Comparison between two different antennas for UWB on-body propagation measurements

The effect of two different antenna types on radio propagation in ultrawideband (UWB) on-body channel measurement are analyzed. Statistical path loss parameters and time domain channel characteristics [mean delay and root mean square (rms) delay spread] are extracted from measurement data. Reduction in rms delay spread is experienced when using printed horn shaped self-complementary antennas (HSCA) for specific body area links in comparison to monopole-like omnidirectional antennas, e.g., planar inverted cone antennas (PICA). Results show that the hybrid use of different type UWB antennas can effectively improve channel behavior in body-centric wireless networks.