Simulation, design, development and test of antennas for wireless sensor network systems

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to describe the simulation, design, development and characterisation of antennas for wireless sensor networks operating in a variety of environments, including an under water submarine application and more usual “open air” deployments. Design/methodology/approach The experimental test methodology, fixtures, conditions and results used to characterize the performance of these antennas (both state of the art commercially available and those developed in‐house) are presented. Findings The underwater test results show a near omni‐directional pattern about the three principal axes, thus showing that a spherical field has been achieved for localisation purposes (with a certain loss of resolution). Originality/value The paper focuses on the development of a new antenna scheme to enable under water communications between robotic agents.