A Small Ultra-Wideband mm Wave Antenna for WBAN and Advanced Wireless Communication Systems

International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJECE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 11

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Bharat W. Patil, Ashwini S. Kunte

10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I11P110

How to Cite?

Bharat W. Patil, Ashwini S. Kunte, "A Small Ultra-Wideband mm Wave Antenna for WBAN and Advanced Wireless Communication Systems," SSRG International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 11, pp. 123-132, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I11P110

Abstract:

This study introduces a miniature rectangular microstrip patch antenna that functions across a broad bandwidth, encompassing both Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands. It is specifically designed with the aim of convergence of UWB and mm wave technologies, which can be a key enabler for next-generation Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications along with 5G IoT wearable systems. The proposed antenna design features a small dimension of 13.85 mm × 14.05 mm, fabricated on a 0.254 mm thick semiflexible PTFE-based Rogers RT/5880 substrate. It employs a Simple Microstrip Rectangular Patch with a partial ground and an integrated slot for achieving a wider bandwidth, ensuring seamless coverage across the key UWB and mm Wave frequency bands. The proposed antenna exhibits a peak gain of 3.49 dBi and a directivity in the typical range of 2-4, along with high radiation efficiency and stable radiation patterns across the entire operating range, which are suitable for wearable antennas used in short-range communication. The close accord between the simulated outcomes and actual measurements confirms the efficacy of the proposed design. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analysis is further validating its suitability for on-body deployment with the values of 0.438 W/Kg for 9.1 GHz and 0.482 W/kg for 24.2 GHz, which are well below the guidelines as per FCC regulations, IEEE C95.1, and ICNIRP limits (1.6 W/Kg for 1 gm). With its wideband operation, favorable gain, high efficiency, and safe electromagnetic profile, the proposed compact antenna serves as a comprehensive solution for next-generation UWB mm wave WBAN systems along with 5G wearable IoT systems.

Keywords:

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), millimeter-wave (mm Wave), SAR, Microstrip antenna, Radiation efficiency, Gain, Directivity, Body-centric communication.

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