sensors
Article
A Flexible Metamaterial Based Printed Antenna for Wearable
Biomedical Applications
Ammar Al-Adhami * and Ergun Ercelebi






Citation: Al-Adhami, A.; Ercelebi, E.
A Flexible Metamaterial Based
Printed Antenna for Wearable
Biomedical Applications. Sensors
2021, 21, 7960. https://doi.org/
10.3390/s21237960
Academic Editors: Salam Khamas,
Zulkifly Abbas and Taha Elwi
Received: 11 October 2021
Accepted: 26 November 2021
Published: 29 November 2021
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
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iations.
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21237960
Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey;
ercelebi@gantep.edu.tr
* Correspondence: aa04041@mail2.gantep.edu.tr
Abstract: This paper presents a microstrip antenna based on metamaterials (MTM). The proposed
antenna showed several resonances around the BAN and ISM frequency bands. The antenna showed
a suitable gain for short and medium wireless communication systems of about 1 dBi, 1.24 dBi,
1.48 dBi, 2.05 dBi, and 4.11 dBi at 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and 2.45 GHz, respectively.
The antenna was printed using silver nanoparticle ink on a polymer substrate. The antenna size
was reduced to 20 × 10 mm2 to suit the different miniaturized wireless biomedical devices. The
fabricated prototype was tested experimentally on the human body. The main novelty with this
design is its ability to suppress the surface wave from the patch edges, significantly reducing the
back radiation toward the human body when used close to it. The antenna was located on the human
head to specify the specific absorption rate (SAR). It was found in all cases that the proposed antenna
showed low SAR effects on the human body.
Keywords: SAR; flexible antenna; wearable; MTM
1. Introduction
In the last decade, electronic systems miniaturization has led to an increased demand
for wearable devices that can monitor the human body’s functions [1]; thus, wearable health
management systems became a most attractive field for researchers. This is due to the fact
that such wearable devices can function well enough to replace several medical instruments
when embedded in smart clothes [2]. In order apply such technology, researchers developed
a variety of miniaturized antennas with adequate performance [3]. However, to employ
wearable systems in biomedical applications, several practical specifications in antenna
design must be considered, such as small size, low weight, power consumption, and
flexible structure [4]. For this, a number of microstrip antennas were introduced as one of
the most desired categories for wearable applications when mounted close to the human
body [5].
Subsequently, significant demands for wearable antennas to be compact and to not
have unnecessary setup requirements were increased for self-adaptive wireless systems [6].
It is worth mentioning that one of the main research interests of wearable antennas is
wireless body area network applications [7]. Consequently, printed circuit antennas became
attractive due to their unique properties, such as their being very compatible with the
requirements of wearable systems [8]. The main important advantages of using printed
antennas for wearable systems are their cost-effectiveness, design simplicity, and their
relative biocompatibility [9]. Moreover, one of the important advantages of using printed
circuit antennas with wearable systems is that they can be mounted on flexible and/or semi-
flexible substrates, maintaining their performance against physical bending and twisting
effects [10]. Thus, attention must be paid during the design process to consider employing
suitable materials for the wearable antenna fabrication [11]. Such considerations have a
direct effect on a fabricated antenna’s efficiency and bandwidth, where they are usually
highly affected by substrate thickness and the dielectric constant [12].
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 2 of 18

Currently, significant interest has been raised with regard to flexible and semi-flexible
substrates for telemedicine and biomedical applications [13]. Much attention was paid to
the use of flexible and semi-flexible materials for wearable nodes production [13]. With the
great advancements in wearable antenna technologies, a significant development has been
observed in their utilization for implantable devices [14]. However, operating antennas
at low frequency ranges with miniaturized size for wearable devices without affecting
radiation efficiency and gain is one of the more relevant challenges in the current state
of the art [15]. To resolve such a problem, various efforts have been made to reduce
the size of wearable antennas using reactive loads [16], utilizing materials with high
permittivity [17], and using vias [18], shorting posts [19], and fractal geometries to increase
the current path [20]. When the mentioned techniques have been applied, the antenna
size has been significantly reduced. However, different difficulties appeared, such as
bandwidth reduction, design complexity, and gain degradations [8]. In addition, even
though wearable antennas were applied in different technologies based on smart clothes,
they still suffered from different issues, such as their influences on the hosting body,
the effect of their location on different body parts on their operation, and the possible
occurrence of significant efficiency and reliability losses due to antenna deformation [18].
Therefore, a critical issue in wearable antenna design that must be considered is minimizing
electromagnetic leakages toward the human body.
In another aspect, biocompatible materials such as polyamide substrates have recently
attracted researchers to include them in their designs for wearable antennas [15]. This is
due to their excellent mechanical properties, including but not limited to their light weight,
flexibility, tensile strength, durability, high-heat resistance (up to 400 ◦ C), excellent electrical
properties, high moisture release characteristics, and low moisture uptake [17]. On the
other hand, due to the properties of human tissue that have high permittivity, when the
human body is exposed to the electromagnetic waves that radiate from a wearable antenna,
the body absorbs a large amount of this energy [19]. As is well known, the parameters of a
wearable antenna are decreased noticeably during its functioning near the human body,
which causes significant problems in the wireless communication field [5]. Furthermore,
electromagnetic waves absorbed by the human body have undesirable environmental
and biological impact [6]. Several types of wearable antennas have been developed in
the past. The authors of [7] designed a compact triangular patch antenna; however, the
antenna has a very narrow operating bandwidth. A low-sized cpw-fed slot antenna with
floating ground plane for ISM band was designed in [7]; however, the designed antenna
had a very low fractional bandwidth (6% at the center frequency of 5.825 GHz). Several
other wearable antennas such as electromagnetic bandgap (EBG)-based antennas [2] and
substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW)-based antennas [10] have been designed; however,
all of these antennas have had a narrow bandwidth.
In this paper, a low profile and flexible printed wearable antenna was designed for
ISM bands including 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and 2.45 GHz for remote
health-monitoring applications. The antenna was based on a polyimide substrate, which is
known for its flexibility and robustness. The performance of the proposed antenna was
acceptable in terms of gain, operating bandwidth, and efficiency in the bending scenarios.
In addition, the antenna has appropriate gain, acceptable bandwidth, and high efficiency
in on-body worn scenarios. Moreover, the antenna has a reasonably low SAR value when
mounted on the human body.

