Reliable communication is essential for safe and effective operations. Teledyne Marine's underwater acoustic communication solutions provide industry-leading technology to ensure seamless, real-time communication for underwater exploration, research, and subsea operations. Whether you're engaged in marine research, offshore oil and gas activities, defense applications, or underwater infrastructure inspections, Teledyne’s acoustic communication systems enable clear and dependable connectivity in environments where traditional wireless communication methods simply don't work. ​

Teledyne Benthos Underwater Acoustic ​Modems​ are used worldwide in subsea applications to transmit data wirelessly through the water. Wireless transmission significantly reduces the cost, complexity, and risk associated with traditional underwater cables an​d connectors and allows for endless versatility. Acoustic modems can be used in any number of scenarios to transmit data or commands to/from a subsea asset to the surface; or between subsea assets.

2025 - New Product Enhancements

The Acoustic Trigger feature enhances the capabilities of Teledyne Benthos acoustic modems, allowing for seamless integration with external devices. This enhancement provides users with reliable and high-performance subsea wireless control by leveraging the robustness of Benthos technology and the redundant security features associated with Teledyne Benthos modems. Proven work in the field includes:

  • Mine Countermeasures: Initiates detonation commands for mine disposal.
  • On-Demand Fishing: Triggers the inflation of a lift bag or release of a pop-up buoy connected to a subsea fishing trap.
  • Wireless Device Control: Enables wireless control of external devices such as lights, sensors, or cameras using acoustic trigger commands.

BlueStreamX2 offers double the data rate for Benthos Acoustic Modems in the WideBand C frequency band without impacting their communication range performance. This cutting-edge upgrade is available across all Benthos modem families – Acoustic Telemetry Modem (ATM), Compact Modem (CM), and Ultra Compact Modem (UCM)​ – as well as on UTS topside systems. BlueStreamX2 expands the bandwidth from 5 kHz to 10 kHz, doubling the acoustic data rate to 4800 bits per second.​

​​

What is Underwater Acoustic Communication?

Underwater acoustic communication uses sound waves to transmit data between devices submerged in water. Unlike radio waves, which don't travel well through water, acoustic signals are highly effective for underwater communication. These systems are crucial for tasks such as remotely operated vehicle (ROV) control, data transmission from sensors, and communication between divers and surface teams. 


Teledyne Marine specializes in advanced underwater acoustic communication solutions designed to provide clear, reliable, and high-bandwidth data transfer, even in the most challenging underwater conditions. Our systems utilize cutting-edge technology that ensures minimal signal loss, low latency, and robust performance in deep-sea environments. 


Key Benefits of Teledyne Marine’s Underwater Acoustic Communication Solutions

  1. Reliable Long-Range Communication: Teledyne Marine’s acoustic communication systems are designed for long-range performance, ensuring that communication remains stable even at great depths or distances. Whether operating in shallow waters or deep-sea exploration, our systems provide dependable connectivity over long distances, enabling real-time data transfer and operation control. 
  2. High-Data Bandwidth: Teledyne’s solutions offer high data bandwidth for complex underwater operations. Whether you need to transmit high-definition video feeds from an ROV, send real-time sensor data, or communicate with teams at the surface, our acoustic systems deliver the speed and capacity needed for seamless communication. 
  3. Robust Performance in Harsh Conditions: Underwater acoustic communication is highly sensitive to environmental conditions like water temperature, salinity, and turbidity. Teledyne Marine’s systems are engineered to perform in challenging conditions, ensuring that communication is reliable even in low-visibility environments, deep waters, or areas with strong currents. 
  4. Low Power Consumption: Many underwater operations rely on autonomous or remotely operated vehicles that require efficient energy use. Teledyne’s communication systems are optimized for low power consumption, extending the operational time of your equipment and reducing the need for frequent recharging or maintenance. 
  5. Real-Time Communication: Underwater acoustic communication allows for instant data exchange between remote teams and underwater vehicles. This real-time capability is crucial for critical operations such as inspections, search and rescue missions, and complex research, enabling teams to adjust strategies and respond quickly to evolving conditions. 
  6. Scalability and Flexibility: Teledyne Marine’s underwater communication systems are highly scalable and can be customized to meet the specific needs of any subsea operation. From small-scale research projects to large industrial applications, our solutions are flexible enough to support a variety of vehicles, sensors, and communication networks. 


Applications of Underwater Acoustic Communication

  1. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): In ROV operations, underwater acoustic communication is essential for transmitting video feeds, controlling the vehicle, and sending critical data back to the surface. Teledyne Marine’s systems ensure that ROVs can operate smoothly at great depths, with clear communication to operators for enhanced safety and precision. 
  2. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): For AUVs used in marine research, environmental monitoring, or underwater mapping, communication is vital for navigation and data transfer. Teledyne’s acoustic solutions provide reliable communication to and from AUVs, enabling real-time data updates and command inputs from the surface, even in remote or harsh conditions. 
  3. Divers and Surface Teams: Teledyne’s underwater communication solutions support clear, two-way communication between divers and surface teams. This is essential for underwater construction, inspections, and search and rescue missions, where constant coordination between teams is required to ensure safety and effectiveness. 
  4. Environmental Monitoring and Oceanographic Research: Marine researchers use underwater acoustic communication systems to transmit data from various sensors deployed on the seabed or within the water column. These systems allow for real-time data collection on water temperature, salinity, depth, and marine life, aiding in environmental conservation efforts and scientific discovery. 
  5. Offshore Energy Operations: For offshore energy companies, underwater acoustic communication is a vital tool for managing subsea infrastructure, including pipelines, wind turbines, and oil rigs. Teledyne’s communication systems facilitate remote monitoring, asset inspections, and real-time data transmission, improving operational efficiency and safety. 
  6. Defense and Security: In military and defense applications, underwater acoustic communication supports naval operations, submarine activities, and underwater reconnaissance. Teledyne’s systems enable secure, reliable communication between underwater assets and surface command units, ensuring mission success in both offensive and defensive operations. 


Why Choose Teledyne Marine for Underwater Acoustic Communication?

Teledyne Marine is a leader in the field of underwater technology, with decades of experience providing innovative solutions to the world’s toughest subsea challenges. Our underwater acoustic communication systems are built to withstand the complexities of marine environments, delivering consistent and high-quality performance. 


With a focus on reliability, precision, and scalability, Teledyne Marine ensures that your underwater communication needs are met with the highest standards of excellence. Our systems are backed by a dedicated team of experts who provide global technical support, ensuring that you have the resources you need to succeed. ​


Acoustic Modems for Communication product line