Data collection and relay circuit for towed hydrophone array

A method of operating a programmable data collection and relay circuit for a towed hydrophone array, comprising the steps of:

• retrieving stored programmed data concerning which of a plurality of sensor inputs is to be polled, each of said sensor inputs adapted to be coupled to a sensor capable of sensing a physical characteristic selected from the group consisting of temperature, depth, voltage, fluid invasion and tension, within said towed hydrophone array and providing a value to said sensor input in response thereto;
• and
• polling one of said plurality of sensor inputs as a function of said data;
• and
• serially placing said input values in condition for insertion into a data stream transmitted along said towed hydrophone array.

A towed hydrophone array, comprising:

• a hydrophone module, said module comprising a cylindrical sleeve having a plurality of hydrophone assemblies and a suspending material therein, said suspending material adapted to resiliently secure said hydrophone assemblies within said sleeve, said sleeve further containing a fluid therein, said fluid giving said hydrophone module a preselected specific gravity, said hydrophone module including a programmable data collection and relay circuit, comprising:
• a plurality of sensors, each of said sensors capable of sensing a physical characteristic within said towed hydrophone array;
• a programmable controller coupled to each of said plurality of sensors to be capable of polling at least a portion of said plurality of sensors to determine values of said inputs;
• a memory capable of storing programmed data concerning which of said plurality of sensors is to be polled;
• a procedure operable within said programmable controller capable of selectively polling at least said portion as a function of said stored program data and serially placing said input values in condition for insertion into a data stream transmitted along said towed hydrophone array;
• and
• means for acting in accordance with downlink commands to reset said circuit, said circuit residing within a fluid-resistant container suspended in said suspending material within said hydrophone module.