2. Antenna Geometry
The antenna is constructed from an MTM patch of a complementary Minkowski fractal
geometry to realize multiple frequency resonance within a miniaturized size. The patch is
fed with 50 Ω coplanar waveguide (CPW) to achieve excellent matching at several bands [6].
Two matching circuits are introduced (see Figure 1a) between the patch structure and the
CPW ground plane to reduce the reflection effects [10]. Nevertheless, the advantage of
adding those matching circuits is to suppress the surface waves along the patch edges [12].
 Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 21

Sensors 2021, 21, 7960
[6]. Two matching circuits are introduced (see Figure 1a) between the patch structure and
the CPW ground plane to reduce the reflection effects [10]. Nevertheless, the advantage
3 of 18
of adding those matching circuits is to suppress the surface waves along the patch edges
[12].

Figure1.1.The
Figure Theantenna
antennageometrical:
geometrical:(a)
(a)front
frontview,
view,(b)
(b)side
sideview,
view,and
and(c)
(c)back
backview.
view.

Inthe
In thesame
samecontext,
context,reducing
reducingthe theeffects
effectsof ofthe
thesurface
surfacewaveswavesreflections
reflectionsfrom
fromthe the
substrate
substrate edges
edges isis achieved
achieved by by etching
etching MTM MTMdefects
defectsfrom
fromthe theproposed
proposedCPW CPWground
ground
plane
plane [18],
[18], which
which minimizes the back back radiation.
radiation.InInturn,turn,the the electromagnetic
electromagnetic leakage
leakage to-
toward
ward the thehuman
humanbody bodywould
would bebe reduced
reduced significantly
significantly [10].
[10]. AsAs seen
seen in Figure
in Figure 1b,1b,
thethean-
antenna dimensionsare
tenna dimensions are20 mm××2020mm
20mm mmwhen whenprinted
printed on on a polymer substrate
substrate of
of0.3
0.3mmmm
thickness with relative permittivity of 3.5 and loss tangent of 0.0001.
thickness with relative permittivity of 3.5 and loss tangent of 0.0001. The antenna back The antenna back
panel
panelisiscovered
coveredwithwith a partial
a partialground
ground plane to reduce
plane to reducethe effects of the
the effects ofcapacitive coupling
the capacitive cou-
with the patch structure [13].
pling with the patch structure [13].
Finally,
Finally,the
theantenna
antennastructure
structure is is
printed
printedusing conductive
using conductive inkink
based on silver
based nanopar-
on silver nano-
ticles of conductivity
particles of conductivityof around 1.3 ×1.3
of around 106×s/m. The The
106 s/m. novelty of the
novelty ofproposed design
the proposed is thatis
design
by considering
that the complementary
by considering the complementary Minkowski
Minkowski geometry,
geometry,suchsuch
a structure can therefore
a structure can there-
dominate the magnetic field instead of the electrical field [10].
fore dominate the magnetic field instead of the electrical field [10]. Consequently,Consequently, SAR effects
SAR
would
effectsbe insignificant
would on human
be insignificant ontissue
human where thewhere
tissue humanthe body permeability
human is unity [13].is
body permeability
unity [13].
3. MTM Characterizations
The proposed
3. MTM MTM is defined as sub-wavelength composites of right–left hand struc-
Characterizations
tures with negative εr and µr at the frequency bands of interest. The resonance frequency of
The proposed MTM is defined as sub-wavelength composites of right–left hand
the proposed MTM unit cell is affected by substrate height and permittivity [12]. Therefore,
structures with negative εr and μr at the frequency bands of interest. The resonance fre-
CSTMWS based on the finite integral technique (FIT) [21] was invoked to investigate the
quency of the proposed MTM unit cell is affected by substrate height and permittivity
proposed MTM behavior in terms of S-parameters and dispersion diagram. As seen in
[12]. Therefore, CSTMWS based on the finite integral technique (FIT) [21] was invoked to
Figure 2, the proposed unit cell is etched from a transmission line ground plane to obtain
investigate the proposed MTM behavior in terms of S-parameters and dispersion dia-
quasi-TEM-like modes [9]. In that simulation, the upper and lower ±y axes faces are
gram. As seen in Figure 2, the proposed unit cell is etched from a transmission line ground
considered perfect electrical conductors (PEC). The other two faces along the ±x axes are
plane to obtain
subjected quasi-TEM-like
as perfect modes [9].(PMC).
magnetic conductors In that simulation, the upper
The waveguide portsandare lower
assigned±y axes
±z
faces are considered perfect electrical conductors (PEC). The other two faces along
axes. It is important to mention that the proposed unit cell is normal to the excitation ports. the ±x
axeswas
This are taken
subjected as perfect magnetic
into consideration because conductors
the proposed(PMC).
unit The waveguide
cell is etched from ports
the are as-
patch
signed ±z axes. It is important to mention that the proposed unit
surface in which the electric field would be normal to the patch surface [7]. cell is normal to the ex-
citation
Here,ports. This was taken
the proposed into
unit cell consideration
structure because the
is characterized in proposed unit cell is etched
terms of S-parameters, S11
fromS12,
and the and
patchdispersion
surface in diagram.
which the As electric
seenfield would3a,
in Figure be the
normal to the patch
proposed surface
unit cell shows[7].
more than single frequency resonance within the bandwidth of interest. The authors
treated this unit cell as explained in [9]. Therefore, based on the resulting variation in the
wave velocity for such unit cell at the first Brillion zone, see the dispersion diagram in
Figure 3a, the wave propagation band gap can be evaluated. From the observed results at
the first transverse electrical and magnetic modes, the proposed unit cell shows a band gap
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 4 of 18

between
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW the frequency range of 1 GHz and 2.43 GHz; which make it a good4candidate
of 21 for
such applications [12].

