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arXiv · 2401.11479

Battery-Free Sensor Array for Wireless Multi-Depth In-Situ Sensing

Hongzhi Guo·Adam Kamrath
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Abstract

Underground in-situ sensing plays a vital role in precision agriculture and infrastructure monitoring. While existing sensing systems utilize wires to connect an array of sensors at various depths for spatial-temporal data collection, wireless underground sensor networks offer a cable-free alternative. However, these wireless sensors are typically battery-powered, necessitating periodic recharging or replacement. This paper proposes a battery-free sensor array which can be used for wireless multi-depth in-situ sensing. Utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC)-which can penetrate soil with negligible signal power loss-this sensor array can form a virtual magnetic waveguide, achieving long communication ranges. An analytical model has been developed to offer insights and determine optimal design parameters. Moreover, a prototype, constructed using off-the-shelf NFC sensors, was tested to validate the proposed concept. While this system is primarily designed for underground applications, it holds potential for other multi-depth in-situ sensing scenarios, including underwater environments.

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Hongzhi Guo, Adam Kamrath. 2024-01-21. Battery-Free Sensor Array for Wireless Multi-Depth In-Situ Sensing. https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.11479

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