Two-dimensional communication of networked devices through a single conductive surface

This paper shows the possibility of two-dimensional communication between electronic devices by using only one conductive surface. An analysis of the expected magnitude of the signal at the reception point as a function of distance and electrical parameters of the conductive surface is presented. Measurements on surfaces from 0.4 to 2.56 m² and with sheet resistances from 77 to 1462 ohm/square prove the correctness of this analysis. In addition, practical rules to locate and orient the transceivers are given. Prototype transceivers connected to a plane with one conductive surface able to communicate at 100 Kbit/s at a distance of 2 m are described.