Artificial magnetic conductor incorporated mode-controlled low-SAR body area networks antenna for bio-telemetry

Abstract A compact low-SAR antenna for the Wireless Body Area Network is tailored using Characteristic Mode Analysis exciting the dominant modes. The novel antenna structure produces resonance at 2.45 and 5.9 GHz. The antenna with the dimensions of 0.286λ₀ × 0.265λ₀ × 0.012λ₀, for free-space wavelength. To make the antenna compatible with the human body, an Artificial Magnetic Conductor is incorporated. This engineered periodic structure achieves 0° reflection phase at 2.45 and 5.9 GHz, effectively mimicking a perfect magnetic conductor at these frequencies. The AMC-coupled antenna had resilience to body effects providing isolation. This also makes the antenna human compatible by reducing the Specific Absorption Rate of the antenna below 1.6 W/kg and enhancing the gain of the antenna. The fabricated prototype is experimentally validated using minced meat as a biological phantom. This confirms the feasibility of magnetically engineered reflective surfaces for antenna making it suitable for human wearable applications.