Long range, large throughput radio data links for DUSS (Deployable Underwater Surveillance Systems)

Abstract

Two mono-directional radio telemetry systems are described operating from a buoy to NRV Alliance at frequencies of 0.4 and 2.28 GHz. Digital data at 2 Mbps were transmitted close to the sea surface, collecting information on error statistics and propagation loss versus buoy distance, antenna height and radio parameters. A candidate system was configured for both frequency bands and the goal of 10 n.mi range was achieved. Field tests were supported by computer simulation for validation and a better insight into the results. An additional test assessed the performance of a low-power, full duplex, spread-spectrum radio link, operating at the data rate of 128 kbps, up to 3.5 n.mi. The experiments and conclusions provide useful input to the design of a Deployable Underwater Surveillance System (DUSS) for scientific and operational purposes.