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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Published on: June 25, 2021
A full-duplex ultrasonic through-wall communication and power delivery system
Jonathan Ashdown1, Kyle R Wilt, Tristan J Lawry
1Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA. jonashdown@ieee.org
Summary
This study demonstrates wireless ultrasonic communication and power transfer through metal walls using piezoelectric transducers. This method enables reliable, full-duplex data transmission and powers internal electronics without physical penetration.
Area of Science:
- Engineering
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
Background:
- Traditional methods for communication and power delivery through metallic enclosures require physical penetration, limiting applications.
- Sealed metallic enclosures pose challenges for internal device operation and data retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-invasive method for simultaneous two-way ultrasonic communication and power delivery through thick metallic barriers.
- To enable continuous operation of low-power electronics within shielded environments.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of acoustic-electric channels using coaxially aligned piezoelectric transducers (25.4 mm diameter, 1 MHz resonant frequency).
- Mounting transducers on steel walls of varying lengths (57.15–304.8 mm).
- Development of a carrier frequency selection and tracking algorithm for optimal performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous bidirectional communication via ultrasonic waves through metallic enclosures.
- Demonstrated sufficient power harvesting (<100 mW) for continuous operation of internal electronics.
- Attained reliable full-duplex communication at data rates exceeding 30 kbps.
Conclusions:
- The proposed ultrasonic method offers a viable non-invasive solution for communication and power delivery through metallic enclosures.
- The frequency selection algorithm ensures reliable operation in highly frequency-selective acoustic channels.
- This technology supports the development of self-powered, wirelessly communicating systems in shielded environments.
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