Review of modulation methods and signals used in hydroacoustic communication

The designers of underwater acoustic communication (UAC) systems face a challenge due to the wide range of communication characteristics of underwater acoustic channels, particularly the highly variable instantaneous conditions in shallow waters. This article presents a systematic review of modern modulation methods and signal types used in underwater acoustic communication systems. It examines the key challenges of data transmission in underwater acoustic channels, including multipath propagation, Doppler frequency shift, and frequency-selective fading. Spread spectrum techniques, including direct sequence, frequency hopping, and frequency modulation, are analyzed. The characteristics of modern commercial underwater acoustic modems and future developments in underwater wireless communication technologies are presented.

Authors: H. K. Alsaeed

Direction: Physics

Keywords: hydroacoustic communication, modulation methods, spread spectrum, underwater acoustic channel, multipath propagation

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