Compact, flexible triple band Sierpinski fractal antenna on a Hilbert patterned ground for W‐WBSN

Abstract

Wearable Wireless Body Sensor Networks (W‐WBSNs) are the best substitute for traditional healthcare systems by effectively monitoring patients within or remotely from the hospitals. Quite a few tiny sensors linked with one another on the body can efficiently observe the functional status of the human body. The paper introduces a new triple‐band step‐shaped Sierpinski fractal wearable antenna with a Hilbert fractal slot on the partial ground for W‐WBSN applications. It comprises the step‐shaped Sierpinski fractal radiator, situated on the upper side, and a partial ground placed on the lower side of the substrate. A partial ground with a Hilbert fractal slot is used to achieve a compact wearable antenna with improved bandwidth and electromagnetic exposure rate characteristics. The antenna is constructed using a flexible Jeans substrate (permittivity 1.7, loss tangent 0.025) of size 60 × 60 mm2 with a thickness of 2.5 mm as it is a potential candidate. It demonstrates an impedance bandwidth of 6%, 7%, and 10.1%, a gain of 2.57 dBi, 3.608 dBi, and 4.19 dBi, the radiation efficiency of 54.19%, 52.5%, and 54.8% at 3.3 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz correspondingly in free space. Also, the peak SAR value of 0.64 W/kg, 0.46 W/kg, and 1.17 W/kg at 3.3 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz correspondingly, for 10 g of an average human tissue. The compact, flexible low SAR makes the anticipated antenna a superior contender for wireless wearable network applications.