Figure 2.
Figure 2.EBG
EBGunit
unitcell: (a)(a)
cell: CSTMWS numerical
CSTMWS setupsetup
numerical and (b)
andunit
(b)cell dimensions
unit in mm scale.
cell dimensions in mm scale.

Here,
Basedtheonproposed unit cell results,
the simulation structurethe
is characterized
proposed unitin terms of S-parameters,
cell equivalent circuit S11model is
and S12, and dispersion diagram. As seen in Figure 3a, the proposed unit cell shows more
derived as seen in Figure 4. The equivalent capacitances of coupling between the unit cell
than single frequency resonance within the bandwidth of interest. The authors treated this
and adjacent cells are indicated as Left Hand (LH) capacitor of (CLH ), and the fractal slot is
unit cell as explained in [9]. Therefore, based on the resulting variation in the wave veloc-
considered as an inductor (LLH ) where
ity for such unit cell at the first Brillion
the magnetic current motion in the air traces can
zone, see the dispersion diagram in Figure 3a, the
be magnified [12]. This inductor is equivalent
wave propagation band gap can be evaluated. From the to the magnetic
observed field
results that
at the is trans-
first stored inside
the rings’ fractal slots [6]. The other presented elements are considered
verse electrical and magnetic modes, the proposed unit cell shows a band gap between for the traditional
medium of propagation
the frequency range of 1 GHzdue and
to the Right
2.43 GHz;Hand
which(RH)
maketransmission part, which
it a good candidate for suchis given by
Lapplications
RH , RRH , G[12].
RH , and CRH as inductance, resistance, conductance, and capacitance elements.
These parameters are driven by coupling effects between the T-resonator the fractal shape
in the unit cell [12].
The lumped elements of the proposed circuit in Figure 3 were evaluated based on
a parametric study inside Advanced Design System (ADS) environments, and they are
listed in Table 1. Therefore, the frequency resonance can be tuned by varying the gap
width between the T-resonator in the unit cell and the fractal geometry. Consequently,
a parametric study was applied by changing the gap between the T-resonator, and the
fractal geometry (G) was conducted to determine the operating resonance frequency, which
led to the desired unit cell properties at the frequency band of interest. Figure 5 displays
the conducted parametric study on the parameter G from 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, with a step
of 0.1 mm. The achieved results in terms of S11 and S12 spectra were monitored. It was
observed that |S21 | spectra were significantly affected by g1 value variation. Therefore,
the resonant frequency shifted from 0.38 GHz at g1 = 0.3 mm to 0.68 GHz at g1 = 0.7 mm.
 Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 5 of 18

Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEWItwas observed from the obtained results at g1 = 0.5 mm that the matching 5impedance
of 21 was
significantly enhanced at 0.4 GHz.

Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 21

Figure 3. Unit cell characterizations: (a) S-parameters and (b) dispersion diagram.
Figure 3. Unit cell characterizations: (a) S-parameters and (b) dispersion diagram.

Based on the simulation results, the proposed unit cell equivalent circuit model is
derived as seen in Figure 4. The equivalent capacitances of coupling between the unit cell
and adjacent cells are indicated as Left Hand (LH) capacitor of (CLH), and the fractal slot
is considered as an inductor (LLH) where the magnetic current motion in the air traces can
be magnified [12]. This inductor is equivalent to the magnetic field that is stored inside
the rings’ fractal slots [6]. The other presented elements are considered for the traditional
medium of propagation due to the Right Hand (RH) transmission part, which is given by
LRH, RRH, GRH, and CRH as inductance, resistance, conductance, and capacitance elements.
These parameters are driven by coupling effects between the T-resonator the fractal shape
in the unit cell [12].

Figure 4. 4.
Figure Equivalent circuit
Equivalent of of
circuit thethe
proposed unit
proposed cell.
unit cell.

The lumped elements of the proposed circuit in Figure 3 were evaluated based on a
parametric study inside Advanced Design System (ADS) environments, and they are
listed in Table 1. Therefore, the frequency resonance can be tuned by varying the gap
width between the T-resonator in the unit cell and the fractal geometry. Consequently, a
parametric study was applied by changing the gap between the T-resonator, and the frac-
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 6 of 18

Table 1. Lumped element values of the equivalent circuit model in Figure 4.

Element Value
RLH 12.2 Ω
RRH 50 Ω
GLH 0.1 S
GRH 4S
CLH 1.1 pF
CRH 3.1 pF
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW LLH 3 nH 7 of 21
LRH 2.2 nH

Figure5.5.Varying
Figure Varyingeffects
effectsofofGGdimension
dimensionon
onthe
theS-parameter
S-parameterspectra:
spectra:(a)
(a)SS11and
and(b)
(b)SS12..
11 12

