The IRIS-Popoto Depth Capable System (DCS) brings the open-architecture versatility of the IRIS Platform and the proven undersea communications capability of the Popoto modem to any platform that must operate at full ocean depth. The IRIS and Popoto electronics are encapsulated in a small, lightweight, mechanically simple and relatively low-cost protective system that does not require large, heavy, costly or complex pressure vessels. With the pressure tolerance and protection system proposed here, other communications and sensing systems can be modified to operate reliably at full ocean depth. The proposed Phase I work will encompass the background work and demonstrate the advantages of the separate technologies that are developed. The Phase I base period will conclude with an at-depth demonstration of a simple but representative device operating at the pressure of full ocean depth
Benefit: The IRIS-Popoto DCS will be a mechanically simple, small sized and low cost encapsulation and housing system that will create a new paradigm for the deployment of electronics in both shallow and deep sea environments. This will reduce cost of and add flexibility to the creation of deployable systems . This impact will reach far beyond both the deep diving vehicles and the communications application to create inexpensive deployment options for both shallow and deep water systems as well as providing a broad range of communications, sensing and control services to host platforms.
Keywords: PTE, PTE, Popoto, communication, Deep Ocean, iris, Pressure-tolerant, open-architecture, sensing
