1. Page 1 Biosensor Networks Principal Investigators: Frank Merat, Wen H. Ko, Darrin Young Case Western Reserve University NASA Space Communications

2. Page 2 Biosensor Networks Project Overview The goal of this project is to develop a test platform for biomedical monitoring using COTS components and state- of-the-art communications concepts. Body drawing from Fundamentals of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Rudolph J. Liedtke, RJL Systems, February 1998. Biomonitoring Network

3. Page 3 Biosensor Networks Relevance This technology has applications for continuous health monitoring of humans in space and for long duration space experiments involving humans and/or animals. Any wireless solution should interface with existing and future proximity networks. “A Lightweight Ambulatory Physiological Monitoring System,” NASA Tech Briefs, January 2001.

4. Page 4 Biosensor Networks Impact The major impact of this technology is upon manned missions, e.g., space station and shuttle missions. Removal of wires and other encumbrances would improve astronaut freedom of movement and increase the system reliability. Wireless Biosensor Network

5. Page 5 Biosensor Networks Feasibility Experiment Body drawing from Fundamentals of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Rudolph J. Liedtke, RJL Systems, February 1998. RF Phantom

6. Page 6 Biosensor Networks Characterize human body as rf communications channel Received Power Through the Body (underside of forearm with 30 cm separation). Antenna dimensions: L =39 mm, W = 42 mm, and h = 0.062” on FR-4 substrate. Received Power at 50 cm separation. Transmitter antenna: L = 54 mm, W = 48 mm, h = 0.062”; receiver antenna L = 26 mm, W = 38 mm, h = 0.062”, both on FR-4 substrate. Geometry of Basic Rectangular Patch Antenna Received Power at 1 m separation. Antenna dimensions are L = 41 mm, W = 38 mm, and h = 0.062” on FR-4 substrate.

7. Page 7 Biosensor Networks Prototype sensor node Typical rectangular center fed patch antenna used for testing. Bare PC board for prototype Prototype sensor node with integrated antenna and D- socket for programming “early” power for prototype Antenna board for prototype

8. Page 8 Biosensor Networks Propagation modeling Simulation of Transmission Line Model for 0.6 Meters Antenna Separation Transmission Line Model of Antenna/Human Circuit using experimentally measured antenna parameters and published values for the electrical parameters of the human body

9. Page 9 Biosensor Networks Papers and Awards [1] M. Dummeruth. Wireless Wearable Health Monitoring System. M.S. Thesis, Case Western Reserve University, August 2002. (Advisor: F. Merat).