4.Table 1. Lumped
Design element values of the equivalent circuit model in Figure 4.
Methodology
In this section,Element
a parametric study based on numerical simulations
Value was conducted
inside CSTMWS environments based on the finite integral technique algorithm [21]. For
RLH 12.2 Ω
this study, the antenna geometrical parameters were changed parametrically to realize the
RRH 50 Ω
optimal antenna performance in terms of bandwidth and gain. Therefore, the antenna
GLH 0.1 S
S11 spectra, gain spectra, and radiation patterns were monitored by varying the antenna
GRH
dimensions. The proposed antenna dimensions were swept to maintain 4S the frequency
bands around 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and 2.45 GHz. ForpF
CLH 1.1 this, the parametric
study was conductedCRH by changing the antenna design parameters3.1
as pF
follows:
LLH 3 nH
4.1. Patch Design LRH 2.2 nH
A parametric study was applied to the proposed patch by changing the geometry
4. Design
from Methodology
solid patch to defected MTM patch based on Minkowski fractal. As seen in Figure 6a,
the S11 spectra of theaproposed
In this section, patch
parametric showed
study basedmore frequencysimulations
on numerical modes thanwas theconducted
identical
inside CSTMWS environments based on the finite integral technique algorithm [21]. For
this study, the antenna geometrical parameters were changed parametrically to realize the
optimal antenna performance in terms of bandwidth and gain. Therefore, the antenna S11
spectra, gain spectra, and radiation patterns were monitored by varying the antenna di-
Sensors 2021,
Sensors 2021, 21,
21, 7960
x FOR PEER REVIEW 87 of 21
of 18

6a, the S11 spectra of the proposed patch showed more frequency modes than the identical
ones based on the solid patch. This is due to the fact of the effects of the fractal geometry on
ones based on the solid patch. This is due to the fact of the effects of the fractal geometry
the generated modes because of the multi path current motion [3]. Moreover, the proposed
on the generated modes because of the multi path current motion [3]. Moreover, the pro-
antenna gain was enhanced significantly in comparison with the sold patch, as seen in
posed antenna gain was enhanced significantly in comparison with the sold patch, as seen
Figure 6b. For example, the antenna gain at 403 MHz was found at about 1 dBi, and at
in Figure 6b. For example, the antenna gain at 403 MHz was found at about 1 dBi, and at
2.45 GHz it was enhanced to 4.1 dBi. Such enhancements are attributed to surface wave
2.45 GHz it was
suppression [9]. enhanced to 4.1 dBi. Such enhancements are attributed to surface wave
suppression [9].

Figure 6.
6. Effects of changing
Effects of changing the
the patch
patch configuration
configuration shape:
shape: (a)
(a) SS11 spectra and (b) gain spectra.
Figure 11 spectra and (b) gain spectra.

4.2. Matching Circuit

The authors investigated the effect of changing the matching circuit length on the the
antenna performance
performance in interms
termsofofthe
theS11S11spectrum
spectrum only. Therefore, three lengths
only. Therefore, three lengths were ex-were
examined, starting
amined, starting from
from 4 4mm
mmtoto1212mm mmininaastep
stepofof44 mm.
mm. Figure
Figure 77 shows the impact of of
changing the matching load load length
length (L)
(L) on
on the
the evaluated
evaluatedSS1111 spectra.
spectra. The obtained
obtained results
results
show that
that changing
changingthe themating
matinglength
lengthdirectly
directly affected
affected thethe antenna
antenna bandwidth
bandwidth duedue to
to the
the
fact fact of tuning
of tuning the part
the real real of
part of antenna
antenna impedance
impedance with respect
with respect to the characteristic
to the characteristic imped-
impedance of the source
ance of the source [7]. Nevertheless,
[7]. Nevertheless, with increasing
with increasing L, a significant
L, a significant reductionreduction in
in the field
the field fringing from substrate edge [9] consequently enhanced the
fringing from substrate edge [9] consequently enhanced the antenna bandwidth. There- antenna bandwidth.
Therefore, the authors
fore, the authors decideddecided
to fix to
thefixmatching
the matching
circuitcircuit
lengthlength
to 12 to
mm.12 mm.
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 8 of 18
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 21

Figure 7. Effects of changing the matching impedance length on S11 spectra.

Figure 7. Effects of changing the matching impedance length on S11 spectra.

4.3.
4.3.MTM
MTMEffects
Effects
InInthis
thissection,
section,the authors
the authorsdecided
decided to conduct
to conducta parametric
a parametricstudy on the
study on effects of theof
the effects
MTM
the MTM row number,
row number,see Figure 1a, on1a,the
see Figure onproposed antenna
the proposed performance
antenna in terms
performance of S11of
in terms
and
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW S 11 gain
and spectra.
gain The
spectra. results
The of this
results study
of this are
studyshown
are in Figure
shown in 8; the
Figure results
8; the again
results
10 of 21 reveal
again
excellent enhancements
reveal excellent in the antenna
enhancements in thebandwidth by increasing
antenna bandwidth by the MTM array
increasing the from
MTM1 array
row
tofrom
3 rows with a step of 1 row. This is attributed to the fact that suppressing
1 row to 3 rows with a step of 1 row. This is attributed to the fact that suppressing the surface
wave was increased
the surface wave was by increased
increasingby the number of
increasing MTM
the numberrowsof[9].
MTM rows [9].

Figure 8.
Figure 8. Antenna
Antennaperformance
performanceby by
varying the MTM
varying rows:rows:
the MTM (a) S11 (a)
andS(b)and
gain(b)
spectra.
gain spectra.
11

5. Bending Effects and Radiation Leakages

In this section, the variation in the antenna S11 spectra was monitored after bending
the antenna close to the human head. Additionally, SAR effects are discussed with respect
 Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11

Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 9 of 18

5. Bending Effects and Radiation Leakages
In this section, the variation in the antenna S11 spectra was monitored after ben
the antenna close to the human head. Additionally, SAR effects are discussed with re
to human tissue.toThis study
human wasThis
tissue. conducted by invoking
study was conducted the
byvoxel model
invoking theofvoxel
Sam model
phantom
of Sam pha
structure insidestructure
CSTMWS environments
inside CSTMWSas follows:
environments as follows:

5.1. Bending Effect

5.1. Bending Effect
The antenna was Thesubjected
antenna wasto the bending
subjected effects
to the on a effects
bending cylindrical geometry geometry
on a cylindrical with wit
different anglesferent ◦
from angles ◦
0 to 45fromwith ◦
0° atostep of 15a.step
45° with It was observed
of 15°. It was that whenthat
observed the when
antenna
the antenna
was subjected tosubjected
the bending effects
to the it showed
bending effectsinsignificant changes in terms
it showed insignificant changesof Sin11terms
spectra,
of S11 spect
as seen in Figure 9; this
seen was due
in Figure to was
9; this the current motion
due to the currentonmotion
the fractal patch
on the structure
fractal not
patch structure not
being significantly affected because of the MTM structure at the feed point [8].
significantly affected because of the MTM structure at the feed point [8].

