sensors

Article
Paper-Based Flexible Antenna for Wearable
Telemedicine Applications at 2.4 GHz ISM Band
Md. Amanath Ullah * , Mohammad Tariqul Islam * , Touhidul Alam and
Farhad Bin Ashraf
Centre of Advanced Electronic and Communication Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor 43600, Malaysia; touhid13@siswa.ukm.edu.my (T.A.);
farhadbinashraf@siswa.ukm.edu.my (F.B.A.)
* Correspondence: amanath@siswa.ukm.edu.my (M.A.U.); tariqul@ukm.edu.my (M.T.I.);
Tel.: +603-8921-6857 (M.T.I.)




Received: 12 October 2018; Accepted: 13 November 2018; Published: 1 December 2018


Abstract: This paper demonstrates the performance of a potential design of a paper substrate-based
flexible antenna for intrabody telemedicine systems in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical
radio (ISM) bands. The antenna was fabricated using 0.54 mm thick flexible photo paper and
0.03 mm copper strips as radiating elements. Design and performance analyses of the antenna were
performed using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The antenna
performances were investigated based on the reflection coefficient in normal and bent conditions.
The total dimensions of the proposed antenna are 40 × 35 × 0.6 mm3 . The antenna operates at
2.33–2.53 GHz in the normal condition. More than an 8% fractional bandwidth is expressed by
the antenna. Computational analysis was performed at different flexible curvatures by bending
the antenna. The minimum fractional bandwidth deviation is 5.04% and the maximum is 24.97%.
Moreover, it was mounted on a homogeneous phantom muscle and a four-layer human tissue
phantom. Up to a 70% radiation efficiency with a 2 dB gain was achieved by the antenna. Finally,
the performance of the antenna with a homogeneous phantom muscle was measured and found
reliable for wearable telemedicine applications.

Keywords: flexible antenna; paper antenna; telemedicine; wearable communication; small antenna;
paper substrate

1. Introduction
Wearable communication technologies can offer promising solutions in biomedical, consumer
electronics, military, and smart home applications. Zimmerman was the very first to discuss
body-centric wireless communication systems [1]. The operating frequency of his prototype device
was 330 KHz. Since then, body-centric communication systems’ operating frequencies have undergone
various changes. In addition to the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) bands that are used for intrabody
telemedicine applications, 2.4 GHz is used extensively as an industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)
band [2,3]. Low-profile and lightweight antennas are usually preferred for such applications. However,
the height or thickness of the antenna can occasionally be an issue for on-body applications. Moreover,
thick antennas lack flexibility; even though they might have flexible features, they can become fragile.
To address this problem, flexible paper substrate-based antennas can be utilized since paper is light in
weight but has a suitable flexibility limit, depending on the thickness of the substrate. According to
the literature, paper-based [4], inkjet-printed antennas have been used for wearable applications [5,6].

Sensors 2018, 18, 4214; doi:10.3390/s18124214 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

