Design of a low-cost underwater acoustic modem

Abstract

Small, dense, wireless sensor networks are beginning to revolutionize our understanding of the physical world by providing †ne resolution sampling of the surrounding environment. The ability to have many small devices streaming real-time data physically distributed near the objects being sensed brings new opportunities to observe and act on the world, which could provide signi†cant bene†ts to mankind. For example, dense wireless sensor networks have been used in agriculture to improve the quality, yield, and value of crops, by tracking soil temperatures and informing farmers of fruit maturity and potential damages from freezing temperatures [1]. They have been deployed in sensitive habitats to monitor the causes for mortality in endangered species [2]. Dense wireless sensor networks have also been used to detect structural damages in bridges and other civil structures to inform authorities of needed repair [3] and have been used to monitor the vibration signatures of industrial equipment in fabrication plants to predict mechanical failures [4].