Recently, a concept of linear wireless sensor networks (LWSNs) has attracted much attention. For such networks, one of the key challenges in sensor node design is to couple transceiver modules with bidirectional antennas placed back-to-back for opposite radiation. As is known, simply, this can be achieved by using well-known coupling options like radio frequency (RF) switch or splitter. However, it is important to decide between two seemingly equally good options according to the system requirements such as RF performance, power consumption, and cost. Therefore, this study aims to comparatively assess these options from the system level point of view to find out what advantages or disadvantages either provides as per the other from widespread use of them in a LWSN-based cathodic protection monitoring of oil and natural gas pipelines in extreme environments. Preliminary field tests are also conducted to validate the efficiency of coupling options for LWSN links. Results show that RF splitter offers low power consumption and cost whereas RF switch has advantages of low loss. Thus, it is believed that this study may provide useful insights to design bidirectional sensor links for LWSNs.

中文翻译：

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评估射频开关和分离器选项的案例研究，用于将收发器模块耦合到线性无线传感器网络中使用的双向天线

最近，线性无线传感器网络（LWSN）的概念引起了很多关注。对于此类网络，传感器节点设计的主要挑战之一是将收发器模块与背对背放置的双向天线耦合以实现相反的辐射。众所周知，简单地说，这可以通过使用众所周知的耦合选项（如射频 (RF) 开关或分路器）来实现。然而，重要的是要根据射频性能、功耗和成本等系统要求在两个看似同样好的选择之间做出决定。所以，本研究旨在从系统级的角度对这些选项进行比较评估，以找出它们在极端环境下基于 LWSN 的石油和天然气管道阴极保护监测中的广泛使用，各自提供哪些优点或缺点. 还进行了初步现场测试，以验证 LWSN 链路耦合选项的效率。结果表明，射频分路器具有低功耗和低成本的特点，而射频开关具有低损耗的优点。因此，相信这项研究可以为设计 LWSN 的双向传感器链路提供有用的见解。结果表明，射频分路器具有低功耗和低成本的特点，而射频开关具有低损耗的优点。因此，相信这项研究可以为设计 LWSN 的双向传感器链路提供有用的见解。结果表明，射频分路器具有低功耗和低成本的特点，而射频开关具有低损耗的优点。因此，相信这项研究可以为设计 LWSN 的双向传感器链路提供有用的见解。