Sensor systems

What we do

Sensor systems

Sensor systems

We develop customised sensor systems for inspection and monitoring purposes. These include sound and gas detection, underwater sensors for defence applications and ultrasonic technologies for medical diagnostics.

Sensor systems

Sensor systems

We develop customised sensor systems for inspection and monitoring purposes. These include sound and gas detection, underwater sensors for defence applications and ultrasonic technologies for medical diagnostics.

Sensor systems

Sensor systems

We develop customised sensor systems for inspection and monitoring purposes. These include sound and gas detection, underwater sensors for defence applications and ultrasonic technologies for medical diagnostics.

Sensor systems

Sensor systems

We develop customised sensor systems for inspection and monitoring purposes. These include sound and gas detection, underwater sensors for defence applications and ultrasonic technologies for medical diagnostics.

What’s new?

Man pointing at item

Fast, reliable acoustic underwater data transfer for naval operations

The CSIR achieved near-perfect transmission and data rates exceeding 240 kbps during a demonstration of the latest version of its broadband underwater data communication system for a defence client at its underwater acoustic testing facility. Ongoing research focuses on developing fast and reliable underwater acoustic data transmission to enable the transfer of data – such as sonar images – over distances of up to 500 m. This technology is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the South African Navy.

Our Research

Vuyani Jarana
Medical devices

Our ultrasonic sensor-based point-of-care systems are designed to support healthcare delivery beyond sophisticated medical facilities. Umbiflow is used in pre-natal care to detect pregnancy-related risks, while Cardiflow is a diagnostic tool that measures blood flow in the carotid arteries.

Nomsa Dlamini
Medical device industry support

Our team has extensive experience in providing technical and regulatory support, particularly to smaller local entrepreneurs. This includes guidance on quality management systems (ISO 13485), medical device product development and small-scale manufacturing.

Fabrizio Dionisio
Sonar

Our work on sonar systems includes design and prototyping of sonar transducers, electronics and underwater data systems. CSIR-developed systems are deployed on frigates and submarines of the South African Navy.

Dr Thulani Dlamini
Condition monitoring systems

By transmitting ultrasound into structures, defects or rail breaks on railway lines can be detected. In addition, our work on electro-optical inspection cameras for detecting leaks on power lines has led to a suite of cameras that are now market leaders.

Contact information:

Jeremy Wallis
Impact Area Manager
jwallis@csir.co.za

Our facilities

Vuyani Jarana
Underwater acoustic testing facility

The underwater acoustic testing facility is used to test underwater sonar transmitters, receivers and arrays. It supports transducer testing across a frequency range of 3 to 500 kHz and can simulate depths of up to 650 m for high-pressure testing. The facility is equipped with advanced instrumentation, automation technologies and specialised testing software. It has been integral to all sonar development projects undertaken by the CSIR for the South African Navy and has been used to characterise all wet-end sonar transducers on submarines and corvettes.