Figure 9. Antenna SFigure 9. Antenna S11 spectra with varying the bending angle.
11 spectra with varying the bending angle.

5.2. Radiation Leakage

5.2. Radiation Leakage
Since the proposedSincestudy
the proposed
was subjectedstudy to wasthesubjected
applicationsto theofapplications of wearable applica
wearable applications,
a SAR study baseda SAR onstudy based
radiation on radiation
leakage from the leakage from
antenna the antenna
toward toward
the human the human
tissue was tissue
studied.
studied. The effects The
of the effects ofradiation
absorbed the absorbed in theradiation
human head in thearehuman
studiedhead are studied numer
numerically
in this section. in
In this section. In the
the simulation, thesimulation,
input power thelevel
inputwaspower level was
considered toconsidered
be 1 mW. We to be 1 mW
focused on
focused on the proposed the proposed
antenna design to antenna
realizedesign
minimum to realize
leakage minimum leakagetissue
toward human toward huma
by adding twosue by adding
fractal twonear
unit cells fractaltheunit cells near
feeding port.theIn feeding
Figure 10a,port.the
In Figure
values10a, the values o
of the
radiation leakage in terms of electric field (E-Field) strength are presented. In this study, In this s
radiation leakage in terms of electric field (E-Field) strength are presented.
the antenna wasthe antennaclose
mounted was mounted
to the human closeheadto thewith
humanvaryingheaddistances
with varyingfromdistances
0 mm to from 0 m
50 mm,
50 mm, with a step of 5 with
mm.aItstep of 5 mm. It
is important toismention
important thattothe
mention
bending thateffect
the bending effect was app
was applied,
here at 45◦ , without
here considering
at 45°, without theconsidering flat case in theThe
flat case in the comparison. comparison.
quantity ofThe quantity of absor
absorption
was given the
was given by evaluating by evaluating
SAR resultsthe onSAR resultsmodel
the SAM on theofSAM model of
the human the inside
body human body i
CSTMWS as
CSTMWS environments, environments,
in Figure 10b. as ItinisFigure 10b. Ittoismention
important important thattothe
mention that the SAM m
SAM model
was simulated
was simulated inside CSTMWS inside CSTMWS with
environments environments
a resolution with mm3 [13]. of
of a1 resolution As1seen
mm3in [13]. As se
Figure 10b, the SAR quantity was found to be 0.25 W/kg and 0.33 W/kg at 403 MHz and 403 MH
Figure 10b, the SAR quantity was found to be 0.25 W/kg and 0.33 W/kg at
2.45 GHz,
2.45 GHz, respectively, respectively,
with a distancewith of 5 amm. distance of 5the
Finally, mm. Finally,
field the leakages
strength field strength
fromleakages
the antenna
the antenna toward the humantowardhead thewere
human about head
101were
mV/m about and101133mV/m
mV/m and 133 MHz
at 403 mV/m at 403
and 2.45 GHz, respectively.
and 2.45 GHz, respectively.
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 10 of 18
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 21

Figure
Figure 10.
10. Antenna
Antenna radiation
radiation leakage
leakage in
in terms
terms of:
of: (a)
(a) E-field
E-field and
and (b)
(b) SAR.
SAR.

6. Experimental Results and Discussions

After arriving
arriving at
atthe
theoptimal
optimalantenna
antennadesign,
design,thethe authors
authors decided
decided to fabricate
to fabricate the the
an-
antenna
tenna design
design as presented
as presented in Figure
in Figure 11. The
11. The proposed
proposed antenna
antenna was was fabricated
fabricated usingusing a
a con-
conductive
ductive inkink of silver
of silver nanoparticle
nanoparticle printed
printed witha aFujifilm
with FujifilmDimatix
Dimatixmaterials
materials printer.
printer. The
fabricated antenna was tested experimentally
experimentally including:
including: S11 spectrum, radiation patterns,
11 spectrum,
and field radiation leakages.
During the measurement process, the authors invoked the use of an RF chock with
50 coaxial cables connected to a professional network analyzer of the Agilent family of
PNA 8720. The antenna measurements were performed inside an RF anechoic chamber as
follows:
Sensors 2021, 21,
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960
x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of
13 of 18
21

Figure 11. Fabricated antenna prototype: (a) front view, (b) back view, (c) SAM model inside
Figure 11. Fabricated antenna prototype: (a) front view, (b) back view, (c) SAM model inside
CSTMWS, (d) SAM model during the experimental measurements, (e) antenna gain measurement,
CSTMWS, (d) SAM model during the experimental measurements, (e) antenna gain measurement,
and (f) radiation pattern measurement.
and (f) radiation pattern measurement.
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 21

