Multichannel signal transmission and reception using compact multichannel underwater communication devices: A unified theory and experimental results from different underwater media

Abstract

Simultaneous transmission of multiple signals over the same bandwidth allows for optimal utilization of the limited bandwidth in underwater systems and networks. To avoid using multiple spatially separated single-channel projectors, one compact multichannel device can be used instead [E. Zhang, R. Rashid, A. Abdi, “Particle velocity underwater data communication: Physics, channels, system and experiments,” IEEE J. Oceanic Eng. (2023); E. Zhang, R. Rashid, A. Abdi, “Underwater communication experiments for transmitting multiple data streams using a vector acoustic MIMO system: OFDM and FSK modulations,” Proc. Oceans (2023)]. Simultaneous reception of multiple signals using one compact multichannel device is also feasible and improves the communication performance, without using several spatially separated single-channel hydrophones [R. Rashid, E. Zhang, A. Abdi, “On the performance of a new wireless communication compact multichannel underwater receiver using a sphere vector sensor,” IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology (2023); R. Rashid, E. Zhang, A. Abdi, “Underwater acoustic signal acquisition and sensing using a ring vector sensor communication receiver: Theory and experiments,” Sensors (2023)]. In this paper, we present various experimental results using a number of compact multichannel underwater devices in different setups, and demonstrate their usefulness for underwater communication. [Work supported in part by NSF, Grant IIP-1500123].