A novel 2.45GHz switchable beam textile antenna (SBTA) for outdoor wireless body area network (WBAN) applications

Abstract

A novel switchable beam textile antenna (SBTA) for wireless body area network (WBAN) applications is proposed. The SBTA is centrally-fed by a coaxial probe and the power distributed over four circular radiating elements. Four RF switches are integrated through which the SBTA is able to generate beam steering in four directions: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, with a maximum directivity of 6.8 dBi at 0°. Its small size (88mm × 88mm) and flexibility enables the structure to be easily integrated into safety jackets, rain coats, etc., for tracking, and search and rescue communication purposes. The structure successfully integrates reconfigurability into a wearable textile antenna.