Multiple body-worn antenna diversity

Abstract

We present a modified diversity evaluation method for body-worn antennas. The novelty introduced in this method amounts to considering the human body channel separately from the surrounding environment. This formulation can therefore be easily adapted to different environments via post-processing. Our study for antenna diversity includes three human postures (standing, kneeling, and prone) to increase generality and assess antenna performance. Initially, a variety of single body-worn antenna configurations are investigated to establish the best antenna locations. Subsequently, more antenna locations are included to increase communication reliability using the minimum set of antennas. The considered operational frequency is 500 MHz – 600 MHz and the setup focuses on the upper hemisphere with random polarization excitations.