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We propose a new broadband flexible waterproof antenna suitable for Internet of Things applications. The antenna is comprised of three components: radiating elements fed by a 50-Ω coplanar waveguide transmission line and two layers from an elastomer composite (used as a substrate and top encapsulation) which completely covers the antenna's radiating elements to provide water and dust resistance. An antenna prototype is fabricated and tested. Experimental and numerical results show that the proposed antenna has broad bandwidth (|S11| ≤ −10 dB) over the frequency range of 0.83–2.52 GHz, high radiation efficiency of about 92% and good radiation patterns. The antenna was also immersed into water for 10 s, 10, 30 and 60 min, respectively and reflection coefficient magnitudes were measured, to verify its waterproof capability. The durability and flexibility tests were performed on the antenna prototype. Results show that there is no significant degradation in the antenna performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present design and simulation of the compact planar dipole antenna on fully flexible nitrile butadiene rubber polymer composite for body area network applications. A three-layer human tissue model is used to numerically analyse the performance of the antenna, including the human body effect. The proposed antenna achieves stable on-body performance: |S11| varies from -19.45 dB (in free space) at 2.46 GHz resonant frequency to -20.62 dB (on the skin) at 2.44 GHz resonant frequency. Additionally, the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the proposed antenna is evaluated. It was found that the maximum 1 g average SAR value is only 0.20 W/kg for an input power of 100 mW at a distance 2 mm away from tissue model. Simulated and measured results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed antenna. Furthermore, the proposed antenna offer advantages of being compact, of low profile, cheap and easy to fabricate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]