Characterization of the ultra wideband body area propagation channel

• Published in: 2005 IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband p. 6 pp.
• Main Authors: Fort, A., Desset, C., Ryckaert, J., De Doncker, P., Van Biesen, L., Wambacq, P.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 2005
• Subjects: body area network; Communication channels; Current measurement; Electromagnetic measurements; Electromagnetic propagation; Electromagnetic scattering; Monitoring; Propagation channel; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Torso; Ultra wideband technology; ultra-wide band; Wireless sensor networks
• ISBN: 078039397X; 9780780393974
• ISSN: 2162-6588
• DOI: 10.1109/ICU.2005.1569950

Using wireless sensors placed on a person to continuously monitor health information is a promising new application. In developing these sensors, detailed knowledge of the communication channel is essential. However, there are currently very few measurements describing propagation around the body. To address this problem, we have measured electromagnetic waves traveling near the torso to derive a simple pathless law. The pathless law is then extended to include the influence of arm movements and a surrounding office environment. This paper describes our measurement campaign and the basic characteristics of the body area radio channel.