Antennas for Biomedical Applications

Learn about Antennas for Biomedical Applications

Biomedical antennas are used in biomedical wireless devices. They are categorized as on-body, in-body, and off-body devices. In each of these categories, the antenna requirement and the propagation environment are significantly different from each other and the conventional wireless communication environments. With the advancement of technology, there is a lot more attention now given to the devices that improve or monitor our health which are worn or implanted inside the body. Therefore, wireless connectivity is essential to the functionality of these devices. As the body is considered a harsh environment for antennas, the design of antennas for these devices requires great knowledge of electromagnetism, propagation, antenna design, and interaction of the electromagnetic field with the body. These devices may be used in our everyday life, or they might be used in controlled environments such as hospitals or rehab centers.

The goal of the course is to provide advanced knowledge of the challenges and methods of overcoming challenges of designing antennas for biomedical applications for on-body, off-body, and in-body designs. This course first introduces the types of environmental biomedical antennas that are used, and second discusses how the interaction of the body and propagation of the waves inside the body may affect the design rules. Then examples of antenna design for on-body, in-body, and off-body, the type of material used, and the method of simulation and measurements is provided. Students will do various assignments and projects using CST Microwave Studio and ANSYS HFSS simulation tools to understand the concepts better.

Course Highlights: 

• Inroduction to the types of environmental biomedical antennas that are used.

• Discussion on how the interaction of the body and propagation of the waves inside the body may affect the antenna design rules.

• Provided examples of antenna design for on-body, in-body, and off-body, the type of material used, and the method of simulation and measurements.

Course Benefits:

• Examine how the electromagnetic fields interact with the human body

• Demonstrate knowledge of regulations related to the human body electromagnetic radiation exposure

• Understand and describe the concept of biocompatibility

• Optimize the antenna characteristics to overcome the human body effects 

• ​Apply simulation techniques for biomedical antennas using industry-standard tools such as CST Microwave Studio and ANSYS HFSS.

Course Typically Offered: On-line, Winter and Summer quarters

Prerequisites: The course is intended for professionals who have some background in antenna or RF design and are interested in gaining knowledge in advanced topics related to biomedical antennas.

More information: Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about Applications of Biomedical Antenna and course offerings.

Course Number: EE-40195
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)