Printed diversity antenna for on-body communication systems

Abstract

On-body communication channels are used in an increasing number of applications, including headsets and wristwatch controllers for mobile phones, and systems for emergency personnel and for personal medical support. Multipath is one of the common phenomenon occurs in the mobile communication system. It can cause Intersymbol Interference (ISI) and signal distortion in digital and analogue communication, respectively. Diversity schemes such as space, pattern, frequency, time, polarization and field diversity are the well-known methods to overcome the multipath effects. Measurement results of space, and polarization diversity at 5.8 GHz, using two antenna types is presented and results indicate that useful diversity gain can be obtained, which is dependent on the specific channel and antenna type. This project will involve on preliminary measurements for the analysis of diversity techniques for on-body communication system and also diversity antenna design for WBANs, some simulation and hardware designs.