Conformal self-balanced EBG integrated printed folded dipole antenna for wireless body area networks

Abstract

A self-balanced electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) integrated, conformal printed T-shaped folded dipole antenna for wireless body area network (WBAN) is proposed in this study. The folded dipole antenna designed using polyester film and copper tape operates at 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific and medical radio bands. Integrating antenna with a two-element EBG reduces the frequency shift and back scattering of radiation into the body. The higher impedance bandwidth of the folded dipole plays a key role in maintaining resonance while the antenna is wrapped on a human arm. When the antenna is conformed on a human arm, EBG surface minimises the specific absorption rate (SAR), increases the gain and front-to-back ratio (FBR). Additionally, full-wave simulations and measurements were done to validate the proposed antenna design even when conformed to the human arm of people from different age groups. The FBR and gain of the antenna are improved by 75 and 61% and SAR has been reduced by 99% when it is integrated with EBG. The good impedance matching, high gain and FBR and reduced SAR make it a perfect candidate for WBAN.