The existing underwater acoustic modems are designed for deep oceans and long range communication leading to immense consumption of power and high cost. These long range underwater acoustic modems are not suitable choice for deployment in underwater sensor networks, Hence the problem was chosen to design and develop a underwater acoustic modems that operates in shallow waters of depth below 100m and for a short range of below 100 m. Underwater wireless sensor network is contemporary technology that can be applied in the fields of security, surveillance, military, commercial, industrial and environmental. The major drawback is that the traditional underwater acoustic modems cannot be deployed for underwater sensor networks. This work focusses on the research and development of the underwater acoustic modem for shallow waters and short range communication. The relevant background theory required understand acoustics and for modelling the unique characteristics of the underwater channel is described in detail. Different concepts to model and implement the functionalities of the transmitter and receiver were explored, while converging to the most suitable choice of concepts. The modelled system is simulated for different channel conditions such as depth, range and induced ambient noise. The results were analysed in order to conclude the performance outcome of the system. The modelled system can efficiently operate for a depth of 30m, 50m and 70m for a range up to 50m. The hardware was developed using minimum number of components as a proof of concept for efficient data transmission and reception using acoustic signals. The hardware was tested to operate efficiently in air, however hardware tests for underwater is suggested for future work, which will provide much better performance since acoustics is more suitable for communication in water than air.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER 1 - Introduction
- 1.1 Introduction to Underwater Acoustic Modem
- 1.2 Classification of the Acoustic/Sonar Communication Systems
- 1.3 Motivation
- 1.4 Scope of the work
- 1.5 Thesis Outline
- CHAPTER 2 - Background Theory
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Classification of Bandwidths for Underwater Acoustic Communication Systems
- 2.3 Fundamentals of Underwater Acoustic Communication
- 2.3.1 Sound
- 2.3.2 Acoustic Pressure
- 2.3.3 Acoustic Intensity
- 2.3.4 Speed of Sound
- 2.4 Underwater Channel Characteristics
- 2.4.1 Spreading Loss
- 2.4.2 Absorption Loss
- 2.4.3 Path Loss
- 2.4.4 Doppler Effect
- 2.4.5 Multipath Fading
- 2.4.6 Ambient Noise
- 2.5 Bit Error Rate (BER)
- 2.6 Conclusion
- CHAPTER 3 - Literature Review
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Literature review on Underwater Acoustic Modems for Short Range Communication
- 3.3 Summary of Literature Review
- CHAPTER 4 - Problem Definition
- 4.1 Problem Statement
- 4.2 Project Objectives
- 4.3 Methods and Methodologies adopted to meet the project objectives
- CHAPTER 5 - System Engineering Based Design and Development of Underwater Acoustic Modem
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Need Analysis
- 5.3 Concept Exploration
- 5.3.1 Binary Frequency Shift Keying (BFSK)
- 5.3.2 Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK)
- 5.3.3 Error Protection and Detection
- 5.4 Concept Definition
- 5.4.1 Modulation Scheme
- 5.4.2 Error Protection and Detection
- 5.5 Advanced Development
- 5.5.1 System Block Diagram
- 5.5.2 Software tool used for simulations
- 5.5.3 Underwater Acoustic Channel Model
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this work is to design and develop an underwater acoustic modem suitable for shallow waters and short-range communication, addressing the limitations of existing systems designed for deep oceans and long ranges. The project aims to create a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for applications like underwater sensor networks.
- Design and development of a low-power, cost-effective underwater acoustic modem.
- Modeling and simulation of underwater acoustic communication in shallow water environments.
- Exploration and implementation of suitable modulation and error correction techniques.
- Analysis of system performance under varying channel conditions (depth, range, noise).
- Hardware prototyping and testing (in air, with underwater testing proposed for future work).
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER 1 - Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of underwater acoustic modems, focusing on the limitations of existing systems for shallow water and short-range applications. It highlights the motivation behind developing a new modem optimized for these specific conditions, emphasizing the potential applications in underwater sensor networks. The chapter also outlines the scope and structure of the thesis.
