Capacitive Body-Coupled Communication in the 400–500 MHz Frequency Band

Abstract

One approach to enable wireless communication between body-worn nodes is to use capacitive body-coupled communication (C-BCC). This technique, which uses capacitive electrodes as transducing elements, has previously been demonstrated at relatively low frequencies (<200 MHz) and hence also low bandwidths. This work presents a theoretical analysis of wireless C-BCC, between body worn electrodes at higher frequencies (420–510 MHz), offering the potential for higher data rates. The theory is confirmed both by numerical simulations (performed on a human body phantom), and actual wireless communication between two prototypes on the arm of a real human.