I.A. Zharikov1

1 NII OSIS VMF VUNC VMF "VMA" (St.-Petersburg, Russia)

1 zharikov.igor2015@yandex.ru

Modern means of communication with submerged objects in the low-frequency ranges used cannot provide signal transmission to working depths due to the known dependence of the penetration of electromagnetic vibrations into seawater on the frequency of the signal. Therefore, the issues of ensuring communication at extremely low frequencies (in the range of 0.1-10 Hz) are important. Towed cable radio antennas are used to receive extremely low frequency signals from a submerged object, the design feature of which is the presence of metal electrodes in the structure, which serve to provide galvanic contact with seawater. In addition to the possibility of providing signal transmission to operating depths, there is a problem of a significant noise level, which increases with decreasing frequency of the carrier signal. Also, in addition to water absorption, the quality of the low-frequency signal is reduced due to the presence of the towed antenna's own noise. One of the main types of intrinsic noise is electrode (turbulent). This is due to the influence of turbulent pulsations of water pressure near the surface of the antenna electrodes, which increases during towing. When the antenna is towed, a double electrical layer forms at the boundary of the electrode with water. Due to the difference in the electrochemical potentials of the electrode materials and water, a contact potential difference occurs, increasing the capacity of the double layer. The surface of the antenna is affected by pulsations of turbulent pressure, which lead to a change in the capacity of the double layer and a corresponding recharge of the capacity, causing a noise current in the electrical circuit of the antenna. It is possible to improve the quality of communication in the extremely low frequency range by improving the antenna. The article analyzes ways to reduce electrode noise and develops technical proposals for the development and manufacture of an improved towed cable radio antenna of extremely low frequencies with a low level of intrinsic noise. The first technical proposal is to use metals as materials for the manufacture of electrodes, the work of the electron output of which is close in value to the work of the seawater outlet. For example, the electrodes can be made of titanium, copper, stainless steel, tantalum or brass. The second technical proposal is to use a special radio antenna design. The electrodes must have a cylindrical shape. The electrodes must be in a dielectric coating made of polyethylene with microchannels. The microchannels are located at an angle to the surface of the electrode. Such an antenna will be least affected by water turbulence. The third technical proposal is the application of a method for manufacturing microchannels of the dielectric shell of an antenna by cutting from sintered blocks of stranded optical fibers, heat treatment and mechanical stress by rolling through rolls of different diameters. The application of the technical recommendations developed in the article will make it possible to produce towed receiving cable antennas with a minimum level of their own noise.

Zharikov I.A. Technical proposals for the development and production of a towed receiving cable radio antenna for extremely low frequencies. Achievements of modern radioelectronics. 2026. V. 80. No 3. P. 47-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18127/j20700784-202603-07 [in Russian]

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