The Multibeam Echo Sounder's Data Collection Model and Simulation Platform Establishment

Currently, the most significant bathymetric measuring apparatus is the multibeam echo sounder. To address the challenges posed by the long development period of data acquisition components, uncertain ship test schedules, and high costs, which make it difficult to obtain test data and restrict system function and performance verification, establishing a data acquisition model and simulation platform for the multibeam echo sounder holds great practical significance for equipment development. A proposed data collection model is based on the multibeam echo sounder's operation mode and working principle. It consists of four main components: establishing the operational waters, calculating the coordinates of the regional seabed grid points, generating multi-channel sampling data, and outputting the results according to the protocol. The simulation platform is constructed using simulation software based on this model and is applied to the development of deep-water multibeam echo sounders. Based on application results, the simulation platform demonstrates dependability and practicality, supporting the verification of signal processing algorithms, testing the functionality of real-time processing software and host computer software, enhancing system coordination, reducing the complexity of system software testing, and reinforcing the entire development cycle.