Mechanically and electrically parallel multilayer magnetoelectric antennas for ultra-low frequency wireless communication

Achieving long-distance communication in "wireless communication blind spots" such as underwater and underground poses high requirements for low-frequency antenna systems, making acoustic-driven magnetoelectric antennas a promising solution at this stage. However, the contradiction among the radiation intensity, resonance frequency, size, and power consumption of magnetoelectric (ME) antennas is challenging to reconcile. In this study, we designed and fabricated a multilayer ME antenna that operates in a mechanical and electrical parallel configuration. This antenna integrates both transmission and sensing function and operates at electromechanical resonance in the ultra-low frequency band. The mechanical parallel configuration offers a stronger bending driving force, enhancing magnetic emission performance. Measurement results demonstrated that the ME antenna can generate 7.4 nT at a resonance frequency of 340 Hz at a distance of 1 m, with a power consumption of merely 321 mW. The electrical parallel configuration increases the capacitance value, significantly improving the magnetoelectric charge coefficient. The output voltage response was enhanced by 45 % compared to single-layer devices, and the limit of detection was reduced to 0.239 nT. Furthermore, digital modulation methods such as amplitude shift keying and frequency shift keying were successfully implemented on this antenna, achieving low-frequency communication across different media. This work demonstrates significant potential for communication applications in conductive environments.