CHAPTER 2 - Background Theory: This chapter provides the essential theoretical background on underwater acoustic communication. It delves into the fundamentals of sound, acoustic pressure, intensity, and the speed of sound in water. A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the characteristics of the underwater acoustic channel, including spreading loss, absorption loss, path loss, Doppler effect, multipath fading, and ambient noise. The impact of these channel characteristics on communication performance is discussed, along with an explanation of the bit error rate (BER).
CHAPTER 3 - Literature Review: This chapter presents a comprehensive review of existing literature on underwater acoustic modems, focusing specifically on those designed for short-range communication. It analyzes different approaches, technologies, and challenges faced in this domain, providing a context for the proposed design and highlighting gaps in the existing research that the current project aims to address. The summary of the literature review synthesizes the key findings and establishes a basis for the proposed work.
CHAPTER 4 - Problem Definition: This chapter clearly articulates the problem statement, which focuses on the limitations of existing underwater acoustic modems in shallow water and short-range scenarios. It formally defines the project objectives, outlining the specific goals that the design and development process aims to achieve. It also outlines the methodology adopted to meet these objectives, providing a roadmap for the subsequent chapters.
CHAPTER 5 - System Engineering Based Design and Development of Underwater Acoustic Modem: This chapter details the system engineering approach used in the design and development of the underwater acoustic modem. It begins with a needs analysis, followed by a thorough exploration of various concepts including different modulation schemes (BFSK and BPSK) and error protection techniques. The chapter culminates in the definition of the chosen system architecture, including a block diagram, a discussion of the simulation software, and a description of the underwater acoustic channel model used for system simulation and testing.
Keywords
Underwater acoustic modem, shallow water communication, short-range communication, underwater sensor networks, modulation schemes (BFSK, BPSK), error correction, channel modeling, simulation, hardware design, low power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions: Underwater Acoustic Modem Design and Development
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a thesis on the design and development of an underwater acoustic modem specifically tailored for shallow water and short-range communication. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The primary goal is to design and develop a cost-effective and energy-efficient underwater acoustic modem suitable for shallow waters and short-range communication, addressing the limitations of existing systems designed for deep oceans and long ranges. The target application is underwater sensor networks.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the design and development of a low-power, cost-effective modem; modeling and simulation of underwater acoustic communication in shallow water; exploration and implementation of suitable modulation and error correction techniques; analysis of system performance under varying channel conditions; and hardware prototyping and testing (with underwater testing planned for future work).
What are the chapters and their respective content?
Chapter 1 (Introduction) introduces underwater acoustic modems and the motivation for developing a new modem optimized for shallow water and short-range applications. Chapter 2 (Background Theory) covers the fundamentals of underwater acoustic communication, including sound properties, channel characteristics (spreading loss, absorption loss, path loss, Doppler effect, multipath fading, ambient noise), and bit error rate (BER). Chapter 3 (Literature Review) reviews existing literature on underwater acoustic modems for short-range communication. Chapter 4 (Problem Definition) defines the project objectives and methodology. Chapter 5 (System Engineering Based Design and Development) details the system engineering approach, including needs analysis, concept exploration (BFSK, BPSK, error protection), concept definition, advanced development (system block diagram, simulation software, channel model).
What modulation schemes are considered?
The thesis explores Binary Frequency Shift Keying (BFSK) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) as potential modulation schemes for the underwater acoustic modem.
What are the key challenges addressed in the thesis?
The thesis addresses the limitations of existing underwater acoustic modems for shallow water and short-range communication, focusing on creating a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for underwater sensor networks. This involves overcoming challenges related to channel characteristics like multipath fading, noise, and attenuation in shallow water environments.
What type of testing is included?
The thesis includes hardware prototyping and in-air testing. Underwater testing is proposed for future work.
What keywords best describe this thesis?
Underwater acoustic modem, shallow water communication, short-range communication, underwater sensor networks, modulation schemes (BFSK, BPSK), error correction, channel modeling, simulation, hardware design, low power consumption.
- Quote paper
- Masters in Electronics Systems Design Vinay Divakar (Author), 2014, Design and Development of Underwater Acoustic Modem for Shallow Waters and Short Range Communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/279298
