Sensor tags for wireless body-centric communication: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Chapter 10 gives a comprehensive overview of the devices and methods required for interfacing sensor tags for wireless body-centric communication (WBAN). The antenna is an integral part of WBAN devices and plays a vital role in establishing a link between a wearable device and a base communication station situated remotely from the body. The patch antennas used in WBAN applications are often limited by their operational bandwidth, size, reduced efficiency, strong coupling with the body, and high specific absorption rate. This chapter highlights the existing challenges and some solutions for designing an antenna for WBAN applications. An in-depth study of one promising solution related to the design of electromagnetic band-gap surfaces for interfacing the wearable devices and base station is included.