A coherent backscatter velocity profiling sonar is described which uses pseudo random tone modulation and pulse pair processing to extend the range velocity ambiguity product. The consequences of pseudo random tone modulation and detection on the range resolution and the coherence time of the backscattered signal is presented with practical results obtained from laboratory tests. The functional A ABSTRACT A coherent backscatter velocity profiling sonar is described which uses pseudo random tone

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... modulation and pulse pair processing to extend the range velocity ambiguity product. The consequences of pseudo random tone modulation and detection on the range resolution and the coherence time of the backscattered signal is presented with practical results obtained from laboratory tests. The functional implementation of the instrument and its novel signal generation technique is described with emphasis placed on the system reconfigurability under software control. Practical results obtained with the instrument in field trials are presented. The role of the instrument in coastal monitoring and the management of water resources and future multi-dimensional implementations of the instrument outlined.