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heat. In addition, textile antennas can be somewhat flexible [7], but they can also be quite costly,
dependingAlthough
on thepaper-based,
type of textile.inkjet-printed
In addition to antennas are cost-effective
these types and easy
of antennas, other to manufacture,
antennas can be found
the conductive ink deteriorates over time, open-circuit phenomena may arise, and the ink is sensitive to
in the literature on wearable communication: for instance, an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC)-
heat. In addition, textile antennas can be somewhat flexible [7], but they can also be quite costly,
backed wearable antenna was described in [8,9]. The antenna used two layers of AMC and Styrofoam
depending on the type of textile. In addition to these types of antennas, other antennas can be found in
between the radiating element and the ground. These layers gave the antenna a total thickness of
the literature on wearable communication: for instance, an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC)-backed
9.5 mm, which is quite high.
wearable antenna was described in [8,9]. The antenna used two layers of AMC and Styrofoam between
This paper proposes a new design concept of a paper-based antenna to overcome the
the radiating element and the ground. These layers gave the antenna a total thickness of 9.5 mm,
shortcomings
which is quite ofhigh.
other paper-based antennas. The proposed design exploits the lightweight and
flexibleThis
properties
paper of paper for
proposes a its
newapplication in telemedicine
design concept and wearable
of a paper-based smart
antenna toelectronic
overcomedevices
the
forshortcomings
health monitoring.
of otherThe proposed antenna
paper-based antennas.operates at 2.33–2.53
The proposed design GHz and resonates
exploits at 2.43and
the lightweight GHz.
Photo paper was used to construct the 0.54 mm thick substrate, which provides
flexible properties of paper for its application in telemedicine and wearable smart electronic devicesa balance between
flexibility
for healthand stability inThe
monitoring. theproposed
antenna. antenna
A slotted microstrip
operates feed line
at 2.33–2.53 wasand
GHz used to excite
resonates at the
2.43antenna.
GHz.
ThePhoto
totalpaper
electrical dimensions
was used of the
to construct theantenna
0.54 mm arethick0.31λ × 0.27λ
substrate, × 0.004λ.
which provides First, the antenna
a balance between was
simulated
flexibilityand
andmeasured
stability ininthe
theantenna.
normalAstraight condition. feed
slotted microstrip Then, the
line wasantenna
used towasexcitemeasured in the
the antenna.
The total electrical dimensions of the antenna are 0.31λ × 0.27λ × 0.004λ. First,
bent condition. In both conditions, the performance is stable in the desired 2.4 GHz ISM band. Then, the antenna was
to simulated
validate the andflexibility
measuredperformance
in the normalofstraight condition.
the antenna, Then, the antenna
computation analysiswas wasmeasured
performed in the
while
bent condition. In both conditions, the performance is stable in the desired 2.4
bending the antenna into side-by-side and upside-down orientations at different curvature radii. GHz ISM band. Then,
to validate
Moreover, the flexibility performance
a homogeneous phantom muscle of theand
antenna, computation
a four-layered analysis
human tissuewas performed
model while
were mounted
bending
with the antenna
the antenna into side-by-side
for computational and upside-down
performance analysis.orientations
Finally, theatantenna
differentwascurvature
mounted radii.
on a
Moreover, a homogeneous phantom muscle and a four-layered human tissue model were mounted
homogeneous phantom muscle, and the reflection coefficient and radiation patterns were studied.
with the antenna for computational performance analysis. Finally, the antenna was mounted on a
homogeneous
2. Design phantom muscle, and the reflection coefficient and radiation patterns were studied.
and Methodology
2. The
Design and Methodology
design and computational analysis of the antenna were performed using Computer
Simulation
The Technology
design and (CST) Microwave
computational Studioof
analysis software. The primary
the antenna design process
were performed usingofComputer
the antenna
started with a basic microstrip-fed antenna, and modification of the radiating
Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The primary design process of the antenna patch led to the
proposed design.
started with Three
a basic designs were
microstrip-fed simulated
antenna, to obtain the
and modification of final design, patch
the radiating as depicted
led to thein proposed
Figure 1. In
thedesign.
proposed
Threedesign,
designsthe
werelength of the
simulated microstrip
to obtain feed
the final is 15asmm
design, and the
depicted length
in Figure 1. and
In thewidth of the
proposed
substrate
design, paper material
the length of theare 40 mmfeed
microstrip andis3515mm, respectively,
mm and the lengthproviding
and width theof theantenna
substratewith a low
paper
material are 40 mm and 35 mm, respectively, providing the antenna with
profile. Further, 0.54 mm thick photo paper was used as the substrate, and 0.03 mm thick coppera low profile. Further,
0.54 were
strips mm thick
usedphoto paper was
as radiating used as the
elements. substrate,
A partial and 0.03 mm
grounding thick copper
technique strips were
was utilized used a
to obtain
as radiating elements. A partial grounding technique was utilized to obtain a satisfactory
satisfactory operating bandwidth. The corresponding reflection coefficients of the computed paper- operating
bandwidth.
based antennas The corresponding
are shown in Figurereflection coefficients
2, and the finalofdesign
the computed paper-based
of the proposed antennas
antenna are shown in
is illustrated
in Figure
Figure 3. 2, and the final design of the proposed antenna is illustrated in Figure 3.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure
Figure1.1.(a)
(a)Design
Design 1;
1; (b)
(b) Design 2;(c)
Design 2; (c)proposed
proposeddesign.
design.
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Figure2.
Figure
Figure 2.Reflection
2. Reflectioncoefficients
Reflection coefficientsof
coefficients ofthe
of theantenna.
the antenna.
antenna.
Figure 2. Reflection coefficients of the antenna.

(a)
(a) (b)
(b) (c)
(c)
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 3.
Figure 3. Design
Design configuration
configuration
Design of the
of
configuration the proposed
proposed antenna:
antenna: (a) front
(a) front view;
view; (b) back
(b) back view;
view; and
and (c) cross-
(c) cross-
Figure
Figure 3.3.Design configuration of theofproposed
the proposed antenna:
antenna: (a) (a)
front view;front
(b) view;
back (b)and
view; back
(c) view;
cross-
sectional
sectional
and view.
view.
(c) cross-sectional view.
sectional view.

