Downlink while pumps are off

Abstract

A system and method for communicating with a downhole tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a telemetry system for communicating with a downhole tool in a wellbore includes a first electrode. A modulated electric current flows from the first electrode through a formation to the downhole tool. The telemetry system also includes a downlink box, which provides the modulated electric current to the first electrode. The downhole tool comprises a sensor unit, which detects the modulated electric current. The telemetry system includes a second electrode that allows the modulated electric current to return to the downlink box. The telemetry system also includes an uplink telemetry, wherein the uplink telemetry does not comprise electromagnetic telemetry. In some embodiments, the downlink may be operated while mud pumps are turned off. The downlink may also be operated while the downhole tool is sending uplink telemetry by a method other than electromagnetic current.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.