Simplified human body models for wearable antenna impedance simulations and measurements

Abstract

Wireless Body Area Networks operate in the proximity of human body. This is complex environment that affects the operation of wearable antennas changing their input impedance. This effect can be simulated with numerical models of human body. For the sake of prototype antenna measurements the physical model is used that should correspond to the numerical one as well as to the body of human subject. In this paper a simplified numerical and physical model of human body for antenna input impedance analysis is presented. It is suitable for computer simulation because it has reduced size and complexity. At the same time, its physical equivalent is easy in fabrication due to the selection of available materials. The results of numerical simulations and measurements of antenna impedance mismatch performed with this model are in good correspondence to the results of measurements obtained with human subject.