During the measurement process, the authors invoked the use of an RF chock with
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 12 of
50 coaxial cables connected to a professional network analyzer of the Agilent family of18
PNA 8720. The antenna measurements were performed inside an RF anechoic chamber as
follows:
6.1. Antenna Characterizations
6.1. Antenna Characterizations
The proposed antenna was fabricated and tested. In this matter, S11 spectra and
The proposed antenna was fabricated and tested. In this matter, S11 spectra and radi-
radiation patterns of the proposed antenna at different frequency bands with different
ation patterns of the proposed antenna at different frequency bands with different bend-
bending scenarios in the free space were measured. Later, the same measurements were
ing scenarios in the free space were measured. Later, the same measurements were per-
performed again when the antenna was mounted close to the human head. The proposed
formed again when the antenna was mounted close to the human head. The proposed
antenna was measured within the frequency band from 0.1 GHz up to 3 GHz. As seen in
antenna was measured within the frequency band from 0.1 GHz up to 3 GHz. As seen in
Figure 12, the antenna S spectra were measured for bended profile, at 15◦ and flat case, in
Figure 12, the antenna S1111 spectra were measured for bended profile, at 15° and flat case,
which it was mounted off and on the human head. In Figure 12, the antenna S spectrum
in which it was mounted off and on the human head. In Figure 12, the antenna11S11 spec-
is presented in the free space based on the flat case; it was found that the proposed antenna
trum is presented in the free space based on the flat case; it was found that the proposed
showed a frequency resonance at 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and 2.45 GHz, with
antenna showed a frequency resonance at 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and 2.45
an S11 value below −10 dB. Subsequently, when the antenna was subjected to bending at
GHz, with an S11 value below −10 dB. Subsequently, when the antenna was subjected to
15◦ , the antenna S11 and the frequency resonance values were not significantly affected, as
bending at 15°, the antenna S11 and the frequency resonance values were not significantly
seen in Figure 12b, which agrees with the results in the previous section. After that, the
affected, as seen in Figure 12b, which agrees with the results in the previous section. After
antenna based on the flat profile was mounted close to the human head to assess whether
that, the antenna based on the flat profile was mounted close to the human head to assess
there were human tissue effects from the antenna S11 spectra, as depicted in Figure 12c.
whether there were human tissue effects from the antenna S11 spectra, as depicted in Fig-
We found that frequency resonance was shifted slightly at high frequency bands, around
ure 12c. We found that frequency resonance was shifted slightly at high frequency bands,
2.45 GHz; however, lower frequency bands showed insignificant changes. This was likely
around 2.45 GHz; however, lower frequency bands showed insignificant changes. This
due to the fact that wave scattering from the antenna edges at low frequencies were
was likely due to the fact that wave scattering from the antenna edges at low frequencies
insignificant [10]. Next, when the antenna was subjected to bending effects and placed on
were insignificant [10]. Next, when the antenna was subjected to bending effects and
the human head, the antenna S11 spectrum, generally, was not changed significantly, as
placed on the human head, the antenna S11 spectrum, generally, was not changed signifi-
presented in Figure 12d.
cantly, as presented in Figure 12d.

Figure
Figure 12.
12. Antenna
AntennaSS1111spectra
spectrafor
fortwo
twoproposed
proposedprofiles:
profiles:(a)(a)flat inin
flat free space,
free (b)(b)
space, flat onon
flat the human
the human
head, (c) bended in free space, and (d) bended on the human
head, (c) bended in free space, and (d) bended on the human head. head.

Next,
Next, the
the antenna
antennagain
gainspectra
spectrawere
weremeasured
measuredforforthe
theproposed
proposedantenna
antennawithin
withinthe
the
frequency band of interest as well as in the same scenarios. It was found that the proposed
frequency band of interest as well as in the same scenarios. It was found that the proposed
antenna
antenna realized
realized insignificant
insignificantvariation
variationininthe
theantenna
antennagain
gaininincomparison
comparisonwithwiththe effects
the effects
of
of bending
bending oror being
beingmounted
mountedon onthe
thehuman
humanbody,
body,as
asseen
seenininFigure
Figure13.
13.
Subsequently, the antenna radiation patterns at 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz,
and 2.45 GHz were measured for the flat and bended profiles in the free space as seen
in Figure 14. It was found that the proposed antenna showed an absolute gain of 1 dBi,
1.24 dBi, 1.48 dBi, 2.05 dBi, and 4.11 dBi at 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and
2.45 GHz, respectively. Such gain values were found to be very stable for short and medium
wireless communication systems. Additionally, the antenna performances were not found
to be significantly affected with bending, making it an excellent candidate for wearable
application. It is important to mention that during the measurement the input power was
considered to be 1 mW. In this section, a comparison between different antennas that were
introduced in the literature for modern applications from different aspects are compared to
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 13 of 18

the proposed antenna designs. It is clear from Table 2, that the proposed antenna, to the
Sensors 2021, 21, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 with
best of the authors’ knowledge, provides excellent gain with mutable frequency bands of 21

a limited area in comparison with data on those antennas that were published previously.

Figure 13.
Figure Antenna gain
13. Antenna gain spectra
spectra for
for two
two proposed
proposed profiles:
profiles: (a) flat in
(a) flat free space,
in free space, (b)
(b) flat
flat on
on the human
the human
head, (c) bended in free space, and (d) bended on the human
human head.
head.

