Modelling and Characterisation of a Compact Sensor Antenna for Healthcare Applications

The paper presents a planar compact antenna structure used in sensors aimed at healthcare applications. Antenna performance is numerically investigated with regards to impedance matching, radiation patterns, gain and efficiency. The compact size of the sensor causes the antenna to be susceptible to variable changes caused by the presence of lumped components. The study illustrated the importance of including full sensor details in determining and analysing the antenna performance. The body-worn sensor performance is also demonstrated and effects on antenna parameters are analysed, specifically radiated power, efficiency and front to back ratio of radiated energy. Radio propagation characterisation of the sensor operation in stand alone and on-body scenarios are introduced. Improvements are necessary in antenna design, matching circuitry and also sensor layout for better coverage and for obtaining maximum achievable communication range to produce efficient and reliable medical telemetry and monitoring systems.