Propagation and UWB Channel Characteristics on the Human Abdomen Area

In this paper, radio channel characteristics and signal propagation on the human abdomen area, in particular small intestine part, are evaluated by simulations. Studies are based on a recently published low ultra wideband cavity-backed antenna designed for in-body communications. The study is carried out with finite integration technique based electromagnetic propagation simulations. The main target of this study is to evaluate different antenna locations and antenna distances for the context of the wireless capsule endoscope localization. The study is carried out by evaluating frequency and time domain responses, as well as studying the strength of the E-fields and power inside the small intestine by introducing monitor points with different antenna location options. Furthermore, 2D power flow figures are used as to get insight to the power flow and to the propagation, in general, within the tissues. It is shown that channel characteristics and power flow vary significantly with frequency as well as with different antenna locations.