Reconfigurable super-low-frequency magnetoelectric antenna for underwater frequency-hopping communication

Based on the mechanical regulation mechanism, a super-low-frequency (SLF) reconfigurable magnetoelectric (ME) antenna is proposed for underwater frequency-hopping communication. By constructing the mechanical model of the ME antenna loaded with an adjustable spring, the antenna's working frequency is predicted to be tuned in an extensive dynamic range from 148 to 331 Hz by changing the states of a loaded spring. The experiment is implemented in the frequency-response test platform and the practical communication system using the minimum shift keying modulation. The former experiment well validates the tunable frequency response of the reconfigurable ME antenna, while the latter successfully achieves the information transmission at different working frequencies. The proposed SLF reconfigurable ME antenna serves as a potential candidate for under-water frequency-hopping communication. The authors have realised the reversible reconfiguration of a small ULF magneto-electric antenna and completed ULF communication experiments in its different reconfiguration states. The work described in this paper is important for underwater communications. image