Introduction to Body Centric Wireless Communication

Abstract

Wearable devices and systems are becoming more popular due to the miniaturization of devices, flexibility of use, light weight, portability, and the ability to provide services for a wide range of applications. Body-centric communication in conjunction with compact wearable/implantable devices is leading to enhancement of quality of life, increased connectivity with improved sensing, detection, and monitoring capabilities. Due to the increase in traffic of wireless data transmission and high demands, the unavailability of spectrum for wireless communication at lower frequencies has led to exploring higher frequency bands. UWB and 60 GHz mmWave frequency band are considered as attractive solutions for future wireless body area networks (WBANs) with strong potential for healthcare, sports, entertainment, identification systems, smart home, space, and military applications. Wearable antennas are a key component of the body-centric communication which can be integrated in belts, textiles, shirt buttons, portable wearable gadgets and ornaments leading to interface between man and machine providing seamless wireless connectivity. Many research activities have been focused on the design and development of wearable antennas and characterization of the body-centric propagation channel which need to consider various challenges of working in proximity with the human body, dynamic scenarios and variable environments. This chapter introduces the wireless body area networks, gives an overview of the applications, current and future technologies, an outline of the antenna and propagation aspects for wireless body centric communication. The scope of the book is also provided with a summary of the content of the chapters covering aspects related to antenna design, channel characterization for different body-centric communication links, various applications, and futuristic trends.