Underwater electronics are electronic devices that can operate in the ocean and resist water penetration or tampering. These devices are often used in underwater navigation, positioning and communication systems for recreational or professional use.
Despite the obvious advantages of this technology, there are many challenges to overcome before it is practical to commercialize such devices. Among these, a major concern is the resistance to saltwater and other environmental conditions.
A common method of achieving water-resistance is by sealing the device or circuitry within an outer protective layer. However, this is not always the best option since it cannot guarantee protection from all external forces. In fact, in order to make a product completely waterproof it is often necessary to use a complex sealing technology involving multiple layers and various types of sealants.
Another approach to ensuring water-resistance is by making the device waterproof in the sense of allowing it to be immersed in water without damaging the electronics inside. This is a more advanced approach and requires specific sealing techniques to prevent the device from being penetrated by water.
An example of this is the new generation of water meters for residential and commercial usage which have a waterproof housing which is sealed to ensure that water can’t get in. The system also has a sensor that monitors the level of water in the house or commercial building.
There are also many other applications where water-resistance is a necessary feature of an electronic device. These include marine sensors and acoustic devices that can be used in deep sea environments or to monitor structures or other underwater elements.
The development of a waterproof packaging system is required in these types of applications because the environment and operational load are not only from water but also influenced by other factors like temperature changes, pressure differences and other stresses such as mineral aging effects or microorganisms that can attack the device in the long term.
To address these issues, a series of new packaging technologies and materials have been developed. These technologies are based on organic potting compounds and are designed to withstand permanent media exposure in seawater at a depth of up to 50 meters.
This research is part of the National Science Foundation-funded project ‘The Internet of Underwater Things’ (IoUT) to develop smart interconnected devices and networks that can connect underwater vehicles.
Optical Wireless Communication: A New Way to Communicate Underwater
Underwater optical wireless communication is a relatively new technology that enables high data rates and moderate distances communication in undersea environments using laser beams of light. This type of communication could be ideal for a variety of application such as real-time video transmission or control of remotely operated vehicles.
In contrast to acoustic and RF communications, optical wireless communication can be a great advantage due to its higher bandwidth. Moreover, it can provide more information to the receiver with low latency.
As the amount of data increases, more and more applications will be developed for underwater optical wireless communication. Consequently, more and more research is necessary on UOWC technologies in order to improve the quality of these systems.
