Dual-band Textile AMC Antenna for WLAN/WBAN Applications on the Human Arm

This article presents a low-profile and flexible dual-band AMC Antenna operating at 2.45/5.8 GHz for wireless local area network (WLAN) on-body antenna applications using textile materials. A dual-band artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structure with a dual hexagonal shape was used to reduce back radiation, therefore specific absorption rate (SAR), and improve the antenna performance parameters. To study the antenna/body interaction, a suitable comprehension and detailed studies of the wave propagation in the vicinity of the human arm in different meteorological conditions were carried out to demonstrate the effects of the skin condition on the antenna performance parameters. The simulation and measurement results indicate that electromagnetic communication on wet skin is viable. Acceptable SAR values were obtained, revealing that the body is well immune from the antenna electromagnetic radiation in functional wearable conditions. The proposed wearable AMC antenna provided engaging simulation and measurement results. It satisfies users' comfort and safety properties, making it a good candidate for WLAN/WBAN applications.