Design of Compact Wideband Wearable Antenna for Health Care and Internet of Things System

Abstract

The ability to produce conformal, low profile wearable antennas is crucial for growth in healthcare and IoT applications. With technology embedding wearables in the healthy lifestyle, there is the need for antennas that can be incorporated on fabrics to be worn or incorporated in clothing. This study concerns with the development of efficient low profile and flexible antennas for multi-frequency wireless communication applications. We consider novel technologies, including conductive fabrics and polymer-matrix composites that enable the development of wearable antennas that satisfactorily interface with an individual’s body without compromising pertinent parameters. Further, we examine the modulating influence of antenna position and alignment on signal strength and the extent of coverage especially in unpredictable situations. From testing and calibration, the results of the evaluations prove that such flexible antenna can achieve good performance in terms of contact as well as data transfer rates as same as conventional rigid antenna. This work therefore provides a basis for further advancement of wearable devices to improve 
on patient observation, telemedicine which involves distant health care consultation in addition to paving way for a number of IoT applications thus aiming at creating a smarter and interconnected healthcare system.