Each individual connector will be remotely switchable, allowing individual systems to be turned on and off at will. The instrument frame will be easily removed by divers and a small workboat so that all of the electronics may be returned to WHOI for periodic maintenance or repairs. Three insulated power conductors are enclosed within a double armored steel outer package. The cable is protected by a sensitive ground-fault interrupter, which automatically removes power in the event that any leakage to earth ground is detected. The main input power is converted to suitable voltage levels for all onboard and user supplied systems.
Several options are available to users for power interfaces.
The most numerous power interfaces will be for low voltage DC, most likely configured for 12 or 24 volts. Data interfaces will also be provided to satisfy a wide variety of user requirements. Some analog interfaces are also desired, the most common being 0-10 volts, with 12 bit resolution and a relatively low sample rate such as 1000 Hz or less. High resolution and high-speed analog interface requirements are difficult to predict in advance, and therefore less emphasis will be placed on them. Digital interfaces will be strongly encouraged.