A Comparative Simulation Study of the Optimal Electrode for Through-The-Earth Communication Using Earth-Grounded Antennas at 350 kHz
Peerasan Khamsalee, Atawit Jantaupalee, Chokpiwat Pruekchatsiri, Rangsan Wongsan · 2024
This study investigates Through-The-Earth (TTE) communication using electrodes operating at a frequency of 350 kHz in the Medium Frequency (MF) band. These electrodes, situated at the end of the wire of an earth-grounded antenna, facilitate signal transmission between the Earth's surface and subterranean regions by inducing electric currents. The simulation study evaluates the impact of electrode types—specifically Y-shape, X-shape, and V-shape, commonly encountered—on parameters such as transmission coefficient (S21), surface current, and impedance. CST software is employed to analyze these effects and identify the most suitable electrode shape for use with the earth-grounded antenna. Analysis of simulation results shows that the X-shape electrode exhibits superior performance, displaying the highest S21and surface current while exhibiting the lowest real impedance compared to other shapes. Because the X-shape electrode has a higher contact area than all other electrodes, it results in a low contact impedance value. As a result, the X-shape electrode appears as the optimal choice for integration with the earth-grounded antenna, particularly in Through-The-Earth communication applications.