Software-Defined Sonar (SDS) Technology and Applications Fundamentals Training by Tonex
Modern maritime missions demand agile acoustic sensing that can be retasked in software, not hardware. This course demystifies Software-Defined Sonar (SDS), connecting DSP building blocks, waveform agility, and real-time control with practical deployment constraints at sea. Participants learn how to architect, implement, and evaluate SDS across platforms from AUVs to fixed arrays.
Security is treated as a first-class design goal, including hardening the SDS control plane, protecting model pipelines, and assuring trusted updates. You will examine cyber-physical attack surfaces, acoustic spoofing vectors, and data-link protections so SDS capabilities strengthen, rather than weaken, mission cybersecurity.
Learning Objectives
- Explain SDS concepts, architecture layers, and signal processing flow
- Configure agile transmit/receive chains and manage real-time resources
- Design, simulate, and assess adaptive beamforming and detection strategies
- Evaluate environmental impacts on performance and verification methods
- Integrate SDS with autonomy stacks, comms, and maritime C2 workflows
- Apply secure-by-design practices so SDS enhances cybersecurity posture
Audience
- Sonar and acoustics engineers
- Systems and platform engineers
- AI and signal processing specialists
- Test and evaluation professionals
- Program and product managers
- Cybersecurity Professionals
Course Modules
Module 1 – SDS Foundations
- SDS vs conventional sonar
- Architecture and interfaces
- Acoustic channel basics
- DSP pipeline overview
- Timing and synchronization
- Performance KPIs
Module 2 – Waveforms and Coding
- CW, FM, and chirps
- Pulse compression methods
- OFDM and spread spectrum
- MIMO and multistatics
- Ambiguity function tradeoffs
- LPI/LPD considerations
Module 3 – Receive Chain and Beamforming
- Array geometries and apertures
- Adaptive beamforming basics
- DOA and tracking methods
- Interference suppression
- Calibration and alignment
- Real-time streaming I/O
Module 4 – Processing and Analytics
- Detection and CFAR tuning
- Classification features
- ML models for targets
- Data fusion and SLAM
- Confidence and scoring
- HIL and SIL validation
Module 5 – Platforms and Integration
- AUV and USV payloads
- Hull-mounted considerations
- Towed and distributed arrays
- Power and thermal limits
- Networking and time sync
- C2 and data formats
Module 6 – Security and Assurance
- Threat model for SDS
- Secure control plane
- Authenticated updates
- Anti-spoofing techniques
- Telemetry and logging
- Compliance and safety
Advance your maritime advantage with a software-defined approach to sonar. Enroll now to master the architectures, signal processing, and security practices that turn SDS into a reliable, cyber-resilient capability for your mission.