Simulation and Analysis of Variable Antenna Designs for Effective Stroke Detection

Abstract

The variety of applications of patch antenna for portable applications has opened the avenues for the possibilities of having compact, cost-efficient, and life-saving devices. Considering the challenges of portability and cost in making it feasible for detecting strokes in the masses of developing countries where the demand is quite high, this study builds the groundwork for such device fabrication. In total five antenna designs were investigated for their assessment in identifying the stroke. Two main studies of electromagnetic wave interaction and bio-heating of the human head phantom had been accomplished and the results are compared. The main comparison and identification of the stroke location with the human head phantom are presented by the specific absorption rate (SAR), both visualized as volumetric plot and stacked contour slices for clarifying the shape and positioning of the stroke in vertical and horizontal dimensions. The results show that the SAR values for Antenna A & D are the lowest with the values of 1.44 x 10-5 W/kg and 1.96 x 10-5 W/kg, respectively. But the induced electric field and isothermal temperature achieved were highest by Antenna D, with values of 0.25 emw and 133.92 x 10-8 K, respectively; and, the 2-D far-field radiation patterns confirmed better performance by it amongst all others. Hence, making the Antenna D as the most preferred choice for the prototyping stage. The overall trade-off of key parameters is studied herein in this simulation study and based on that the most suitable antenna design is proposed for the experimental prototype testing. The results suggest that the simulation results give a clear insight into the feasibility of stroke detection with the proposed setup and presents high viability for portable, low-cost, and rapid stroke detection applications.