Communication by means of modulated Johnson noise
Zerina Kapetanovic, M. F. Morales, Joshua R. Smith
Abstract
We present the design of a passive wireless communication method that does not rely on ambient or generated RF sources. Instead, the method modulates the Johnson (thermal) noise of a resistor to transmit information bits wirelessly. By selectively connecting or disconnecting a matched resistor to an antenna, the system can achieve data rates of up to 26 bps and distances of up to 7.3 m. This communication method operates at very low power, similar to that of an RFID tag, with the advantage of not requiring a preexisting RF signal to reflect.
Topics & Concepts
ResistorWirelessNoise (video)Computer scienceAntenna (radio)Electrical engineeringRadio frequencySIGNAL (programming language)Electronic engineeringNoise figureTelecommunicationsEngineeringBandwidth (computing)Programming languageAmplifierImage (mathematics)VoltageArtificial intelligenceSemiconductor Lasers and Optical DevicesPower Line Communications and NoiseBluetooth and Wireless Communication Technologies