Thelength
The
The lengthof
length ofthe
of theupper
the uppercopper
upper copperstrip
copper striphas
strip hasaaagreat
has greatimpact
great impacton
impact onthe
on theresonant
resonantfrequency.
resonant frequency.A
frequency. Aparametric
A parametric
parametric
The length of the upper copper strip has a great impact on the resonant frequency. A parametric
studywas
study
study wasconducted
was conductedto
conducted todetermine
to determinethe
determine theoptimum
the optimumlength
optimum lengthof
length ofthe
of theupper
the upperradiating
upper radiatingelement.
radiating element.The
element. Theresults
The results
results
study was conducted to determine the optimum length of the upper radiating element. The results
areshown
are
are shownin
shown inFigure
in Figure4.
Figure 4.Increasing
4. Increasingthe
Increasing thelength
the lengthof
length of‘a’
of ‘a’results
‘a’ resultsin
results inaaalower-frequency
in lower-frequencyresonance.
lower-frequency resonance.Since
resonance. Sincethe
Since the
the
are shown in Figure 4. Increasing the length of ‘a’ results in a lower-frequency resonance. Since the
length
length
length ofof
of ‘a’
‘a’
of ‘a’ has
has
‘a’ has aa great
great
has aa great impact
impact
great impact
impact on on
on the
the resonant
resonant
on the resonant frequency,
frequency,
resonant frequency, varying
varying
frequency, varying
varying the the
the length
length
the length from
from
length fromfrom 20 20
20 toto
20 to 36
36
to 36 mm
mm
36 mm shifted
shifted
mm shifted
shifted
length
theresonant
the
the resonantfrequency
resonant frequencyfrom
frequency from2.2
from 2.2to
2.2 to2.42
to 2.42GHz,
2.42 GHz,approximately.
GHz, approximately.The
approximately. Theother
The otherparameters
other parameterswere
parameters wereobtained
were obtained
obtained
the resonant frequency from 2.2 to 2.42 GHz, approximately. The other parameters were obtained
throughaaaparametric
through parametricstudy,
study,and andthetheoptimized
optimizeddesign
designparameters
parametersare arelisted
listedinin
in Table
Table 1.1.
through
through parametric
a parametric study,
study, and
and the
the optimized
optimized design
design parameters
parameters are
are listed
listed inTable
Table1.1.

Figure 4.
Figure 4. Variation
Variation in
in the
the reflection
reflection coefficient
coefficient by
by changing
changing the
the length
length of
of ‘a’.
‘a’.
Figure 4. Variation in the coefficient by
reflection coefficient by changing
changing the
the length
length of
of ‘a’.
‘a’.
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Table 1. Design parameters of the proposed antenna.

Table 1. Design parameters of the proposed antenna.
Parameters Value (mm) Parameters Value (mm)
Parameters L Value (mm)
40 Parameters
W 35 Value (mm)
Sensors 2018, 18, x 4 of 12
L a 40 20 b W 16 35
a c
Table 20parameters
1. Design 25 b
of the dproposed 15
antenna. 16
c e 25 12 f d 5 15
e Parameters Value
12 (mm) Parametersf Value (mm) 5
L 40 W 35
The prototype was fabricated a with commercially
20 bavailable photo
16 paper and a metallic copper
strip.The
Theprototype
reflection was fabricated
coefficient ofc thewith commercially
proposed
25 antennad available photo
was measured papera and
15 using a metallicnetwork
performance copper
strip. The reflection coefficient of
e
analyzer (N5227A) that was calibrated the proposed
12
usingantenna fwas measured
the Electronic 5 using
Calibration a performance network
Module (N4694-60001).
analyzer
Figure 5 (N5227A)
representsthat the was calibrated
fabricated using the
prototype andElectronic
reflectionCalibration
coefficientModule (N4694-60001).
measurement Figure 5
of the proposed
represents The
theprototype
fabricated was fabricatedand
prototype withreflection
commercially available
coefficient photo paper and
measurement of a metallic
the proposed copper
antenna.
antenna. The antenna far-field characteristics were investigated using a Satimo near-field
The strip. Thefar-field
antenna reflection coefficient of the proposed antennausing
was measured
a Satimousing a performance network
measurement system.characteristics
analyzer (N5227A)
were investigated near-field measurement
that was calibrated using the Electronic Calibration Module (N4694-60001).
system.
Moreover,
Moreover, a homogeneous
a homogeneous phantom
phantom muscle
muscle was also
was also made to verify
made tomeasurement the simulated
verify the simulated reflection
reflection
Figure 5 represents the fabricated prototype and reflection coefficient of the proposed
coefficient
coefficient of the
of proposed
the proposedantenna with
antenna the
withphantom
the muscle,
phantom as shown
muscle, in
as Figure
shown
antenna. The antenna far-field characteristics were investigated using a Satimo near-field
6. The
in homogeneous
Figure 6. The
phantom
homogeneous muscle
measurement was
phantom fabricated using the methodology described in [10]. The
system. muscle was fabricated using the methodology described in [10]. The dielectric constant of
the fabricated muscle
dielectric Moreover,
constant of phantom
a the
homogeneous was measured
fabricatedphantom in the
muscle was
muscle phantom Centre
wasalso for Communication
made to verify
measured in the the Engineering
simulated
Centre Studies
reflection
for Communication
Lab, Universiti
Engineering Teknologi
coefficientStudies
of Lab,MARA
the proposed (UiTM),
antenna
Universiti Malaysia.
with The dielectric
the phantom
Teknologi MARA muscle, ascharacteristics
(UiTM), shown ofThe
in Figure
Malaysia. the
6. phantom
The
dielectric
can behomogeneous
seen in Figure phantom
6b,c. muscle was fabricated using the methodology described in [10]. The
characteristics of the phantom can be seen in Figure 6b,c.
dielectric constant of the fabricated muscle phantom was measured in the Centre for Communication
Engineering Studies Lab, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. The dielectric
characteristics of the phantom can be seen in Figure 6b,c.

