Low frequency magnetic communication

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around low frequency magnetic communication, specifically the nature of the carrier signal being a varying magnetic field rather than electromagnetic waves. Participants explore the implications of this communication method, including the distinction between near-field and far-field emissions, and the conditions under which certain electromagnetic relationships hold true.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that low frequency magnetic communication relies on oscillating magnetic fields, with minimal energy radiating as electromagnetic waves.
  • Others suggest that this method is akin to near-field magnetic communication, where the energy falls off significantly with distance, making it suitable for short-range applications.
  • There is a question regarding the criteria that determine whether a communication method is classified as near-field or far-field, with some participants referencing the plane wave solution of electromagnetic theory.
  • One participant mentions the historical context of induction methods being abandoned in favor of other technologies during the Marconi era.
  • Another participant raises the topic of TTE (through the earth) wireless communication devices used in mining, noting their reliance on near-field properties.
  • Concerns are expressed about the limitations of near-field communication, particularly regarding the effectiveness of magnetic loops compared to electric dipoles in certain environments.
  • Several participants seek literature or references related to the effects of magnetic fields on communication equipment and the specifics of low frequency magnetic communication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the nature of near-field versus far-field communication, with no consensus reached on the criteria that define these categories. The discussion remains unresolved on several technical points, particularly the implications of the plane wave solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on antenna size relative to wavelength and the conditions under which electromagnetic relationships apply, indicating potential limitations in the discussion's scope.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in low frequency communication technologies, electromagnetic theory, and applications in specialized fields such as mining or short-range communication may find this discussion relevant.

enroger
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
In low freq magnetic communication, the carrier is not EM wave but low frequency varying magnetic field. Most of the energy is transmitted within the mag field, very little result in EM wave. I find this very strange, because in Maxwell equation's plane wave solution, B is always equal to E/c.

According to the link this site don't allow me to post(@$&^&*%), they do it by having the antenna a lot smaller than wavelength.

My question then is when is E = B/c valid? When not?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I suspect that what you're asking about is more commonly called Near field magnetic communication. From what I gather by Googling around a bit, you make the magnetic field around the transmitter oscillate in such a way that the far-field electromagnetic radiation (whose energy falls off as [itex]1/r^2[/itex] is negligible. Almost all of the energy goes into the oscillation of the near-field which falls off as [itex]1/r^6[/itex]. This gives a very short range, up to a couple of meters or so, which has advantages in some situations.
 
Yes, that's it. This is just like an ordinary solenoid. What I don't understand is what determines you have far field or near field emission?

I mean with the plane wave solution B = E/c, and that any solution would be a superposition of plane wave solution, then there should be no near field, everything must be far field right?

Does it have something to do with the size of the antenna compared to wavelength?
 
I have a question.
Does anybody research effect of magnetic field to the communication equipment (e.t. access point, subscriber module or something like that)?
Can you refer me on the link where I can find this information, please?

BR
 
Induction or near field .. was soon abandoned in Marconi days.
 
Could you be talking about the TTE (through the earth) wireless communication devices for communicating with trapped coal miners in mines several hundred meters below the surface? I believe these are near-field communication devices where the ratio of E/H is not important. Specifically the near field of a magnetic loop (dipole) will penetrate more than the near field of an electric dipole, just because of the electric field attenuation due to the electrical conductivity of soil and rocks. Google TTE emergency rescue communication.
 
Not sure about that.

May be that low frequequency is required where wire dipoles would be very long indeed so loops are used.

The near field soon falls off with distance. It requires a proper EM wave to propagate over any distance even though magnetic loops are used as the aerials. I have used loops on the AM band broadcast band for long distance recpetion which can't be near field..not over a few thousand km.
 
Maybe dipole made problem, because near dipole access point broke down to boot mode. Also near dipoles there are a lot of other radio and wireless equipment. Can you refer me on some literature or recommend me literature for this topic please?
 
do a Google search on low frequency magnetic communication coal mine, and low frequency magnetic communication TTE
 
  • #10
enroger said:
Yes, that's it. This is just like an ordinary solenoid. What I don't understand is what determines you have far field or near field emission?

I mean with the plane wave solution B = E/c, and that any solution would be a superposition of plane wave solution, then there should be no near field, everything must be far field right?

Does it have something to do with the size of the antenna compared to wavelength?

That equation only applies to the far field. It doesn't mean there is no near field. There is.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K