Delphis Underwater Acoustic Modem

An acoustic modem is a device that uses sound waves to transmit data underwater, enabling wireless communication in environments where radio waves cannot travel. Above water, we are constantly connected through radio-based networks; everything from phones to sensors forms the Internet of Things (IoT). Underwater, that connectivity breaks down entirely. The Delphis Acoustic Modem solves this by using short-burst acoustic signals to enable reliable subsea communication between vehicles, divers, and instruments. This cutting edge underwater technology supports up to 256 uniquely addressable units, allowing you to build an Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT). With sub-metre ranging precision and ultra-low power consumption, Delphis is the building block for persistent, scalable underwater acoustic communication networks.

Acoustic Modem Uses

• Underwater communication — an underwater modem enables wireless subsea communication between vehicles, divers and instruments.
• Subsea data transfer — 64-byte data transmission between subsea devices and surface systems.
• Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) — connect up to 256 uniquely identifiable units into a scalable subsea network.
• ROV communication — two-way acoustic data link between surface operators and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), enabling real-time command and telemetry in deep water.
• AUV communication — acoustic data link between autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and surface operators or subsea networks in GPS-denied environments.
• Underwater positioning — Delphis exchanges acoustic “ping” signals to measure  the range between units with sub-metre accuracy, enabling underwater GPS-like positioning without satellite dependency.
• Underwater telemetry — environmental and ecological data collection using acoustic signals for marine research and monitoring.
• Offshore Energy Monitoring – real-time monitoring and event alerts for example from pipeline sensors, wind foundations and wellheads – without subsea cabling.
• Defence monitoring – real-time accurate data transfer from subsea to surface and precise sub-meter location tracking.
• Subsea monitoring — real-time data transfer from subsea sensors and instruments to surface or other subsea devices.
• Oceanography — long-range acoustic modem connectivity for real-time monitoring and data transfer in oceanographic research applications.

Delphis is a High-Performance Acoustic Modem Transponder

• Newcastle University Collaboration – developed by Succorfish in collaboration with Newcastle University School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering this miniature acoustic modem and transponder is at the cutting edge of subsea technology and is used by research institutes worldwide for a variety of underwater applications.
• Reliable Subsea Data Transfer – with the Succorfish Delphis, users can reliably and accurately send between subsea and surface technology or other subsea Delphis units with a range of up to 2 km in sea water, 3.5 km in fresh water
• Minimal Ecological Impact – low-intensity, short-burst technology with extremely low duty cycle, has been engineered to minimise interference with marine wildlife.
• Connectivity – Scalable Subsea Networks, connect your entire subsea infrastructure with acoustic modem networks that scale from point-to-point links to resilient mesh and treeline topologies, enabling full IoUT deployment.
• Low Power – Delphis’ low power design supports long-life deployments, making it an ideal building block for Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) applications.
• Easy Integration – RS232 serial command protocol or a logic-level UART interface enables easy integration with other microprocessors. Speak to us about integrating Delphis into your own products and systems.
• Signal Performance – the latest hardware revision features reduced receiver self-noise, which increases the signal to noise ratio (SNR) and range in low to moderate sea states.
• Reliable Power Supply – reverse polarity and switching transient protection prevents damage from voltage spikes and power supply issues.
• V2 Enclosure – new further optimised enclosure ensures maximum range and reliable data transfer in any underwater environment.

An Acoustic Modem with minimal ecological impact on marine wildlife

Low noise, short burst, friendly frequency.

Marine wildlife is extremely sensitive to subsea noise because of its reliance on sound for communication, foraging and navigating.

We have worked with Newcastle University, to engineer the Delphis to minimise ecological impact on marine wildlife. It uses low-intensity, extremely short acoustic pulses that last 100 milliseconds at a frequency between 24-32 kHz  and a source level of ~168 dB re 1µPa at 1m. The short burst technology means total acoustic energy output is extremely low, making data transmission effectively undetectable to nearby wildlife or divers.

Key Features

• Range:  2 km in sea water and 3.5 km in fresh water
• Depth rating: 1000+ meters
• Addressing: Connect up to 256 uniquely addressable units
• Ranging Precision: sub-meter, ~10cm
• Data Packet Size: 64-Byte Data Packet Transmission
• Data Rate: 640 bits/s raw / 463 bits/s throughput
• Frequency Range – 24–32 kHz

Delphis as part of your Subsea Technology Solution

At Succorfish we work with you to support the integration and software development needed to deploy the Delphis in your subsea application. Our development capabilities include:

• SaaS Platforms – expertly architected cloud-based platforms that are secure and high performing
• Mobile Apps – experience UI/UX team can design and build mobile apps that are easy to use specific to your use case
• Backend Systems – that can support real-time data processing and high availability.
• Embedded Firmware – custom firmware development for unique subsea for data acquisition, device communication, and control

Designed for easy integration with existing or new systems, we have worked with many customers to build custom software based on their unique subsea or offshore use case.

Our dedicated in-house development team can help you get the most out of our acoustic modems capabilities and offer a full end-to-end solution from firmware development to software engineering.

OEM Option — integrate the Delphis electronics into your own product. Speak to us about custom builds and enclosures.

Real World Application: Delphis & MyGearTag

The Delphis supports a wide range of underwater applications across multiple industries. For example, Delphis powers our MyGearTag product that provides a reliable solution for underwater gear recovery, locating lost fishing gear underwater. MyGearTag uses the precision of Delphis to locate and recover lost fishing equipment, reducing operational costs and preventing lost or ghost gear accumulating at sea.

How the Delphis Acoustic Modem works

1. Each acoustic modem is uniquely identifiable.
2. Inside each device, a modem converts the data into an electrical signal.
3. A transducer converts the electrical signal into short burst sound waves, containing all the data.
4. Acoustic coupling within the product enclosure allows this sound wave to be transmitted clearly underwater for a range of up to 2 km in sea water, 3.5 km in fresh water. This ensures data is transmitted reliably.
5. Another acoustic modem device receives this sound pulse and converts back into electrical signal, which is then converted back into data.