On the design and analysis of a miniaturized ultra‐wideband (UWB) antenna using quatrefoil‐shaped nonuniform meta‐surfaces for body‐centric communications

Abstract

SummaryThe paper discusses about the design and analysis of a unique circular printed antenna with quatrefoil‐shaped slots and meta‐surface for body centric communications. The antenna design is progressed with a slots in quatrefoil shape carved on the patch placed on Taconic_LX substrate whose thickness is 1 mm. The footprint of the antenna is 32 × 24 × 1 mm3. The antenna's bandwidth is improved using defected ground. The proposed design operates from 2 to 14 GHz of the ultra‐wideband (UWB) spectrum, thus providing 143% bandwidth. The antenna exhibits good gain values of 2.5 and 6 dB at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz, respectively, with efficiency of 81% and 91%. At 2.45 GHz, the design proposed functions in on‐body mode, and at 5.8 GHz, it functions in off‐body mode. Specific absorption rate (SAR) analysis was carried out whose results are within the safety range of health measures. Bending analysis was also done to enhance the antenna's applicability. Path loss, fidelity, and group delay analysis are done. The simulated results were validated by fabricating and testing the prototype. On‐body testing of the fabricated antenna was also done at various body locations. The measured results were found to be in good agreement with the simulated results.