An ultrasonic wireless data feedthrough system based on field programmable gate array

This paper proposes an ultrasonic wireless data feedthrough system based on field programmable gate array (FPGA). This system can transmit information through metal barriers without physical penetrations by using ultrasound. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducers are used to complete the conversion between electricity and ultrasound. And the system achieves a high data rate by using FPGA. Besides, single-carrier frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE) technique is used by the proposed system. And because of this, the transmitter of the proposed system is less complex and lower power than that of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Therefore, the proposed system could work for a long time even under battery-powered conditions. A prototype system is built, and it is capable of transmitting data at 256 kbps through a 40-mm thick steel barrier. The proposed system could be used in a wide range of commercial, industrial, and nuclear applications to preserve structural integrity and improve safety.