Numerical design of wireless body area networks by Sim4Life: Challenges, requirements & solutions

Understanding electromagnetic and thermal interactions between small electronic devices and the human body (in- or on-body devices) is becoming key to successfully bring to market a growing number of promising new technologies. In this context, dedicated computational tools capable of solving multidisciplinary electromagnetic problems are nowadays crucial. Indeed, quantitative electromagnetic analysis involving prototype devices and human bodies often require numerical simulations, as they can provide detailed information not always accessible through current measurement techniques and are a cost efficient way to address safety compliance issues at all stages of product development. The aim of this paper is to review the application of numerical techniques for wireless body area networks (WBAN) and to reveal the distinct advantages of employing state-of-the-art computational approaches.