Theoretical Modeling of Multi-Coil Channels in near Field Magneto-Inductive Communication

This paper presents theoretical modeling and circuit analysis of magneto-inductive communication channels where receivers use multiple coils to improve the spatial sensitivity patterns and communication range. The mutual coupling among the multi-coils at receiver and between transmit and receive coils is derived for general configurations in 3D space. The equivalent circuit of induced voltage for receive coils is analyzed which provides a guide for the design of matching circuits for optimal performance. The methodology developed in this paper can also be applied to other sensor network scenarios where MI communications are used.