New technology that could have global applications is under development in Milford.

Viziv Technologies is working to create a signal to improve communications and positioning systems. To test this approach, Viziv is building a tower near downtown Milford to send a signal worldwide.

Michael Taylor, Vice President of Communications, stated the company uses an electromagnetic wave known as a Zenneck Surface Wave to send the signal. In this process, the earth’s surface acts as a conduit or waveguide, which enables communication signals or electrical power to move efficiently over long distances.

“Our first tests won’t include any type of audio modulation or anything of that nature. It will be simply so we can establish the signal, determine how strong it is, and did it fit into our mathematical and computer modeling,” Taylor explained. “It will show us to determine what we need to do to bring us closer to what our computer modeling says it needs to be.”

According to the website of the Waxahachie-based company website, Viziv Technologies is a pioneer in the field of electromagnetic wave propagation, power storage, and electricity distribution. One of the technologies under development by Viziv is to create wireless power systems. The site notes the company has a portfolio of more than 65 U.S. and international patents.

Testing at the tower and laborites in Milford will start in the fourth quarter of this year. The Federal Communications Commission has already established the ranges of frequencies that will be used in the test. The frequencies range are in use in the public and private sector.

“We will be doing interval testing that will be several minutes in nature in the beginning,” Taylor explained. “As we progress and fine-tune the system we will be extending (the test) where it could go for days and even weeks at a time to test the ruggedness of the system and its components.”

Taylor explained the field strength used in tests is comparable to an AM radio and poses no danger to people or animals. The test will work to establish a global signal at a very low frequency from a single location without using repeaters.

Thirty field intensity-monitoring stations placed at different sites around the planet will collect data from the tests. Information gathered from these sites will be set back to be evaluated through a secured Internet and allow Viziv to gauge the signal’s strength.

“Testing could range anywhere from six months to a year, just depending on how they go and what we see,” Taylor stated. “Then we will move on to the second and third major phases, which is the testing on the tower on Milford. Those revolve around other applications with the potential for energy transfer.”

Taylor states some of the potential uses for the technology are in the areas of regional and global positioning systems, radio navigation, and very low-frequency radio communication. This type of radio communication is not used for audio transmissions but to send small data packets. He noted the U.S. Navy uses VLF radio to communicate with submarines and can be used to send a signal like Morse code.

Taylor stated if tests are successful the next step is commercial implementation. Viziv already has started talks about taking the technology to market.

For more information about Viziv go to its website at www.vizivtechnologies.com.