Novel current to current converter for mesh-like scientific underwater cable network-concept and preliminary test result

A novel seafloor observation system using underwater cable network named ARENA has been proposed by the technical committee of IEEE OES Japan Chapter. ARENA has mesh-like cable network and deploys a variety kind of sensors on the seafloor two-dimensionally. It can supply electric power and communication line to sensors on the seafloor, and enables long-term, continuous monitoring that can not otherwise be realized. One of the most challenging issues to realize a mesh-like cable network is power feeding. In this paper, a new current to current converter that branches a dc constant current into two dc constant currents is proposed. Preliminary experiments using a prototype show promising results. Results of the computer simulation of the current to current converter coincide with the experimental results.