OceanWorks International has been contracted to provide the next generation design and manufacture of the Subsea Instrument Interface Module (SIIM) with new features to streamline the operation of the existing NEPTUNE Canada observatory.
OceanWorks initially delivered 14 SIIMs to NEPTUNE Canada in 2008 and 2009. The SIIMs (also know as Junction Boxes) are used to interface multiple science instruments to a single port on a node. The upgraded SIIM is a flexible, software configurable design with two key custom developments: a Variable Voltage Power Supply (VVPS), with a software selectable output voltage from 12VDC to 48VDC; and a Communication Selection Board, that will allow the software selection of either serial or Ethernet communications on each port. In addition, the SIIM serial ports have been upgraded to provide Pulse-per-Second (PPS) and Time-of-Day (ToD) signals using Precision-Timing-Protocol (PTP).
The upgrade allows for both the voltage and its communication protocol on the downstream ports to be changed by software without the need to open the pressure vessel. Since this change can be done in the lab or on the vessel the versatility of the SIIM is much improved allowing NEPTUNE to reduce operational and maintenance costs and reduce deployment risk by allowing common sparing of a single SIIM design rather than customizing a SIIM for each instrument platform.
OceanWorks is an internationally recognized subsea technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of manned / unmanned subsea systems and specialized equipment for military, oil and gas, scientific, and other marine markets. Offering a full range of subsea system engineering, design and analysis, fabrication, testing, and project management services, OceanWorks has been at the cutting edge of deep submergence and diving technology, operations, and support for over 20 years.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , January 24, 2012; Image: OceanWorks