Dual band M-shaped UWB patch antenna for Wireless Body Area Networks

Increased health awareness in people and evolution of wearable computing, has unarguably attracted heightened interest and potential in development of comprehensive and practically feasible Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN). The paper reports on the full realization of `M´ shaped dual band on-body antenna for wireless body area networks operating in the ultra wide band range. The resonant bands are obtained in the frequency range of 5.47 to 5.68 GHz and 6.15 to 6.23 GHz offering a bandwidth of 200 and 80 megahertz respectively. Experimental results of the proposed antenna are demonstrated on universal software radio peripheral kit with a dual, frequency shift keying - frequency modulation. The input impedance, antenna efficiency, directivity, gain and radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna are 72 Ω, 64 %, 7.30 dBi, 3.521 dBi and 75 % respectively. Furthermore, the compact size and negligible on body radiation makes it an ideal choice for operation in WBAN environment. Comparison with the existing dual band `E´ and `V´ shaped antennas vouches a strong candidature for the proposed architecture.