Design of an FPGA-Based RF Link for Data and Power Transfer

Downhole drilling is very expensive, and the need for reliable in-hole oil drilling equipment is great. In some instances, operating costs may lie in the range of several $100,000 per day. More specifically, the goal here is to replace a link that is now hard-wired with one that operates over a small gap without a physical connection and will provide power and full-duplex data communications. Simply stated, an RF link will be used to transmit not only power, but data that represents temperature, torque, and weight information. The two sides of the link are identified as the chassis (main processor system and power source) side and the collar (sensors only) side. Our laboratory results confirm successful operation