Analysis of J-Pole antenna configurations for underwater communications

Abstract

The capability of relatively high-speed short-range communications of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in underwater scenarios, for example, for communication between vehicles or when the AUV is approaching a docking station for downloading of data gathered during a survey mission, is becoming a relevant application in the context of sea exploration and mining. In this paper the analysis of the J-pole antenna and two of its configurations namely Super J-pole and Collinear J-pole antennas are presented, aimed at improving the propagation distance and data rates when such antennas are installed on AUV for onward usage in underwater communications. The performance of these three antennas is assessed through simulation in fresh and sea water, operating in the High Frequency (HF) band. These antennas are compared in terms of bandwidth and directivity which are important elements in the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals. The results obtained show that these antennas will be desirable both for improved data rates and propagation distance in fresh and sea water. The antennas were designed with FEKO electromagnetic simulation software.

Wideband dipole antennas with parasitic elements for underwater communications

“…In this respect at -10 dB of the reflection coefficient, DipP achieved 65 MHz bandwidth, between 10 MHz and 74 MHz, whereas DipH has a slightly higher bandwidth of 74 MHz, between 9 MHz and 83 MHz. These results shows an improvement when compared with the performance of the J-pole antenna in the same medium, as presented in [11]. Another important parameter that was simulated is the directivity which, at 25 MHz equals 10.70 dB and 12.50 dB and at 40 MHz equals 8.50 dB and 9.92 dB for DipP and DipH respectively.…”

“…In one of the previous works for underwater antenna design in this group [11], the capability of J-pole antenna configurations to achieve bandwidths above 30 MHz was assessed and presented. However, when there is the need for higher throughput, for example, as in real-time video transmission, which may occur between underwater sensor nodes and an AUV or between AUVs and a docking station, these antennas 10 6 10 7 10 8 10 9…”

Antennas for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs): Reviewing the Challenges of Underwater Communication

“…Continuous research and development efforts are essential to enhance antenna performance for underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). Promising future directions include material exploration, where developing novel materials with low conductivity and high permittivity for antenna construction can minimize signal attenuation in seawater [51]. Additionally, metamaterialinspired designs offer exciting possibilities for manipulating electromagnetic waves, potentially leading to antennas with improved radiation characteristics and reduced size 5 [2].…”

Perancangan Antena Super J-Pole 146 MHz Band Radio Amatir

“…Antena J-Pole merupakan antena monopol omnidireksional yang proses matching antenanya menggunakan stub seperempat gelombang secara paralel [8]. Antena J-Pole memiliki kinerja mirip dengan antena dipole, karena pada fase elemen 1/4λ gelombang antena J-Pole akan saling menghilangkan terhadap elemen lawannya yaitu elemen 3/4 [9][ [10].…”