(a) (b)
(a) prototype in the (a) normal
Figure 5. Fabricated antenna (b)condition; (b) bent condition.
Figure 5. Fabricated antenna prototype in the (a) normal condition; (b) bent condition.

(a)(a) (b)(b)

(c) (d)
(c) (b) sample material during measurement;(d)
Figure 6. (a) Sample material; (c) dielectric property of the
Figure 6. (a) Sample material; (b) sample material during measurement; (c) dielectric property of the
muscle phantom; (d) antenna mounted with the muscle phantom.
Figure
muscle 6. (a) Sample
phantom; (d) material; (b) sample
antenna mounted material
with during
the muscle measurement; (c) dielectric property of the
phantom.
muscle phantom; (d) antenna mounted with the muscle phantom.
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3. Results and Discussion

3. Results and Discussion
3. Results and Discussion
The simulated and measured reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna were analyzed, and
The simulated andandmeasured reflection coefficients ofofthe theproposed antenna were analyzed,
analyzed, and
the resultsThe
aresimulated
illustrated in measured
Figure 7. There is acoefficients
reflection slight frequency shift in the
proposed measured
antenna were results, which
the results are illustrated in Figure 7. There is a slight frequency shift in the measured results, which
mightandbe the
dueresults are illustrated
to fabrication andinmeasurement
Figure 7. There tolerances.
is a slight frequency shift in the measured
In the simulated result, theresults,
resonance
mightwhich
be due
mighttobefabrication
due to and measurement
fabrication and measurement tolerances.
tolerances. In
In the
the simulated
simulated result,
result, the the resonance
resonance
frequency is 2.43 GHz, and, in the measured result, the resonant frequency is found to be 2.47, which
frequency is 2.43
frequency is GHz, and,and,
2.43 GHz, in the
in measured
the measured result, thethe
result, resonant
resonant frequency
frequencyis is
found
foundtotobebe2.47,
2.47,which
seems to be in good harmony with the computational result.
which seems to be in good harmony with the
seems to be in good harmony with the computational result.computational result.

Figure 7. Simulated and measured reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna.

Figure 7. Simulated
Figure and
7. Simulated measured
and measuredreflection coefficients
reflection coefficients of of
thethe proposed
proposed antenna.
antenna.

The The
reflection
reflectioncoefficient performance
coefficient performance of proposed
of the the proposed antenna
antenna in the normalin and
the normal and bent
The reflection coefficient performance of the proposed antenna in the bent conditions
normal and bent
conditions was
was also also investigated.
investigated. It turns
It turns out out
that the that the
antenna antenna
shows shows
a stable a stablein
performance performance in the bent
the bent condition,
conditions was also investigated. It turns out that the antenna shows a stable performance in the bent
condition,
whichwhich authenticates
authenticates its flexible
its flexible operation,
operation, depicted
depicted in Figure 8.in There
Figureis 8. Theredeviation
a slight is a slightindeviation
the
condition, which authenticates its flexible operation, depicted in Figure 8. There is a slight deviation
in theresonant
resonantfrequency
frequency in in
thethe bent
bent condition.
condition. Bending
Bending the antenna
the antenna yieldsyields a resonant
a resonant frequency
frequency that is that
in thelower
resonant
than frequency
that in the condition
bent condition. Bending the antenna yields a resonant frequency that
is lower than that ininthe
thenormal
normal conditionbybyapproximately
approximately20 MHz.
20 MHz.
is lower than that in the normal condition by approximately 20 MHz.

