Comments: (pdf)
Ref.: Sensors 22, 8332, October 2022
Abstract:
This paper shows the performance resulting from combining vector sensor directional
components in an underwater acoustic communication experiment. The objective is to relate per-
formance with transmission direction and range. Receiver structures based on beamforming and
passive time-reversal are tested in order to quantify and compare the steerability impact of vector
sensor directional components. A shallow water experiment is carried out with a bottom fixed
two-axis pressure-gradient vector sensor. A ship suspended acoustic source transmits coherent
modulated communication signals at various ranges and from several directions. Results show that
one vector sensor can provide an up to 10 times smaller error bit rate than a pressure sensor, favoring
communication robustness without size penalty.