---
title: "New Backscattered Radio Signal Transmits Data 2.8 Kilometers with Minimal Power"
description: "Researchers' new long-range backscatter system transmits 2.8 kilometers using little power — up to 1000 less than other systems."
date: "2017-09-14"
modified: "2017-09-14"
authors:
  - name: "Brad Jones"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/bradj"
url: "https://futurism.com/new-backscattered-radio-signal-transmits-data-2-8-kilometers-with-minimal-power"
categories:
  - "Science & Energy"
tags:
  - "backscatter"
  - "communications"
  - "flexible electronics"
  - "radio waves"
---

# New Backscattered Radio Signal Transmits Data 2.8 Kilometers with Minimal Power

![communications backscatter flexible electronics](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/radio.png>)
*\<em\>Image: \<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6w4AJbRJcA" target="\_blank"\>University of Washington/YouTube\</a\>\</em\>*

## Reflected Radio

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a [long-range backscatter system](<http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/681047/?sc=dwhr&xy=10021400>) that can transmit data up to 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) using a [very small amount of power](<https://futurism.com/darpas-new-sensor-can-work-for-years-with-almost-no-power>) — apparently up to 1000 times less power than existing technologies that perform a similar function.

Reflected or "backscattered" radio signals can be transmitted without using a great deal of power. However, this technique makes it harder for the receiver to differentiate the reflections from the original signal and other, unrelated noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6w4AJbRJcA&feature=youtu.be

The team addressed this limitation using a form of modulation called chirp spread spectrum. With the reflections spread across multiple frequencies, it's possible to receive the backscattered signals at long distances, even despite interference from other sources.

## A Little Power Goes a Long Way

This technology could offer some major advantages for devices that need to communicate information wirelessly, but don't have space for a bulky battery, or another power source. One application is outlined in a case by the product's creator, called [flexible electronics](<https://futurism.com/these-organic-electronics-are-transforming-technology-and-the-human-body>).

The nature of a flexible device — like wearable patches that monitor body sweat or the [range of motion on a joint](<https://futurism.com/building-the-soldiers-of-tomorrow-the-army-just-got-bionic-knees>) — means that there's no space for a battery pack. This system would allow them to beam their readings back while operating using an ultra-thin power source.

The researchers created an epidermal patch and a [prototype contact lens](<https://futurism.com/new-bio-sensing-contact-lenses-will-utterly-transform-our-lives>) that were outfitted with the technology, and managed to transmit data across a 3,300 square-foot room. The team has started a company called Jeeva Wireless to manufacture sensors utilizing the system, and expect to produce them at a bulk cost of just 10 to 20 cents per piece.