Improving the efficiency of sonar communication in shallow seas through the use of time synchronization algorithms

The purpose of the work is to increase efficiency of a shallow-water hydroacoustic communication system by adapting orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology. A mathematical model that most accurately describes the shallow-water hydroacoustic channel was defined. The shallow-water channel was simulated, taking into account its non-stationarity. Park's algorithm, which is used to determine the beginning of an OFDM symbol, was considered as the basic synchronization method. A modification of this synchronization algorithm is proposed, aimed at increasing the robustness to false alarms and distortions caused by the complex interference pattern characteristic of the shelf zone. An improved synchronization algorithm based on Park's method, adapted to the shallow-water hydroacoustic channel, was developed. Simulation confirmed that the proposed modification allows for more accurate determination of OFDM information symbol boundaries in multipath and Doppler scattering conditions compared to the classical approach, reducing the likelihood of intersymbol interference. Adapting OFDM technology to shallow-water hydroacoustic channels through an improved Park algorithm ensures more reliable synchronization and, consequently, increases the reliability of data transmission in challenging offshore conditions.

Authors: R. S. Kirilenko

Direction: Physics

Keywords: sonar channel, communication, shallow sea, signal synchronization, multiplexing, t-distribution

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