A Comprehensive Study Into Intrabody Communication Measurements

One of the main objectives of research into intrabody communication (IBC) is the characterization of the human body as a transmission medium for electrical signals. However, such characterization is strongly influenced by the conditions under which the experiments are performed. In addition, the outcomes reported in the literature vary according to the measurement method used, frequently making comparisons among them unfeasible. Further studies are still required in order to establish a methodology for IBC characterization and design. In this paper, both galvanic and capacitive coupling setups have been implemented and a comprehensive set of measurements has been carried out by analyzing fundamental IBC parameters such as optimum frequency range, maximum channel length, and type of electrodes, among others. Consequently, practical conclusions regarding the experimental conditions that optimize IBC performance for each coupling technique have been obtained.