Characterization of Ultrasonic Wave Propagation for Intra-Body Communication

Intra-body area network will enable healthcare applications. Sensors and actuators are supposed to be interconnected thanks to wireless communications. But radio frequency (RF) are limited when intra body communications are concerned. This paper investigates ultrasonic waves as an alternative wireless carrier of information. Indeed, many studies has shown that water and biological environments are most suited to propagating ultrasonic waves. Our goal is to characterize how ultrasonic waves propagate in the human body for intra-body communications. We present trade off in terms of frequency and dimensions of the transmitter based on theory, simulations and experimental setup demonstration.