Compact and flexible EBG backed ultra-wide band antenna for on-body communications

Abstract The paper presents an UWB antenna for on-body application with advancements in EBG backed reflector incorporating the compatibility and flexibility in structure. The ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency range supported by the designed antenna is between 2.78 GHz and 18 GHz. The antenna is designed with jeans textile substrate for the compatibility in on-body applications, which has appealing qualities such as flexibility and low dielectric properties, while the antenna radiator patch and ground plane are made of copper. The designed antenna is applicable on human body, meticulously designed EBG surface that could minimize antenna frequency detuning, with specific absorption rate (SAR). This allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of the antenna design, allowing it to realize a high gain, enhanced bandwidth and directional radiation pattern. The antenna gain is increased by 99.8 % once EBG is applied and the SAR is decreased from 22.03 W/kg to 0.104 W/kg.