Smart electronics for high accuracy wave height measurements in the open ocean

This paper describes the development of a state-of-the-art autonomous electronic system for high-resolution wave measurements in the open ocean. The system monitors the capacitance of partly-submerged PTFE-coated wires, which relates directly to wave height, and provides logging of data at a high rate. Characterization of the wave wires and reliability testing of the electronics are provided and performance of the entire system is demonstrated during deployment.