Abstract

Apparatus which provides both range and bearing information between a transponder and a transponder interrogator. The interrogator transmits an acoustic interrogating pulse which is received by the transponder and in response thereto transmits back a first signal of a certain frequency f1. Two spaced apart hydrophones on the transponder provide their respective output signals to a phase meter, the output signal of which is indicative of the direction, that is, bearing, from which the interrogating pulse impinged. The phase meter output is converted to a corresponding time delay after which a second signal of a frequency f2 is transmitted. A counter in the interrogator starts counting upon transmission of the interrogating pulse and stops upon reception of the first signal of frequency f1. A second counter of the interrogator starts its count when the first counter turns off and terminates its count when the second signal f2 is received. The count in the first counter is converted to a corresponding range display and the count in the second counter is converted to a corresponding bearing display.