survey requirements.
Typical Applications
- Shallow-water hydrographic surveys
- Port, harbour and marina surveys
- Dredging and marine construction support
- Wreck and underwater archaeology surveys
- Subsea structure inspection
- Pipeline and cable surveys
- Marine debris and hazard searches
- Fisheries and benthic-habitat mapping
- Tailings-pond surveys
- Port and harbour security
- Shallow-water mine-countermeasure surveys
- ASV and AUV survey operations
Software and Data Integration
The system includes software for sonar configuration, real-time visualization, data recording and target inspection. Operators can display raw data as a high-resolution 3D point cloud or conventional 2D side-scan waterfall.
Software functions include:
- Sonar range, pulse and gain control
- Real-time 3D point-cloud visualization
- Conventional 2D side-scan display
- Raw-data recording and playback
- Target capture, inspection and measurement
- Pitch-corrected bathymetry over a navigation chart
- Export and post-processing support
The 3DSS-DX-450 supports leading hydrographic applications, including HYPACK, SonarWiz, QINSy, Teledyne PDS and CARIS HIPS and SIPS.
Sonar Specifications
- Model: 3DSS-DX-450
- Operating frequency: 450 kHz
- Transmit waveforms: CW and broadband
- Pulse lengths: 10–200 cycles
- Dynamic range: 108 dB
- Time-varying gain: Digital
- Horizontal beamwidth, two-way: 0.4°
- Selectable vertical beamwidth: 19°–125°
- Fixed mechanical transducer tilt: 20°
- Electronic transmit tilt: −45° to +45°
- Maximum ping repetition rate: Approximately 45 Hz
Two-Dimensional Side-Scan Specifications
- Data output: Range and amplitude
- Swath width: 10–20 times the sonar altitude
- Maximum range: 200 m per side
- Maximum range resolution: 1.67 cm
Actual coverage varies with water depth, sound-velocity profile, installation geometry and seabed characteristics.
Three-Dimensional Side-Scan Specifications
- Data output: Range, angle and amplitude
- Swath width: 8–14 times the sonar altitude
- Maximum 3D imaging range: 100 m per side
- Maximum resolution: 1.67 cm
Bathymetry Specifications
- Data output: Range, angle and amplitude
- Swath width: 8–16 times the sonar altitude
- Maximum bathymetric range: 100 m per side
- Minimum sounding depth: 0.7 m
- Maximum sounding depth: 75 m with reduced swath width
- Bathymetric performance: Proven IHO Exclusive Order accuracy and repeatability
- Selectable beamwidth: 0.25°–5°
- Selectable sector: 90°–220°
- Number of beams: 3–1,024
- Output modes: Equidistant, equiangular and hybrid
- Binning mode: 3–1,440 bins
- Bin width: 5–200 cm
Interfaces
- Control and data interface: Gigabit Ethernet
- External MRU input: RS-232 using TSS protocol
- GNSS input: RS-232 using NMEA 0183
- Time reference: Topside computer or GNSS with optional external PPS
- Data server: TCP through the sonar software
Physical Specifications
- Supply voltage: 10.5–35 VDC
- Power consumption: 17 W idle; approximately 22 W typical
- Length: 56.8 cm
- Diameter: 9.8 cm
- Weight in air: 8 kg
- Weight in water: 4.7 kg
- Pole-mount adaptor diameter: 1.49 inches
- Operating temperature: −5°C to +45°C
- Sonar-head depth rating: 10 m
The 10 m depth rating refers to the allowable immersion depth of the sonar head, not the maximum measurable water depth. The maximum specified sounding depth is 75 m with reduced swath coverage.
Ping DSP 3DSS-DX-450 is available through Kordil. Contact us for system configuration, integration assistance, technical information and quotations.