AAE Nexus 2 (Model 2692): Advanced USBL System

Survey-Grade Positioning for Complex Multi-Target Operations

Product Overview 

The Applied Acoustic Engineering (AAE) Nexus 2 (Model 2692) is the second-generation digital Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) positioning system. It is designed to provide high-accuracy tracking of subsea assets—such as ROVs, AUVs, towfish, and divers—over an extended operational range.

The 2692 designation refers to the 19” rack-mount command console, which serves as the system's brain. It utilizes AAE’s proprietary Sigma 2 spread spectrum digital protocols, providing a secure, bi-directional acoustic link that is highly resistant to the interference and multipath reflections common in shallow-water ports or busy offshore construction sites.

Key Capabilities of the Nexus 2

• Sigma 2 Digital Signal Processing: The transition from legacy tone-burst to digital spread spectrum ensures superior range stability and positioning repeatability, lifting the Nexus 2 into the category of "survey-grade" navigation.
• Simultaneous 16-Target Tracking: Ideal for complex worksites, the system can track up to 16 dynamic subsea targets at once. This is particularly useful for UXO surveys (multiple magnetometers) or diving operations with multiple ROVs.
• "Multi-Fire" Common Interrogation: Unlike traditional systems that interrogate beacons one-by-one, the Nexus 2 can trigger multiple beacons with a single ping. This drastically increases the refresh rate, providing smoother, near-real-time positioning for fast-moving targets.
• Advanced Data Telemetry: Supports the MiQ data protocol, allowing for an 800bps uplink of third-party sensor data (e.g., pressure, heading, or environmental sensors) from the subsea beacons directly to the surface console.
• EasyCal 2 & AutoCal Wizard: Includes integrated calibration software that simplifies the alignment of the transceiver with the ship’s heading and motion sensors, a process that traditionally took hours but can now be completed with a simple vessel maneuver.