Comparison of single patch and patch antenna array for a microwave life detection system

For the rescue operation during natural calamities to be done efficiently, there must be a life detector that can provide reliable determination of a live person´s presence in a place of search. Microwave sensors could bring some specific advantages for the detection of living victims. Primarily, microwaves are sensitive to small movements which are distinctive signs of life, independently of a possible loss of consciousness. It is at this juncture that microwave life detectors gain their significance. The antenna system is an integral part of microwave life rescuing system. The compactness and portability of a microwave life detection system depend largely on the miniaturization the antenna used which could be realised using micro strip patch antenna. The efficiency of the existing microwave life detection system can be raised by increasing the transmitted power and implementing appropriate digital signal processing techniques. Rapid developments in wireless communication go in parallel with advancements in compactness and efficiency of antennas. This work proposes the design of a single element microstrip patch antenna and a 1×4 microstrip patch antenna array for a microwave life detection system at 1.150 GHz. Also the directivity of the simulated patch and 1×4 patch antenna array are compared. The simulations are done in AWRDE Microwave office.