WFS is the worlds leading developer of through-water and through-ground electromagnetic communications and sensing products. With over 50 patent applications filed in Europe and the US, our revolutionary products deliver cost savings and new capabilities to the Oil & Gas, Environmental & Industrial, and Homeland Security & Defence industries. Founded in 2003, WFS launched the worlds first commercially available underwater Radio Modem, Seatext in 2006. The same year, the company was announced as the Overall Winner of the UK MoDs top innovation award. WFSs Broadband Data Link, Seatooth, was launched in January 2007 and was followed later that year by a launch of the worlds first dual technology Radio Acoustic Modem, RAM-300. WFSs disruptive technology is revolutionising control and communications in underwater and underground environments. Underwater Radio Frequency (RF) technology has the distinct advantage that it will operate in adverse water conditions, is unaffected by acoustic noise, is free from multipathing problems and that the Doppler effects are minimal. Critically, WFSs products support data transmission across the water/air and ground/air boundaries, penetrating the surf zone, ice, harbour walls, and hitherto impenetrable materials.
WFS 3 Michaelson Square Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7DP United Kingdom
Roper Resources Ltd / Symphotic Tii Corporation
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600 Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601 Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk
Tel: (805) 798 0277 Chris@RoperResources.com
Introduction
Underwater wireless communications links have up till now almost exclusively been implemented using acoustic systems. Optical links have proved impractical for many applications for a variety of reasons. Although underwater radio links were experimentally evaluated in the pioneering days of radio they were unable to meet the requirements of the time. In light of modern operational requirements and the ready availability of digital communications technology it is now time to re-evaluate the role of electromagnetic signals in the underwater environment.
WFS 3 Michaelson Square Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7DP United Kingdom
Roper Resources Ltd / Symphotic Tii Corporation
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600 Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601 Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk
Tel: (805) 798 0277 Chris@RoperResources.com
This product has been targeted at a variety of applications such as environmental monitoring, AUV real time control, data harvesting from underwater sensors and diver communications. Electromagnetic communication links are particularly suited to shallow water applications where difficult conditions apply or where non-obtrusive solutions are required such as in rivers, estuarine waters, in harbours or around industrial facilities on the coast or off shore. Signals pass through ice with low attenuation so all year data collection is possible even when surface water is frozen.
Broadband Telemetry for Data Harvesting WFS 3 Michaelson Square Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7DP United Kingdom
Roper Resources Ltd / Symphotic Tii Corporation
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600 Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601 Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk
Tel: (805) 798 0277 Chris@RoperResources.com
Conclusion
Acoustic underwater communications is a maturing field where fundamental operational limitations are well understood. Communications technology and operational requirements have radically changed since underwater electromagnetism was first evaluated. It is time to re-evaluate the role of underwater electromagnetic signalling in the digital era. WFS has pioneered commercial developments in this area and have launched the worlds first underwater RF communications product with unique capabilities. We believe the impact of this technology will prove disruptive in a broad range of industries including defence, offshore oil & gas and environmental monitoring.
WFS 3 Michaelson Square Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7DP United Kingdom
Roper Resources Ltd / Symphotic Tii Corporation
Tel: +44 (0) 845 862 6600 Fax: +44 (0) 845 862 6601 Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk
Tel: (805) 798 0277 Chris@RoperResources.com
Seatext
World leaders in throughwater &throughground wireless communications technology
OIL& GAS
Seatext
ThroughWater and ThroughGround Radio Modem :
Seatext isthe worldsfirst commercial throughwater and throughground radio communication system. Designed to interface with sensors and control units, Seatext can be readily tailored to numerous applications including through water and through ground data transmission, underwater networking, AUV homing, underwater to UAV communicationsand diver communications.
Chris@RoperResources.com
Additional Features
Transceiver
Benefits
Two way communications Can be interfaced to text entry terminal for comms link High tolerance of water conditions Reduction in Doppler shift Extended coverage GSM option
Immunity to thermal layers Fast propagation Can be connected in a network Global access
Technical Specification
Performance Data rate = 100 bits/sec half duplex Multiplexing multiple units uniquely addressable Modems can be connected in a network Antenna Magnetic coupled loop Options available for extended range Data RS232 data interface
Physical (typical) Modem housing 498mm x 143mm Antenna application dependent Power Requirements 24V external power or battery pack to specific application 3W receiving / 12W transmitting Environmental 50m housing (3000m available on request) Temp. operating 10 to + 35C
WFS
Unit 3A Michaelson Square Livingston EH54 7DP UK Tel: +44 (0)845 862 6600 Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk
WFS SubseaInc
Tel: +1 4103565131 Mob: +1 4107901823 Email: chet@wirelessfibre.co.uk
Diagram of Seatext modem, set up to transmit from water to shore. The modem can be easily integrated with third party systems, in this example connecting to a laptop, GSM modem and Sensor.
Seatooth
OIL& GAS
Seatooth
Throughwater and throughground broadband data link
Seatooth uses the latest electromagnetic digital technology to enable high data rate transmission over a short range, through water and ground. Applicationsinclude high speed data transfer between Seatooth for mounting in AUV underwater sensorsand unmanned underwater vehicles (ROVsand AUVs).
Target Applications:
UUV to remote sensors UUV/ROV/AUV comms UUV to host platform AUV docking solutions Data collection Wellhead networking Wireless connectors Test tank communication
Throughice comms
Wireless connector
Chris@RoperResources.com
Seatooth
OIL& GAS
Features
Crosses water/air interface
Benefits
Removes need for cable to shore Removes need for repeater buoy Unobtrusive, covert, no navigation hazard Reduced operating time Reduced operating costs Fast access to data
Transceiver
Can operate in littoral or near offshore facilities / vessels generating acoustic noise Can operate in turbid water
Immunity to particulates
Immunity to multipathing
Can operate in shallow water or congested environments such as harbours/estuaries No interference with or harm to aquatic life No interference with acoustic sensors or sonars
Technical Specification
Performance System Range Bit rate Antenna Type Dimensions Data Interface Transparent Ethernet Compatible with TCP/IP &UDPpackets Power Requirements Each unit Transmitting 24Vdc, 660mA Receiving 24Vdc, 190mA Physical Housing
Application specific
WFS
Unit 3A Michaelson Square Livingston EH54 7DP UK Tel: +44 (0)845 862 6600 Web: www.wirelessfibre.co.uk Email: info@wirelessfibre.co.uk
Connector replacement