Design and Evaluation of Compact Wearable Antennas for Body-Centric Wireless Communication Systems

Abstract

The paper will deal with the fact that nowadays, there is growing demand in body-centric wireless communication systems (BCWCS) where compact and conformal antennas are essential to fulfill critical applications in the healthcare, defense and IOT wearable sectors. The main goal is the development of a flexible piece of fabric to create a low-profile textile-based, as well as a reasonably reliable antenna with the potential to operate quite nearby the human body, apparently, even in the circumstances with mechanical bending and movement. It is suggested that a planar monopole, which works on a felt-based substrate and elements of a conductive fabric, be used, specifically, in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Full-wave simulations in CST Microwave Studio were analyzed to determine implemented electromagnetic performance which was fabricated and validated through electro-optical measurements in terms of return loss, radiation pattern, and over the-air (OTA). It delivered a return loss of greater than 20 dB, a bandwidth of 320 MHz and radiation efficiency of greater than 75% both in free space and on-body circumstances. OTA testing showed that the device performed stably in the bending processes (45 degrees, 90 degrees), unaffected by the various positions of the body, such as the forearm and chest. There were also SAR safety limits that were met by the antenna, signifying its appropriateness in wearables. These findings confirm the potential of the antenna in real-life body-centric communications and provide an expedient blueprint of low-profiled, power-saving, and human-friendly wireless systems via smart garments and health monitoring platforms.