Figure 8. Reflection
Figure coefficients
8. Reflection coefficients during normaland
during normal and bent
bent conditions.
conditions.
Figure 8. Reflection coefficients during normal and bent conditions.
The antenna’s far-field properties were investigated using a Satimo near-field measurement
The antenna’s far-field properties were investigated using a Satimo near-field measurement
The antenna’s
system. far-field
In Figure propertiesradiation
9, the normalized were investigated
patterns are using a Satimo
depicted for Phi 0near-field
and Phi 90measurement
degrees.
system. In Figure 9, the normalized radiation patterns are depicted for Phi 0 and Phi 90 degrees. One
OneIncan
system. observe
Figure thatnormalized
9, the the antenna shows bidirectional
radiation patternsradiation patterns
are depicted forfor
Phiboth planes.
0 and Phi 90 degrees. One
can observe that the antenna shows bidirectional radiation patterns for both planes.
can observe that the antenna shows bidirectional radiation patterns for both planes.
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(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 9.
9. Normalized
Normalized radiation
radiation patterns
patterns of
of the
the proposed
proposed antenna
antennaatat (a) Phi 0; (b) Phi 90.
Figure (a) (b) (a) Phi 0; (b) Phi 90.
Figure 9. Normalized radiation patterns of the proposed antenna at (a) Phi 0; (b) Phi 90.
4.
4. Bending
Bending Deformation
Deformation Study
Study radiation patterns of the proposed antenna at (a) Phi 0; (b) Phi 90.
Figure 9. Normalized
4. Bending Deformation
The performance of Study
4. The
Bendingperformance
Deformationof the antenna
antenna in
theStudy in the
the side-by-side
side-by-side bending
bending condition
condition at at different
different bending
bending radii radii
was also
was The investigated.
also performance
investigated. of Figure 10 depicts
the antenna
Figure 10 depicts the perspective
in the side-by-side
perspective viewview of
bending the
of the antenna at different bending radii,
antenna
condition at different bending radii
radii,
and
was Figure
and also The
Figure performance
1111 shows
shows the
investigated. of
Figure
the the
10antenna
reflection
depicts
reflection in
thethe
coefficients side-by-side
at
atthe
perspective
coefficients bending
view of thecondition
thecorresponding
corresponding valuesatat
values
antenna of
of different
the
the radii.
different bending
ItIt is
bending
radii. radii
is evident
radii,
evident
that
and was
the
thatFigurealso investigated.
reflection
11 shows
the reflection Figure
coefficient at
the reflection
coefficient 10
thedepicts
desired the
at thecoefficients
desired bandperspective
band can
at the be view
found of
can corresponding the
at antenna
all the
be found at all values at
radii
the radii different
when
of when the
the radii. bending
prototype
the It radii,
is evident
prototype is
is
bent andin Figure 11 shows the reflection coefficients at the corresponding values of the radii. It is evident
that
bentthe in aareflection
side-by-side
side-by-side orientation.
coefficient Duringthe
at theDuring
orientation. desired the
band side-by-side
can be found
side-by-side bending thecondition,
at all condition,
bending radii when 10, 10, 15,
the20,
15, 20, 30,
prototype
25, 25,and
30,
is
and
bent that
in the
35 mm reflection
acurvature curvature
side-by-side coefficient at the
radii exhibit desired
theband
operating can be
bands at found at allcondition,
2.27–2.44, the radii when
2.26–2.45, 15,the
20,prototype
2.27–2.46, 2.28–2.46,is
35 mm radiiorientation.
exhibit During
operating bands side-by-side
at 2.27–2.44, bending
2.26–2.45, 2.27–2.46, 10, 2.28–2.46, 25, 30, and
2.27–2.42,
bentcurvature
2.27–2.42, in aand side-by-side
2.32–2.55 orientation.
GHz.operating During
Thebandwidth
maximum the at
side-by-side bending condition, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and
35
andmm 2.32–2.55 GHz.radii
The exhibit
maximum bands ofbandwidth
2.27–2.44,
230 MHz is offound
230 MHz
2.26–2.45, isthe
found
2.27–2.46,
when when
is 35the
2.28–2.46,
radius radius
2.27–2.42,
mm.
35 mm
is 352.32–2.55
mm. curvature radii exhibit operating bands at 2.27–2.44, 2.26–2.45, 2.27–2.46, 2.28–2.46, 2.27–2.42,
and GHz. The maximum bandwidth of 230 MHz is found when the radius is 35 mm.
and 2.32–2.55 GHz. The maximum bandwidth of 230 MHz is found when the radius is 35 mm.

Figure 10. Proposed antenna in a bending condition (side-by-side).

Figure
Figure 10.
Figure Proposed
10.10. antenna
Proposed
Proposed in
ininaa abending
antenna
antenna bendingcondition
bending condition(side-by-side).
condition (side-by-side).
(side-by-side).

