600kHz Doppler Velocity Log

Q: Does the FA4 require a Self-Contained configuration?

No. All DVL models are Direct-Reading only — powered by the vehicle’s supply (20–50V DC for the FA4) with real-time velocity output via serial connection. There is no internal battery option. This is standard across the industry for navigation sensors: the DVL is an always-on vehicle subsystem, same as your INS, depth sensor, and altimeter.

DVL-600-FA4

The DVL-600-FA4 is a 600kHz 4-beam Janus-configuration Doppler Velocity Log with a proven piston transducer — the workhorse DVL for work-class ROVs, large AUVs, and subsea platform navigation. Bottom-track lock from 0.7m to 110m altitude at ±0.3% ± 3mm/s, with seamless automatic fallback to water-track mode beyond that.

Overview

Built around a classic 4-beam Janus array with a 20° beam angle, the FA4 delivers stable, redundant 3D velocity data across sloped and uneven seabed terrain. Titanium alloy housing with selectable depth ratings of 1,000m, 3,000m, or 6,000m. Standard RS-232/RS-422 serial output in PD0/PD6 format — integrate directly into any major INS platform. 64GB onboard Micro SD records full mission data for post-processing.

Key Features

110m Bottom-Track Range

Reliable bottom-lock from 0.7m to 110m altitude. ±0.3% ± 3mm/s velocity accuracy, 1mm/s resolution. Navigation-grade dead-reckoning input for your INS.

Dual-Tracking: Bottom + Water

Automatic switching between bottom-track and water-track modes. Seamless transition keeps the INS fed when the seabed drops beyond bottom-lock range.

20° Beam Angle · 3.5° Beam Width

Tighter beam angle than phased-array DVLs — concentrates acoustic energy for stronger bottom-echo returns on soft or silty seabeds where wider beams would scatter.

Proven Piston Reliability

FA4 ceramic piston transducer — field-proven across thousands of work-class ROV dives and AUV survey missions. Consistent beam patterns, serviceable, no electronic steering drift.

4-Beam Janus Configuration

Classic piston transducer array with four beams in Janus geometry. Redundant velocity measurement — if one beam is momentarily obscured, the remaining three still compute a valid solution.

Three Depth Ratings

Selectable 1,000m (3.5 kg), 3,000m (4.8 kg), or 6,000m (5.7 kg) titanium housings. Pay only for the depth rating your vehicle actually needs.

Two Tracking Modes, One Instrument

Automatic switching based on altitude — no vehicle intervention. All DVL models are

Direct-Reading: real-time serial output, vehicle-powered.

Bottom-Track Mode

0.7m – 110m Altitude

4-beam Janus velocity relative to seabed
±0.3% ± 3mm/s navigation-grade accuracy
Simultaneous altitude measurement
Primary mode for 90% of AUV/ROV missions
20° beam angle for soft-seabed echo strength

Water-Track Mode

>110m Altitude · Automatic Fallback

Velocity relative to water column
Activates when bottom-lock is lost
Keeps INS updated during deep-water transit
Resumes bottom-track automatically when seabed returns
Also outputs current profile data as secondary stream

Direct-Reading only. The DVL-600-FA4 outputs real-time velocity and altitude via RS-232/RS-422 in PD0/PD6 format.
Compatible with all major INS platforms.

Specifications

Technical Specification	DVL-600-FA4
Model	DVL-600-FA4
Pressure Rating	1000m, 3000m, 6000m
Operating Frequency	600kHz
Bottom Track Depth (Relative to Seabed Height)	0.7 - 110m
Bottom Track Accuracy	±0.3% ± 3mm/s (Cumulative Accuracy)
Height Measurement Accuracy	±1% ± 0.5cm
Water Tracking Depth Range (Relative to Seabed Height)	>110m
Heading Accuracy	±2°
Velocity Accuracy	±0.3% ± 3mm/s
Velocity Resolution	1mm/s
Data Refresh Rate	2Hz
Beam Angle	20°
Beam Width	3.5°
Beam Configuration	4 Beams Janus
Internal Storage	64 GB Micro SD Card
Communication Interface	RS-232 or RS-422
Temperature Sensor	Range: -5°C to 45°C; Accuracy: ±0.1°C
Pressure Sensor	Range: According to depth rating; Accuracy: ±0.25%
Operating Temperature	-5°C - 45°C
Storage Temperature	-40°C - 70°C
Attitude Heading Reference Sensor	Range: Roll ±85° \| Pitch ±85° \| Heading 0-360°; Accuracy (RMS): Roll 0.2° \| Pitch 0.2° \| Heading 0.8°; Resolution: 0.1°
Maximum Transmit Power Consumption	≤10W
Power Supply Interface	20V - 50V
Housing Material	Titanium Alloy
Weight (in Air / in Water)	3.5 kg / 2.8 kg (1000m) \| 4.8 kg / 3.8 kg (3000m) \| 5.7 kg / 4.6 kg (6000m)
Dimensions (Excluding Top Connector)	Φ148 × 150 mm (1000m) \| Φ148 × 157 mm (3000m) \| Φ148 × 167 mm (6000m)

