Conformal antennas for miniature in-body devices: The quest to improve radiation performance

Abstract

In-body devices for wireless biotelemetry and neural interfacing could empower many breakthroughs in medicine and clinical research. Despite significant progress in antenna design, improving the radiation performance of miniature in-body devices remains a major challenge because, for the time being, they are able to operate at distances of only up to a few meters. Here, we start by presenting a comprehensive review of existing antenna solutions and operating-range extension methods. We then describe the design and operation of a miniature capsule-conformal microstrip antenna with improved radiation efficiency. We demonstrate that with the proposed methodology, the operating range of deep-body (> 5 cm) devices could reach 10 m to 15 m. This would allow monitoring physiological parameters unaffecting mobility and the quality of life of a user, as well as increasing the energy efficiency of the in-body device.