On accuracy of simple FDTD models for the simulation of human body path loss

This paper compares a basic, MATLAB coded, time-domain FDTD formulation for the path loss around the human body with accurate FEM modeling in Ansoft HFSS (ANSYS). We show that the time domain FDTD analysis yields comparable results even though it uses a homogeneous body model and simple boundary conditions. Reasons for this important observation are investigated. The present study only considers the exterior TX and RX antennas, which are located close to the body. A more detailed FDTD simulation of on-body antennas is currently underway.