A compact dual – band meander line-based MIMO antenna for intra oral tongue drive system applications

Abstract

Abstract This paper introduces a compact dual-band meander line-based multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna developed for intraoral tongue-drive system (iTDS) applications aimed at individuals with significant physical limitations. The antenna facilitates operation in the 1.4 GHz WMTS band and the 2.4 GHz ISM band, ensuring extensive bandwidth and consistent performance in the extremely changeable and detuning-sensitive environment of the human mouth cavity. The suggested structure has compact footprint of $$\:8\:mm\:\times\:\:4.5\:mm\:\times\:\:0.254\:mm$$ , fabricated on a Rogers RO3010 substrate. Miniaturization is accomplished via the integration of a small meander-line radiator, while robust mutual coupling suppression (below − 30 dB) is enabled via an improved fence-strip isolation structure. The antenna has two probe-fed radiating elements that utilize a shared ground plane and are spaced 0.4 mm apart (edge-to-edge), facilitating authentic MIMO functionality for high-data-rate communication. This arrangement mitigates multipath effects and guarantees dependable signal delivery, as shown by link budget and MIMO channel performance studies. Ex vivo assessment with minced pork exhibits outstanding performance, attaining a bandwidth of 528 MHz at 1.4 GHz and 720 MHz at 2.45 GHz, while maintaining isolation below − 40 dB for both frequency bands. Omnidirectional radiation patterns were recorded, exhibiting peak realized gains of − 18.8 dBi at 1.4 GHz and − 17.2 dBi at 2.45 GHz. The examination of specific absorption rate (SAR) and input power further substantiates patient safety. The findings indicate that the suggested dual-band meander-line MIMO antenna offers extensive bandwidth, consistent in-mouth functionality, robust isolation, and dependable high-rate communication, positioning it as a formidable choice for next-generation intraoral tongue-drive system applications.