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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/P000983/1
Title: Adaptive Multiple Propagating Mode Wearable Antennas
Principal Investigator: Conway, Dr GA
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Toumaz Technology Ltd
Department: Sch of Electronics, Elec Eng & Comp Sci
Organisation: Queen's University of Belfast
Scheme: First Grant - Revised 2009
Starts: 01 January 2017 Ends: 31 March 2018 Value (£): 100,046
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
RF & Microwave Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
28 Apr 2016 EPSRC ICT Prioritisation Panel - Apr 2016 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Industry leaders in wireless wearable communication are not adopting existing academic antenna solutions as they don't meet the requirements for future emerging applications, particularly in remote medical sensing. This project challenges conventional single purpose sub-optimal antenna design and aims to address the need for wearable antennas with a step change in functionality on a single, physically compact, disposable wearable antenna structure. The core concept of this work is to achieve all three propagating modes using a single antenna with optimal performance, where at least two or more antennas with sub-optimal characteristics and performance would be required. One of the key areas where this advancement would have unquestionable immediate impact is in wireless medical application. The proposed research vision is that this imminent challenge could be solved through advanced antenna design, involving unique materials and compounded higher resonant modes requiring new design methodologies and measurement concepts. The key impact enabler would be a single advanced unobtrusive antenna structure which adapts to all the medical propagation requirements and the diverse physiological and morphological parameters of any human host.

The research proposal follows two main tracks: computational and applied electromagnetics. The computational electromagnetics will be used to support theoretical assumptions and investigate complex antenna structures. The numerical analysis will then be verified using experimental measurements, aligned with application requirements. The work will follow the following programme:

WP1: Investigation and numerical exploration of the key requirements of each propagation mode.

WP2: Investigation and design of compact optimal antenna structures which can be excited at higher resonant modes, to enhance Off, In & Into -Body propagation modes.

WP3: Investigation and development of switching between modes, to allow mode diversity, integrated into one antenna element

WP4: Prototyping and Experimental Measurement

The proposed research will be in collaboration with Sensium Healthcare. Sensium Healthcare is a UK based company, which is part of the Toumaz Group, who pioneer in low-power, wireless semiconductor and software technologies for Healthcare.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
Date Materialised
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.qub.ac.uk