Airmar 'Smart' transducers contain active circuitry that converts the sensor data into a standard NMEA format.

NMEA 0183 versions output standard NMEA 0183 sentences for connection to a display or multiplexer. These transducers must be connected to a 12v power supply.

NMEA 2000 versions output standard NMEA 2000 data formats and have an NMEA 2000 drop cable attached, ready to plug into a T-connector on a network backbone. These transducers are powered by the network.

Smart depth transducers use the 235kHz frequency so as not to interfere with fishfinder transducers.