Applications

Why Choose the DVL-600-FA4

Three reasons engineers choose the FA4 over other 600kHz DVL options.

Stronger Returns on Soft Seabeds

20° beam angle — tighter than phased-array DVLs — concentrates acoustic energy for stronger bottom-echo returns. On silty, muddy, or heavily sedimented work sites, this means more stable bottom-lock and fewer dropouts.

Piston Transducer — Field-Proven and Serviceable

The FA4 ceramic piston transducer has thousands of deployments behind it. Consistent beam patterns, no electronic steering components to calibrate, and straightforward servicing if the transducer ever needs replacement after years of heavy use.

Best Value in the 600kHz DVL Lineup

The FA4 is the most cost-effective 600kHz DVL we offer. If your vehicle has the space for a standard Φ148mm housing and you don’t need the ultra-compact PA5 form factor, the FA4 delivers identical navigation performance at a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about the DVL-600-PA5

How do I choose between the DVL-600-FA4 and the DVL-600-PA5?

Both are 600kHz DVLs with the same 110m bottom-track range and ±0.3% ± 3mm/s accuracy. Choose the FA4 if your vehicle has space for a standard Φ148mm housing and you want the strongest bottom-echo returns (20° beam angle) at the best price. Choose the PA5 if you need the ultra-compact Φ92mm form factor — for small AUVs, gliders, and inspection-class ROVs where every millimeter and gram count. Navigation performance is equivalent; the trade-off is size, weight, and cost.

Why does the FA4 use a 20° beam angle while the PA5 uses 30°?

The FA4’s piston transducer naturally produces a tighter beam. A 20° beam concentrates more acoustic energy on a smaller seabed footprint — an advantage on soft, silty, or heavily sedimented seabeds where a wider beam scatters and loses return strength. The PA5’s phased-array produces a 30° beam, which is beneficial for sloped or uneven terrain (wider coverage). Both angles are within the DVL standard range; neither is universally better — the right choice depends on your typical operating environment.

Which depth rating should I select?

Select the rating that matches your vehicle’s maximum operating depth. 1,000m (3.5 kg) for coastal and shelf-depth vehicles. 3,000m (4.8 kg) for deep-water ROVs and most survey AUVs. 6,000m (5.7 kg) for full-ocean-depth vehicles. The housing dimensions increase slightly with depth rating (150mm → 167mm length) to accommodate thicker pressure walls. Choose the shallowest rating your missions require — you’ll save weight and cost.

What INS / navigation systems does the FA4 integrate with?

Standard RS-232/RS-422 output in PD0 and PD6 binary format — directly compatible with Kearfott, iXblue (Phins/Atlans), Sonardyne (SPRINT), Applanix POS MV, KVH, and Advanced Navigation. For proprietary or custom navigation filters, we provide an ICD and integration support — contact our engineering team early in your integration cycle.

Does the FA4 require a Self-Contained configuration?

No. All DVL models are Direct-Reading only — powered by the vehicle’s supply (20–50V DC for the FA4) with real-time velocity output via serial connection. There is no internal battery option. This is standard across the industry for navigation sensors: the DVL is an always-on vehicle subsystem, same as your INS, depth sensor, and altimeter.

Get a Quick quote

Tell us about your project and we’ll provide a customized quotation within 24 hours — including recommended configuration, lead time, and shipping.

Other DVLs

DVL-600-PA5

600kHz phased-array DVL — the most compact in its class. Φ92mm, ≤1.8 kg, ≤5W. 110m bottom-track at ±0.3% ± 3mm/s. For small AUVs, gliders, and inspection-class ROVs. Direct-Reading.

DVL-300-FA4

300kHz deep-water DVL — 220m bottom-track, double the range of 600kHz models. For AUVs and ROVs operating beyond the continental shelf. Titanium housing to 6,000m. Direct-Reading.