Novel low-profile foam dielectric over-the-shoulder antenna based on coupled patches technique

Abstract

The article presents a novel wearable antenna composed of two coupled patches excited by an overlapping folded dipole. In spite of being operated in a relatively low frequency band 380 ÷ 390 MHz, the antenna shows a very low profile and other dimensions are acceptable as well. Besides a very low absorption of the radiated RF power by any nearby human body, it also ensures a very good immunity against influence on antenna parameters. In comparison to commonly used simple conformal monopole antennas, the presented solution provides a double-side radiation pattern and a substantially higher gain. The antenna can be manufactured using very light and twistable foam dielectric and conductive fabric, and can be worn as a strap placed over the shoulder. It is intended to be used together with personal radio communication transceivers operated in the given frequency band. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.