Abstract
This paper demonstrates the performance of a potential design of a paper substrate-based flexible antenna for intrabody telemedicine systems in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical radio (ISM) bands. The antenna was fabricated using 0.54 mm thick flexible photo paper and 0.03 mm copper strips as radiating elements. Design and performance analyses of the antenna were performed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The antenna performances were investigated based on the reflection coefficient in normal and bent conditions. The total dimensions of the proposed antenna are 40 × 35 × 0.6 mm3. The antenna operates at 2.33–2.53 GHz in the normal condition. More than an 8% fractional bandwidth is expressed by the antenna. Computational analysis was performed at different flexible curvatures by bending the antenna. The minimum fractional bandwidth deviation is 5.04% and the maximum is 24.97%. Moreover, it was mounted on a homogeneous phantom muscle and a four-layer human tissue phantom. Up to a 70% radiation efficiency with a 2 dB gain was achieved by the antenna. Finally, the performance of the antenna with a homogeneous phantom muscle was measured and found reliable for wearable telemedicine applications.
Highlights
Wearable communication technologies can offer promising solutions in biomedical, consumer electronics, military, and smart home applications
In addition to the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) bands that are used for intrabody telemedicine applications, 2.4 GHz is used extensively as an industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)
Computational analysis the antenna were performed usingofComputer started with a basic microstrip-fed antenna, and modification of the radiating patch led to the Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software
Summary
Wearable communication technologies can offer promising solutions in biomedical, consumer electronics, military, and smart home applications. Zimmerman was the very first to discuss body-centric wireless communication systems [1]. The operating frequency of his prototype device was 330 KHz. Since body-centric communication systems’ operating frequencies have undergone various changes. In addition to the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) bands that are used for intrabody telemedicine applications, 2.4 GHz is used extensively as an industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM). Band [2,3]. Low-profile and lightweight antennas are usually preferred for such applications. The height or thickness of the antenna can occasionally be an issue for on-body applications. Thick antennas lack flexibility; even though they might have flexible features, they can become fragile
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