Performance Inspection of a Compact 5G NR N260 (39 GHz) Band Array for Wireless Body Area Network

The study presents a novel microstrip array antenna structure for wireless body area network (WBAN), which operates in the n260 frequency band of 5G NR’s frequency range 2 (FR2) region. The design has a very compact physical dimension consisting of four identical radiating elements connected in a cross-shaped arrangement. Initial free space simulation yields around 39 dB of return loss near 39 GHz and 6.42 dBi gain with an efficiency close to 70%. Further, on-body analysis was done by virtually making an artificial human body model comprising the skin, fat, and muscle layers and putting the antenna over the model at four distinct distances. Just as in free space, the antenna produces interesting results in on-body scenarios. Without significant deviation, the array remains active at 39 GHz with a considerably well RL value and a wide bandwidth. With an elevated gain of over 7 dBi and more than 70% efficiency, the "4 mm" separation from the human body seems to be the appropriate distance that needs to be maintained during WBAN applications. Considering these promising findings, this design could be researched further in the future to enhance its performance parameters.