Development of Time-Multiplexed Magnetic-Induction Based Ranging Systems

Abstract

Ranging and locating systems are necessary currently. Localization of robots operating underground, miners and machinery in mining environments, and interior environments are few applications that demand a reliable and accurate positioning system. Magnetic-induction (MI) based ranging and positioning system is widely used in such applications because the magnetic permeability of different mediums are almost same. However, the MI based system are complex since multiple transmitters are needed for accurate ranging and positioning. In this paper, we present a time division multiplexing MI based ranging system. A single signal source is needed to excite the magnetic coil sequentially. A prototype is developed and tested for a range of 1 meter with an error less than ± 2 cm.