Underwater Data Transfer Team 2117

Team 2117 Underwater Data TransferRyan Harvey, Kiran Nadkarni, Harris Yousafzai

Project Overview

- Sponsored by General Dynamics Electric Boat (Contact: Eric Hultgren)

- Designing a Wireless Data Transfer System for Underwater Use

- Potential Use Case Between UUV and Submarine

- Collaboration Between ECE, CSE, and MechE

Project Overview

- Background and Concepts

- Expected Deliverables

- Limitations and Specifications

Background and Concepts- Underwater wireless data transfer use cases:

- Military communications and tactical surveillance- Pollution monitoring- Undersea oil control- Climate Change monitoring and Oceanography

Background and Concepts- Current Technology: Acoustic Waves

- Advantages: - Currently commercially available- Viable for long distances at low Bandwidth

- Disadvantages:- Low data rate (~Kbps)- High power/energy requirements (100 bits/J) - Very high latency

Background and Concepts- Previous Alternative: RF

- Advantages:- Much higher data rate than acoustic (~Mbps)- Lower power usage for close range (mW @ 3m)

- Disadvantages:- Strong attenuation by water (3.5-5 dB/m)- Strong distance dependence for Trans. Power

Background and Concepts- Emerging Alternative: Optical Communication (our focus)

- Advantages:- Much higher Data Rate (~Gbps)- Low Latency- Low attenuation (~0.39 dB/m Ocean)- Much more energy efficient (~30,000 bits/J)- Higher Speed (~2.225x10^8 m/s)

Background and Concepts- Emerging Alternative: Optical Communication (our focus)

- Disadvantages:- Not available as COTS product- No clear industry standard optical platform- Potential for LOS issues - High degree of complexity

Background and Concepts- Wavelength Selection:

- Different wavelengths are optimal in differing environments

- ~450nm performs best in pure sea/clear ocean environments

Source: Oliveira & Salas 2020

Background and Concepts

Source: Oliveira & Salas 2020

Background and Concepts

Source: Oliveira & Salas 2020

Expected Deliverables- Continually developed Research Presentation

- Existing research into various optical platforms- Costs/Benefits of various optical technologies- Potential for integration into UUV units- Potential for scaling to multi-unit communication

Expected Deliverables (ECE)- Proof of concept hardware implementation:

- Using microcontrollers and commercially available lasers- Analysis of differences between POC implementation and real

- Simulation and Software:- Simulations of different laser platforms - Modelling of Ocean Attenuation- Analysis of data transfer effectiveness

Expected Deliverables (ECE)- Generate System Model:

- Based on empirical data

- Used to analyze Hardware P.O.C

- Analysis of factors not considered in model

Source: Oliveira & Salas 2020

Limitations and Specifications:

- Minimum Accepted Data Transfer Rate: 100 kBps- Maximum Goal Data Transfer Rate: 1 GBps- Transfer Quality: 100% No Lost Packets- Maximum Data Transfer Equipment Current: 3 A- Maximum Exposed Terminal voltage: 30 VDC- Materials and components selected must be:

- Corrosion Resistant- Seawater Capable- Depth capable for UUV

The Approach

- Optical Communication System- Blue light - 10mW - 5W optical transmission power- Operating Temperature of -5°C - 40°C (Requirement of 0°C to 36.6°C)

- LED/Semiconductor Laser (~405 - 450 nm wavelength)- Focusing on send information to the UUV- Photodiode Receiver- Microprocessor Involvement

Specifications Cont.

- Riptide UUV Specifications

- Approximately 30 Ft of Distance Required

Additional Information

- Research Based Project

- Potential for Hardware Implementation

- Website Information

Possible Parts

- Photodiode - Laser - Microcontrollers - Breadboard - Waterproof housing

Resources Cited:

- Underwater Optical Wireless Communication Oliveira & Salas 2020 REPSOL

- General Dynamics EB Capstone Project Details

- Sponsor Provided Notional Parameters and Requirements

- Riptide UUV specifications Documentation

Questions?