Table 2. A comparisonSubsequently,
of the proposedthe
antenna performance
antenna radiationwith respect
patterns atto theMHz,
403 published designs.
433 MH, 611 Mz, 912 MHz,
and 2.45 GHz were measured for the flat and bended profiles in the free space as seen in
Refs. Gain Size Center Frequency Substrate Type
Figure 14. It was found that the proposed antenna showed an absolute gain of 1 dBi, 1.24
[1] −20
dBi, 1.48dBidBi, 2.05 dBi, and 4.11
λ/5dBi at 403 MHz, 4335 MH, GHz 611 Mz, 912 MHz,Fabric and 2.45 GHz,
[2] respectively.
3 dBi Such gain values λ/5were found to be very 1.5 stable
GHz for short andSolarmedium wireless
panel polymer
[3] communication
4 systems. Additionally,
0.12λ the antenna2.45performances
GHz were notTMM10i
Roger found to be
significantly affected with bending, making it an excellent candidate for wearable appli-
[4] 4.4 0.29λ 5.8 GHz Unknown
cation. It is important to mention that during the measurement the input power was con-
[5] 2.33 to be 1 mW. In this
sidered 3.27section,
mm a comparison10.1, between
24.6 GHz different antennas
Rogers RO3010
that were
[6] 3.7
introduced in the literature0.06
for λmodern applications 2.45from
GHz different aspects Meta-cell
are compared
[7] to the5.1proposed antenna designs.
0.13 λ It is clear from Table2 GHz2, that the proposed
Rogers antenna,
RO4003C to the
[8]
best 7.1
of the authors’ knowledge,
16 mm
provides excellent gain
2.4, 5.8 GHz
with mutable frequency
Rogers 3210
bands
with a limited area in comparison with data on those antennas that were published pre-
403 MHz, 433 MH,
1 dBi,viously.
1.24 dBi, 1.48 dBi, 2
The proposed work 20 × 10 mm 611 Mz, 912 MHz, and Polymer
2.05 dBi, and 4.11 dBi
2.45 GHz
Table 2. A comparison of the proposed antenna performance with respect to the published designs.

Ref. Gain As a next step, theSize authors applied the Center

sameFrequency
study when the antennaSubstrate Type
was mounted
[1] −20 dBi to the human head.
close λ/5It was found that most 5 GHz
of the radiation patterns Fabric
were directed
[2] 3away
dBi from the human head λ/5 due to the effects of1.5theGHz Solar panel
MTM at the feed position, polymer
as discussed
[3] later.
4 The antenna radiation
0.12λ patterns for both flat and
2.45 GHz bended profiles close to the
Roger TMM10ihuman
[4] head
4.4 were insignificantly 0.29λaffected. It is important to mention that the proposed
5.8 GHz Unknown antenna
[5] was
2.33 located at a 5 mm distance
3.27 mm from human tissue. In general,
10.1, 24.6 GHz the simulated and measured
Rogers RO3010
results were in good agreement for all cases, as depicted in Figure 15. The antenna showed
[6] 3.7 0.06 λ 2.45 GHz Meta-cell
good immunity against bending without significant effects of the human head on antenna
[7] 5.1 0.13 λ 2 GHz Rogers RO4003C
performance.
[8] 7.1 16 mm 2.4, 5.8 GHz Rogers 3210
The proposed 1 dBi, 1.24 dBi, 1.48 dBi, 403 MHz, 433 MH, 611 Mz, 912
20 × 10 mm2 Polymer
work 2.05 dBi, and 4.11 dBi MHz, and 2.45 GHz
Sensors 2021, 21,
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960
x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 18
16 21

Figure 14.
Figure 14. Antenna
Antennaradiation
radiationpatterns
patternsininfree
freespace: (a)(a)
space: 403403
MHz, (b) (b)
MHz, 433433
MH, (c) 611
MH, Mz,Mz,
(c) 611 (d) 912
(d)
MHz, and (e) 2.45 GHz.
912 MHz, and (e) 2.45 GHz.

As a next step, the authors applied the same study when the antenna was mounted
close to the human head. It was found that most of the radiation patterns were directed
away from the human head due to the effects of the MTM at the feed position, as discussed
later. The antenna radiation patterns for both flat and bended profiles close to the human
head were insignificantly affected. It is important to mention that the proposed antenna
 was located at a 5 mm distance from human tissue. In general, the simulated and meas-
ured results were in good agreement for all cases, as depicted in Figure 15. The antenna
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 15 of 18
showed good immunity against bending without significant effects of the human head on
antenna performance.

Antenna radiation
Figure 15. Antenna radiation patterns
patterns when close to the human body: (a)
(a) 403
403 MHz,
MHz, (b) 433 MH, (c)
611 Mz, (d) 912 MHz, and (e) 2.45 GHz.

In Figure 16, the proposed antenna performance was measured in terms of S11 and gain
spectra in the free space and when mounted on the human head. During the measurements,
the antenna was bended from 0◦ to 45◦ , with a step of 15◦ . It was found that the proposed
antenna performance was not changed significantly at low frequency bands, showing
excellent stability against bending effects. Such stability was achieved due to the surface
wave suppression at the patch and substrate edges [20]. Nevertheless, bending effects
 In Figure 16, the proposed antenna performance was measured in terms of S11 and
gain spectra in the free space and when mounted on the human head. During the meas-
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960
urements, the antenna was bended from 0° to 45°, with a step of 15°. It was found that the
16 of 18
proposed antenna performance was not changed significantly at low frequency bands,
showing excellent stability against bending effects. Such stability was achieved due to the
surface wave suppression at the patch and substrate edges [20]. Nevertheless, bending
usually result inresult
effects usually a significant change onchange
in a significant the frequency resonance resonance
on the frequency of wearableofantennas;
wearablethis an-
is usually
tennas; attributed
this to the
is usually effects of
attributed to the
theequivalent antenna
effects of the capacitive
equivalent variation
antenna that would
capacitive varia-
increase
tion thatwith
would theincrease
increase with
in antenna bending
the increase effects [2].
in antenna However,
bending in our
effects [2].case, the antenna
However, in our
patch was constructed from a fractal antenna structure that was shaped
case, the antenna patch was constructed from a fractal antenna structure that was from a meander
shaped
line
fromwithin a limited
a meander area; such
line within a configuration
a limited generates a magnetic
area; such a configuration generatesfield component
a magnetic field
normal to patch
component edges
normal that reduces
to patch the capacitive
edges that reduces theeffects [17] and
capacitive maintains
effects [17] andthe surface
maintains
current distribution
the surface on the patchon
current distribution when it is subjected
the patch when it to bending [18].
is subjected to bending [18].

