Body Effects on Thin Single-Layer Slot, Self-Complementary, and Wire Antennas

Thin single-layer slot, self-complementary, and wire antennas for plaster-like sensor applications at 2.4 GHz band are presented. Two antennas of each type as well as an inductive meander structure are considered. The analysis is based on simulations and measurements using thin inkjet-printed antenna prototypes. Measurements show that the antennas are operational when placed at a 0.3 mm distance from the body. Slot-type antennas perform the best in the immediate proximity of the body, achieving -10 dBi maximum realized gain sufficient for short-range off-body wireless communications. The functionality of the radio interface at 2.4 GHz band is validated using a sensor prototype operating at 0.3 mm from the body.