Human body communication channel modeling using vector network analyzer measurement

Several studies have examined the propagation losses of the Human Body Communication (HBC) channel. However, a general agreement has not be found yet. In this paper, the complete S-matrix of the HBC channel is measured on an human subject using two kinds of electrode devices. The data is integrated in a lumped element model, which allows to take into account for the capacitive return path of realistic battery operated transmitter and receiver. Results, shown as power gain curves between 10 MHz and 150 MHz, exhibit a band pass profile, with cut-off frequency depending on the kind of electrode devices. A model is obtained by vector fitting of the equivalent Z-matrix of the measured HBC channel.