A Compact Implantable MIMO Antenna for High-Data-Rate Biotelemetry Applications

This article presents a low-profile multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) implantable antenna system, including a capsule endoscopy and a scalp implantation at medical implant communication service (MICS) band (402–405 MHz), and industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band (433.1–438.8 MHz). It consists of two elements with an edge-to-edge gap of
$0.0018\lambda _{g}$
and overall dimensions of
$\pi \times (5.65)^{2} \times 0.13$
mm
³
and is placed on a 0.13 mm-thick RO3010 (
$\epsilon _{r} = 10.2$
and tan
$\delta = 0.0022$
) substrate. The antenna is integrated with batteries, sensors, and electronic components in two different types of implantable devices (capsule and flat-type devices). The simulation result shows that the antenna has a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 33.9%, a maximum realized gain of −30 dBi, and isolation of more than 26 dB. The fabricated prototype is measured in a saline solution and minced pork meat. The measured results are found in good accordance with simulations. The antenna parameters are calculated and showed a significant independence between the radiators. A link budget is estimated to be 78 Mb/s for a distance of 20 m. Thus, the proposed antenna is considered as a promising solution for high-data-rate medical applications such as capsule endoscopy, live surgeries, and other biomedical applications where the high data rate is required.