A Versatile Through-Metal-Wall Acoustic Power and Data Transfer Solution

Abstract

This paper reports techniques to transfer power and data through metal walls by exploiting acoustic waves using innovative piezoelectric transducer mountings. Instead of permanently gluing piezoelectric elements on both sides of the metal wall as usually proposed, we studied two detachable and reusable solutions and study their associated power performances. These solutions allow to implement quickly Acoustic Power and Data Transfer (APDT) for in-situ demonstration of the technology. Power transmission efficiencies are equivalent to the ones reached with standard designs. These concepts could be applied to develop a portable equipment to supply sensors in closed or metallic operational environments. In addition, the maximum reachable efficiencies can be obtained directly by a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), enabling the real-time observation of the evolution of power transfer efficiency when moving the transducers.