Array MEMS Vector Hydrophone Oriented at Different Direction Angles

Abstract

A new type of array MEMS (Microelectro Mechanical Systems) vector hydrophone has been proposed to solve the left-right ambiguity problem that is commonly found in current ones. Meanwhile, the advantages of good sensitivity and low fabrication cost are maintained. The array MEMS vector hydrophone is integrated by four units oriented at different direction angles. By the aid of this kind of vector hydrophone, not only the exact direction of the sound source can be measured, but also the position obtained. The working principle of the array microstructure has been analyzed and simulated. The result shows that the position of the sound source can be well determined. The prototype of the hydrophone is fabricated based on standard MEMS technology, and its performance is tested in a standing wave tube and an anechoic tank. The testing results show that the array hydrophone exhibits a good consistency of all the four units and satisfactory performance. More importantly, this array hydrophone exhibits excellent ability of positioning with the relatively small angle error. Thus, a MEMS hydrophone with multiple functions and relatively high performance is realized, which has important theoretical and practical significance in relevant applications such as the small-size underwater vehicles.