Underwater Acoustic Modem Prototype
Research and prototype development for a low-cost underwater acoustic communication system. Applying CAN bus reliability principles to subsea data transmission challenges.
Overview
This research project explores how automotive communication protocol reliability techniques can be applied to underwater acoustic communication. The goal is to develop a low-cost acoustic modem that brings CAN bus-level reliability to subsea data links.
Planned Features
- OFDM Modulation: Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing adapted for underwater acoustic channels
- Error Correction: Forward error correction schemes inspired by automotive communication protocols
- Adaptive Rate Control: Dynamic bitrate adjustment based on channel conditions, similar to CAN bus arbitration concepts
- Low-Cost Hardware: FPGA-based implementation targeting accessible price points for research and education
Research Direction
The underwater acoustic channel presents unique challenges — multipath propagation, Doppler shift, and severely limited bandwidth. However, many of the reliability techniques from automotive CAN bus networks (error detection, retransmission, priority arbitration) have interesting analogs in acoustic communication.
Current Status
Currently in the literature review and system design phase. Evaluating FPGA platforms and transducer options for the prototype.