Improved RF Signal Propagation Through Water via WaveformsImproved RF Signal Propagation Through Water via Waveforms

Background

Conclusion

Test Result Comparisons in Air

• Radio Frequency signals are commonly used in communications, from radio and cellphones to Wi-Fi

• RF signals lose strength quickly in water due to absorption/attenuation properties

• Wireless devices communicating with RF signals could be used in off-shore oil-drilling platforms, submarines, and marine life applications

Experiment Purpose

Test Result Comparisons in Water

Test Methods

Materials

Outcome

• Improvement in Radio Frequency signal propagation between a wireless transmitter/receiver pair through a pipe filled with air vs. RF signal propagation through water

• A hollow pipe can be used to propagate signal through air rather than water and could significantly improve the signal quality and transmission range

• Copper & PVC pipes of varying diameters cut into 1m segments

• Trash can filled with water

• RF Sensors operating at 2.4 GHz

Ritesh J. Patel Electrical EngineeringJustin Jantzen Aerospace EngineeringDr. Dharma Agrawal REU Mentor & Distinguished ProfessorAnagha Jamthe Graduate Student Mentor

• Transmit signal through pipe (copper & PVC) and two plastic bags in air• Transmit signal through pipe (copper & PVC) and two plastic bags by placing

pipe and plastic bags in water• Compare the RSSI percentage of copper, PVC and two plastic bags in air• Compare the RSSI percentage of copper, PVC and two plastic bags in water• Use different diameter (1.5 inch, 2 inch, & 3 inch) of pipes to see diameter’s

effect on RSSI percentage

Average RSSI, in Percentage of Maximum RSSI, where σ is Standard Deviation

Average RSSI Lost, compared to Maximum RSSI

• Signals subject to large attenuation through water without waveform

• Waveform reduces signal somewhat in air

• In water, PVC waveform reduces signal loss by up to 10%

• Submerged copper pipe subjects signal to complete loss at 1m

• Larger pipe diameters have a small, but negative, effect on signal strength