Wireless Communication of Buried IoT Sensors Utilizing Through the Soil Wireless Power Transfer for Precision Agriculture

The decline in farming is a systemic global problem that can be linked to inefficient resource management. More advanced digital tools are needed to enhance efficiency and the overall profitability of agriculture. Of the tools/sensors currently in use, nearly all of them require batteries and above ground wireless communications which can interfere with farming operations/equipment. To address these challenges, a through the soil, long range wireless power transfer technique was developed that powers sensor modules connected to the soil. To improve upon this system, a communication technique is presented that utilizes conduction currents to communicate information completely underground. Networking topologies are also presented with a discussion and analysis of circuit operation.