A microstrip antenna at UWB frequencies for body wearable wireless devices

This paper proposes a novel Microstrip Antenna for body Wearable Wireless Devices (WWD) used for monitoring bio signals in human body. The antenna finds immense application in health monitoring utilizing WWD in Sports, Medicine and monitoring military personnel where monitoring bio- signals is the prime objective. Ultra wide band (UWB) technology adequately meets power, size and distance considerations for WBANs. The antenna designed operates at dual bands, 4.2-4.9 GHz and at 7.6-8.4 GHz within the unlicensed UWB spectrum (3.1-10.6 GHz). The antenna design also considers the difference in interaction of body tissues with the electromagnetic (EM) fields. The performance of the antenna is studied and analyzed at different places on the body in terms of radiation efficiency, total gain and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The anatomical positions for WWD are chosen considering the most common and comfortable sites on body. A simplified, human body tissue layer model that is frequency dependent in its properties is used for simulations. Simulations are carried out using EM simulation analysis tools.