Applications of pressure tolerant electronics

This paper begins with a brief background on Pressure Tolerant Electronics (PTE). Next is a section describing PTE systems that have been successfully used but are no longer in use, or have been in use for several years. Under this heading, five systems are described: (1) the control system for the two-manned, transparent-hulled submersible MAKAKAI, (2) the sonar used on the Navy's experimental submarine DOLPHIN (AGSS 555), (3) high current circuit breakers, (4) an acoustic line array telemetry system, and (5) a small preamplifier. Included in the discussion of each system is the rationale for using PTE in that system and available system performance and failure data. Next, five PTE systems currently in use are discussed. These are: (1) a pressure tolerant TV camera, (2) an acoustic imaging system, (3) a 70 mm still camera, (4) a digital compass, and (5) a submerged oil production system. Again, the rationale for using PTE in these systems and performance and failure data are included.