Figure 11. Reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna for different bending (side-by-side) radii.
Figure
11.11. Reflectioncoefficients
Reflection coefficients ofthe
theproposed
proposedantenna
antennafor
for different
different bending (side-by-side)
(side-by-side)radii.
Figure
Figure 11. Reflection coefficients ofofthe proposed antenna for different bending (side-by-side) radii.
radii.
Then, the performance of the antenna was studied during the upside-down condition at
Then, the performance of the antenna was studied during the upside-down condition at
Then,radii,
different the as
performance of the 12.
depicted in Figure antenna was studied
The resulting during
reflection the upside-down
coefficients are depictedcondition at
in Figure 13.
different radii, as depicted in Figure 12. The resulting reflection coefficients are depicted in Figure 13.
different radii, as depicted in Figure 12. The resulting reflection coefficients are depicted in Figure 13.
sorsSensors 2018,
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In case,
this this case,
like like
in the in the side-by-side
side-by-side bending
bending condition,the
condition, thereflection
reflection coefficients
coefficientsremain remainconsistent
consiste
during
ring the upside-down
the upside-down bending
bending
Then, the performance the condition.
of condition.
antenna was Most Mostduring
studied ofof thethe resonant condition
resonant
the upside-down frequencies
frequencies remain
remaininingood
at different go
harmony atradii,
different radii.
as depicted At a12.curvature
in Figure The resultingradius
reflectionof 10 mm,arethe
coefficients reflection
depicted in Figurecoefficient is −17.20 dB at
13. In this case,
rmony at different
like in the
radii. At a bending
curvature radius of 10 mm, the remain
reflection coefficient is −17.20 dB
2.38 GHz, which is side-by-side condition,GHz
in the desired 2.30–2.48 the reflection
ISM band. coefficients
When consistent
the radius is during
35 mm, the the operating
8 GHz, which is in thebending
upside-down desired 2.30–2.48
condition. Most ofGHz ISMfrequencies
the resonant band. When remain in the radius
good harmony isat35 mm, the operati
different
band is found atAt2.30–2.53
radii. a curvature
GHz.
radius
The
of 10
minimum
mm, the
bandwidth
reflection coefficient
ofis180
− MHz
17.20 dB
is2.38
at
found
GHz,
atwhich
a 10ismm curvature
nd is found at 2.30–2.53 GHz. The minimum bandwidth of 180 MHz is found at a 10 mm curvatu
radius, andinthethe maximum bandwidth
desired 2.30–2.48 of 230
GHz ISM band. When MHz is found
the radius is 35 at
mm, a the
35 operating
mm curvature radius.
band is found at
dius, and the 2.30–2.53
maximum bandwidth
GHz. The of 230 MHz
minimum bandwidth is found
of 180 MHz is found at
at aa1035
mmmm curvature
curvature radius.
radius, and the
maximum bandwidth of 230 MHz is found at a 35 mm curvature radius.

Figure 12. Proposed antenna in a bending condition (upside-down).

12. Proposed antenna in a bending condition (upside-down).

Figure 12. Figure
Proposed antenna in a bending condition (upside-down).

Figure 13. Reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna for different bending (upside-down) radii.
Figure 13. Reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna for different bending (upside-down) radii.
From Figures 11 and 13, it can be seen that the antenna reflection coefficient remains adequately
consistent with various bending radii, and the reflection coefficient can still be found within the
From Figures 11 and
desired band. 13, itacan
However, bechange
slight seen inthat the antenna
frequency reflection
can be observed coefficient
for different remains
bending radii. adequately
consistent
Figure with various
13. Reflection
A change bending
coefficients
in resonant lengthof radii,
the due
occurs and
proposed theantenna
reflection
to variation for coefficient
different
in the diameter can
radii,still
bending
of bending beimpacts
found within
(upside-down)
which radii.the
the operating frequency [11]. Table 2 represents all the data related to the antenna’s bending
desired band. However, a slight change in frequency can be observed for different bending radii. A
performance. The minimum operating band is found to be 170 MHz with a fractional bandwidth of
changeFigures
From in resonant
11The
7.08%. length
and occurs
13, it
maximum can be due
operating to variation
seen thatis the
bandwidth in the
antenna
230 MHz diameter
with ofbandwidth
reflection
a fractional bending ofradii,
coefficient which impacts
9.58%.remains adequatethe
operating
nsistent withfrequency [11]. Table
various bending 2 and
radii, represents all the data
the reflection relatedcan
coefficient to still
the be
antenna’s bendingt
found within
performance.
sired The minimum
band. However, a slightoperating
change inband is foundcan
frequency to be
be170 MHz with
observed for adifferent
fractionalbending
bandwidth of
radii.
7.08%.
ange The maximum
in resonant length operating
occurs duebandwidth is 230
to variation in MHz with a fractional
the diameter bandwidth
of bending of 9.58%.
radii, which impacts t
erating frequency [11]. Table 2 represents all the data related to the antenna’s bendi
Table 2. Bending performance data.
rformance. The minimum operating band is found to be 170 MHz with a fractional bandwidth
Sensors 2018, 18, 4214 8 of 13

Table 2. Bending performance data.

Bending Condition Curvature Radius Bandwidth Fractional Bandwidth Deviation

200 MHz
Normal None 8.33% -
(2.33–2.53 GHz)
170 MHz
10 7.08% 15.00%
(2.27–2.44 GHz)
190 MHz
15 7.91% 5.04%
(2.26–2.45 GHz)
190 MHz
20 7.91% 5.04%
Side-by-side (2.27–2.46 GHz)
180 MHz
25 7.50% 9.96%
(2.28–2.46 GHz)
150 MHz
30 6.25% 24.97%
(2.27–2.42 GHz)
230 MHz
35 9.58% −15.00%
(2.32–2.55 GHz)
180 MHz
10 7.50% 9.96%
(2.30–2.48 GHz)
210 MHz
15 8.75% −5.04%
(2.29–2.50 GHz)
220 MHz
20 9.17% −10.08%
Upside-down (2.29–2.51 GHz)
220 MHz
25 9.17% −10.08%
(2.30–2.52 GHz)
220 MHz
30 9.17% −10.08%
(2.29–2.51 GHz)
230 MHz
35 9.58% −15.00%
(2.30–2.53 GHz)

