Ultra-wideband channel model for communication around the human body

• Published in: IEEE journal on selected areas in communications Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 927 - 933
• Main Authors: Fort, A., Ryckaert, J., Desset, C., De Doncker, P., Wambacq, P., Van Biesen, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01-04-2006; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Antenna measurements; Antennas and propagation; Biological system modeling; Body area network; channel model; Channels; Communication systems; Computational modeling; Computer simulation; Design engineering; Finite difference methods; Human body; Humans; Indoor environments; Mathematical models; Monitors; Power system modeling; Radio; Ultra wideband technology; ultra-wideband (UWB); Wireless sensor networks
• ISSN: 0733-8716; 1558-0008
• DOI: 10.1109/JSAC.2005.863885

Using ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless sensors placed on a person to continuously monitor health information is a promising new application. However, there are currently no detailed models describing the UWB radio channel around the human body making it difficult to design a suitable communication system. To address this problem, we have measured radio propagation around the body in a typical indoor environment and incorporated these results into a simple model. We then implemented this model on a computer and compared experimental data with the simulation results. This paper proposes a simple statistical channel model and a practical implementation useful for evaluating UWB body area communication systems.