A Single Conductive Surface as Communication Media for Networked Devices

Abstract

This paper shows the feasibility to build a network of electronic devices communicating over a single conductive surface. It analyzes the expected magnitude of the signal received as a function of distance and electrical parameters of the conductive surface, as well as presents measured results on surfaces from 0.4 to 2.56 m2 with sheet resistances from 77 to 1462 ohms per square. Prototype transceivers connected over a conductive surface have been able to communicate at 100 kbit/s at a distance of 2m. Potential applications of this approach for Body Area Networks include e-textiles and health monitoring.