RF communication through steel
RF communication through steel
(OP)
Hi.
I have a question concerning RF signal amplitude. What is the effect on the range of RF communication after the signals pass through steel walls? Approximately how much power is need to pass through these steel walls and have the signal travel about 300 feet?
My project involves wireless communication between 2 devices, each of which is on opposite sides of an airplane (outside). So the signal essentially has to pass through the plane.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
-Jim
I have a question concerning RF signal amplitude. What is the effect on the range of RF communication after the signals pass through steel walls? Approximately how much power is need to pass through these steel walls and have the signal travel about 300 feet?
My project involves wireless communication between 2 devices, each of which is on opposite sides of an airplane (outside). So the signal essentially has to pass through the plane.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
-Jim





RE: RF communication through steel
The signal does not have to pass directly through the direct straight line. Diffraction and reflections will occur around the object blocking the Line Of Sight path. This diffraction can be modelled using GTD/UTD (Google those terms) - but it gets complicated.
If the frequency is sufficiently low, the RF wouldn't even 'notice' the 'small' object.
RE: RF communication through steel
Why will the signal not pass around the fuselage? Unless your aeroplane fuselage is a solid cylinder or unmanned such as a UAV, some of the signal will pass through any windows or cockpit canopy (think using a mobile phone inside a car - sufficient signal goes through the windows to reach the base station)
RE: RF communication through steel
TTFN
RE: RF communication through steel
RE: RF communication through steel
I am interested in the time of flight of the signal. If there is signifigant diffraction, this will distort this measurement.
I am not sure what frequency we will be using, but from everything I've read it seems that lower is better. I'd say a good guess is that we'd use something in the 30 MHz range.
That said, if time of flight is my main concern I guess it makes more sense to have enough devices where at least one line of sight connection is possible.
Does this make sense?
RE: RF communication through steel
RE: RF communication through steel
30 MHz --> 33 ns period
TTFN
RE: RF communication through steel
RE: RF communication through steel
Hmmm... ...am I missing something?
RE: RF communication through steel
TTFN
RE: RF communication through steel
Precanned Google Calculator link:
http://tinyurl.com/9zyl4
406.681345 nanoseconds
RE: RF communication through steel
TTFN