Communications Module for a Light Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

This paper presents the design and development of a scalable, modular communications module for autonomous systems. As underwater exploration becomes increasingly vital for environmental monitoring, scientific research, and resource exploration, the demand for efficient, autonomous systems has grown. Integrating various payload devices within AUVs results in greater persistence offshore. Therefore, the proposed communications module addresses the challenge of integrating several payload devices inside AUVs, focusing on power efficiency and adaptability to future technological advancements. Utilizing a microcontroller-centered approach, the module supports RS232, RS485, and RS422 serial communication protocols while interfacing with the main computational unit via standard protocols such as SPI and Ethernet. This design enables extended mission endurance and enhances the overall capability of AUVs, ensuring they remain a flexible and powerful tool for modern underwater exploration.