5. Antenna Performance with Phantom

A homogeneous phantom muscle was mounted with the antenna to investigate the antenna’s
performance. The simulation setup is shown in Figure 14. The cylindrical phantom shown in Figure 14a
was created in CST Microwave Studio using the muscle material available in the material library.
This phantom muscle has a dielectric constant of 52. Then, the performance of the antenna attached to
a human tissue model with four layers was investigated. The model consists of skin, fat, muscle,
and bone, as shown in Figure 14b. The dielectric constants of the modeled skin, fat, muscle, and bone
are approximately 37, 5.3, 52, and 11.4, respectively. The thicknesses of the skin, fat, muscle, and bone
layers are 3, 7, 15, and 30 mm, respectively. Even though a partial ground plane is used in the antenna,
the reflection coefficient remains in good agreement with the reflection coefficient of the antenna in
free space.
The reflection coefficient performance of the antenna with the homogeneous phantom muscle
and four-layered human tissue is illustrated in Figure 15. To analyze the directivity of the proposed
antenna while mounted on the human tissue, Figure 16 represents the 3D directivity of the antenna.
The main direction of propagation is outward from the antenna, which is good for using with the
human body.
and bone are approximately 37, 5.3, 52, and 11.4, respectively. The thicknesses of the skin, fat, muscle
and bone layers are 3, 7, 15, and 30 mm, respectively. Even though a partial ground plane is used in
the antenna, the reflection coefficient remains in good agreement with the reflection coefficient of the
Sensors 2018, 18, 4214 9 of 13
antenna in free space.

(a) (b)

18, 18, x
(c)
n direction of propagation is outward from the antenna, which is good for using w
Figure 14. (a)Figure
Proposed antenna
14. (a) Proposed with
antenna withhomogeneous muscle
homogeneous muscle phantom;phantom;
(b) cross-view(b)
of thecross-view
four-layered of the four-
body. human tissue phantom; (c) antenna with human tissue.
layered human tissue phantom; (c) antenna with human tissue.

The reflection coefficient performance of the antenna with the homogeneous phantom muscle
and four-layered human tissue is illustrated in Figure 15. To analyze the directivity of the proposed
antenna while mounted on the human tissue, Figure 16 represents the 3D directivity of the antenna

Figure 15. Reflection coefficients of the antenna with homogeneous muscle phantom and four-layer
ure 15. Reflection coefficients
human tissue. of the antenna with homogeneous muscle phantom and four-lay
man tissue.
 Figure 15. Reflection coefficients of the antenna with homogeneous muscle phantom and
Sensors 2018, 18, 4214
four-layer
10 of 13
human tissue.

(a) (b)
6. (a) Directivity and (b) front-to-back ratio of the proposed antenna with huma

ere noticeable variations in the reflection coefficient between the m

ults with the homogeneous phantom muscle, as shown in Figure 17. It is c
widths are in good (a) agreement. One reason for (b) the slight mismatch
Figure Figure
16. (a)16. (a) Directivity
Directivity and (b)front-to-back
front-to-back ratio of the
of proposed antennaantenna
with human tissue.
he dielectric properties ofandthe (b)
computational ratio the proposed
and realistic with human tissue.
phantoms. Som
There were noticeable variations in the reflection coefficient between the measured and simulated
the losses
There ofwere
results thethe
with coupling
noticeable
homogeneous medium,
variations
phantom in andshownthe
the reflection
muscle, as measurement
in coefficient
Figure between
17. It is the tolerance
clear, however, measured
that andcou
simulated
the results with
bandwidths arethe homogeneous
in good agreement. One phantom
reason muscle, as shown
for the slight mismatch inmight
Figure be 17. It is clear, however,
the difference
diation patterns
in the of
dielectric the antenna
properties of the with
computational the
and muscle
realistic
that the bandwidths are in good agreement. One reason for the slight mismatch phantoms.areSomeshown
other factors incould
Figure
might 18b.
be the
increase the losses of the coupling medium, and the measurement tolerance could impact the results.
the phantom
difference muscle
in the dielectricremain
The radiation patterns of the antennastable to aaresatisfactory
properties of the computational
with the muscle degree.
and realistic phantoms.
shown in Figure 18b. The The
Some
radiation patterns overall
other factors p
could increase the losses of the coupling medium, and the measurement tolerance could impact the
with the phantom muscle remain stable to a satisfactory degree. The overall performance of the
ems results.
to beantenna
in radiation
The good harmony
seems to patterns
be in goodof the when
harmony antenna in
when inwith
free space
the muscle
free space and withare
and in
shown
the phantom
with
Figurethe
muscle. 18b. phantom
The radiation m
patterns with the phantom muscle remain stable to a satisfactory degree. The overall performance of
the antenna seems to be in good harmony when in free space and with the phantom muscle.