Figure16.
Figure 16. Antenna
Antenna SS1111 and
and gain spectra measurements
gain spectra measurements in
in free
free space
space and
and the
the wearable
wearablescenarios:
scenarios: (a)
(a)
flat in free space, (b) flat on the human head, (c) bended in free space, and (d) bended on the human
flat in free space, (b) flat on the human head, (c) bended in free space, and (d) bended on the human
head.
head.

6.2. Radiation
6.2. Radiation Leakage
Leakage
The radiation
The radiation leakage
leakage from
from thethe proposed
proposed antenna
antenna toward
toward thethe human
human tissue
tissue was
was
measured
measuredin in terms
terms electrical
electrical field
field strength
strength using
using aa field
field probe
probe meter.
meter. As
As seen
seen in
in Figure
Figure 17,
17,
the
the proposed
proposed antenna
antenna showed
showed aa field
field strength
strength leakage
leakage toward
toward the thehuman
humanheadheadof ofabout
about
101
101 mV/m
mV/m atat403 403MHz
MHz and
and 133133 mV/m
mV/m at 2.45
at 2.45 GHzGHzfor theforflat
the flat profile.
profile. The radiation
The radiation leakage
leakage was measured at different distances between the proposed
was measured at different distances between the proposed antenna on bended profile and antenna on bended
profile and the
the human head human head
of about of about
5 mm up to525 mmmm, upwith
to 25a mm,
step ofwith a step
5 mm, as of 5 mm,
seen as seen
in Figure 17.inIt
Figure 17. Itthat
was found wasthe found that the
radiation radiation
leakage leakage was
was reduced reduced after
significantly significantly after the
25 mm from 25 mm
pro-
from
posedthe proposed
antenna for antenna
both flatforandboth flat and
bended bended
profiles. profiles.
These These measurements
measurements were
were conducted
conducted usingRF
using a TM-195 a TM-195 RF 3-axie
3-axie field fieldmeter.
strength strength meter.
In Table 3 is presented a comparison between the proposed antenna performance and
other published results in the literature in terms of SAR amount at different frequency
bands. It was found that the proposed antenna showed less SAR amount than other
considered references.

Table 3. A comparison of SAR values.

References Human Part SAR (W/kg) Centre Frequency (MHz) Centre Frequency (MHz)
[5] Head tissue 0.52~0.76 900–1800 900–1800
2400~2500
[6] Head tissue 0.92 2400~2500
2500~2690
[7] Head tissue —
[8] Head tissue 0.45 900 —
[9] Head tissue 0.45 850~2200 900
[10] Wrist tissue 0.32~0.48 1960~1980 850~2200
[11] — 0.28~0.43 930~1900 1960~1980
Proposed antenna Head tissue 0.32~0.54 403~2450 930~1900
Sensors
Sensors2021,
2021,21,
21,x7960
FOR PEER REVIEW 1917
ofof2118

Figure 17. Antenna radiation leakage for the proposed profiles on the human head: (a) flat and (b)
Figure 17. Antenna radiation leakage for the proposed profiles on the human head: (a) flat and (b)
bended.
bended.
7. Conclusions
In Table 3 is presented a comparison between the proposed antenna performance
The proposed antenna was designed based on MTM structure of a composite right–left
and other
array. The published results
antenna was in the literature
fabricated in terms
on a polymer of SAR
flexible amount with
substrate at different
0.3 mmfrequency
thickness
bands.
to suitItwearable
was found that the proposed
applications. antenna
Therefore, showedsize
the antenna lesswas
SARminiaturized
amount thanto other con-×
20 mm
sidered references.
10 mm to suit different miniaturized wireless portable devices. The proposed antenna was
fabricated by printing technology using conductive silver nanoparticle ink. The antenna
Table 3. A comparison of SAR values.
prototype was tested experimentally to show several resonances at 403 MHz, 433 MH,
Reference Human Part 611 Mz,SAR
912 MHz,
(W/kg)and 2.45 GHz, Frequency
Centre which are suitable
(MHz) for BANCentre
and ISM bands. The
Frequency measured
(MHz)
[5] Head tissueantenna gain was found to vary from
0.52~0.76 1 dBi to 4.11 dBi. The measured
900–1800 antenna performance
900–1800
was applied in two scenarios based on
2400~2500 flat and bended profiles when mounted on the
[6] Head tissuehuman head 0.92 2400~2500
and away from it. To assess the proposed antenna’s effects on human tissue,
2500~2690
the proposed antenna was located close to the human head by measuring the SAR rates
[7] Head tissue ---
and electric field strength leakages. It was found that the proposed antenna showed low
[8] Head tissue 0.45 900 ---
SAR effects of about 0.25 W/kg and 0.33 W/kg at 403 MHz and 2.45 GHz, respectively.
[9] Head tissue 0.45 850~2200 900
Finally, the proposed antenna measurements were compared with the simulated results,
[10] Wrist tissue
showing 0.32~0.48
good agreement. 1960~1980 850~2200
[11] --- 0.28~0.43 930~1900 1960~1980
Proposed an- Author Contributions: All authors shared in the conceptualization, writing and editing of the review,
Head tissue 0.32~0.54 403, 2450 930~1900
tenna and visualization. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
7. Conclusions
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
The proposed antenna was designed based on MTM structure of a composite right–
Informed
left Consent
array. The Statement:
antenna Not applicable.
was fabricated on a polymer flexible substrate with 0.3 mm thick-
ness
DatatoAvailability
suit wearable applications.
Statement: Therefore, the antenna size was miniaturized to 20 mm
Not applicable.
Sensors 2021, 21, 7960 18 of 18

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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