Figure 17. Reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna with the muscle phantom.

17. Reflection coefficients of the proposed antenna with the muscle phantom.
gure 17. ReflectionFigure
coefficients of the proposed antenna with the muscle phantom
 Sensors 2018, 18, 4214 11 of 13
Sensors 2018, 18, x 10 of 12
Sensors 2018, 18, x 10 of 12

(a)
(a)

Phi 0 Phi 90
Phi 0 Phi 90
(b)
(b)
Figure 18. (a) Radiation pattern measurement of the proposed paper-based antenna with phantom
Figure
Figure18. (a)
(a)Radiation
18.(b)
muscle; radiation pattern
patternmeasurement
Radiationpatterns of the antennaof
measurement ofthe
theproposed
mounted proposed paper-based
paper-based
on a muscle antenna
phantom at Phi 0with
antenna andphantom
with phantom
at Phi 90.
muscle;(b)
muscle; (b) radiation
radiation patterns
patterns of
of the
the antenna
antenna mounted
mounted onon aa muscle
muscle phantom
phantom at
at Phi
Phi 0 and at Phi 90.
Figure 19 presents the total efficiency and gain of the proposed paper-based flexible antenna. It
Figureup
Figure
achieves 19presents
19 presents
to an 83% the
the totalefficiency
total
efficiency efficiency and
in freeand gain
gain
space of of
and upthe
the toproposed
proposed paper-based
a 70% paper-based
efficiency flexible
flexible
when antenna.
antenna.
mounted on Itthe
Itphantom
achieves
achieves upatup to
an an
to2.45 83%
83% efficiency
efficiency in in free
free space
space and
and up uptotoa a
70%70% efficiency
efficiency
GHz; it also obtains more than a 2 dB gain in the operating band. when
when mounted
mounted on
on the
the
phantomat
phantom at2.45
2.45GHz;
GHz;ititalso
alsoobtains
obtainsmore
morethan
thanaa22dB
dBgain
gaininin the
the operating
operating band.
band.

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure19.
Figure 19.(a)
(a)Efficiency
Efficiencyand
and(b)
(b)gain
gainofofthe
theproposed
proposedantenna.
antenna.
Figure 19. (a) Efficiency and (b) gain of the proposed antenna.
Achievingaagood
Achieving goodperformance
performance from
from aa compact
compact antenna is a challenge
challenge when
when the
theapplication
applicationis
Achieving
iswearable a good performance
wearablecommunication.
communication.From from
FromTable a compact
Table3,3, itit can antenna is
seen that
can be seen a
that thechallenge
the proposed when
proposedantennathe application is
antennaisissufficiently
sufficiently
wearable communication.
compactwith
compact witha aminimum From Table
minimumthickness 3, it
thicknessofofonly can
only0.6 be
0.6mm, seen
mm,whichthat the
whichmakes
makestheproposed
theantennaantenna is
antennaa aperfect sufficiently
perfectcandidate
candidatefor
for
compact with a minimum
wearabletelemedicine
wearable thickness of
telemedicineapplications.
applications. only 0.6 mm, which makes the antenna a perfect candidate for
wearable telemedicine applications.
Sensors 2018, 18, 4214 12 of 13

Table 3. Comparison of different wearable antenna.

Reference Type of Wearable

Operating Band Size Thickness
Antenna Antenna Material
[4] Paper 1.4–1.65 GHz 90 × 74.8 mm2 n/a
[12] FR4 2.40–2.48 GHz 38 × 38 mm2 3 mm
[13] Resin-coated paper 0.8–1.1 GHz 60 × 60 mm2 5.14 mm
[14] Jeans 2.4–2.5 GHz 120 × 120 mm2 3.5 mm
Proposed Photo paper 2.33–2.53 40 × 35 mm2 0.6 mm

6. Conclusions
This paper illustrates a new design and performance analysis of a paper substrate-based flexible
antenna. The prototype was fabricated for wearable telemedicine applications in the 2.4 GHz band.
This paper presents the reflection coefficients for both normal and flexible conditions. The antenna is
only 0.6 mm thick and can serve as a wearable system with a satisfactory flexibility range. In addition,
the performance of the antenna with human tissue was investigated. The results for the reflection
coefficient and radiation patterns are found to be satisfactory for wearable telemedicine applications.

Author Contributions: M.A.U. made significant contributions to this study regarding conception, design, analysis
and writing the manuscript. T.A. revised the manuscript provided intellectual suggestions. F.B.A. prepared and
measured material for homogeneous phantom muscle and prepared Figure 6c. M.T.I. supervised the work and
participated in revising the article critically for important intellectual contents.
Funding: This work is supported by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia research grant.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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