ECE 290: Senior Design Fall 2006

Electromagnetic Phantom for the Human Body

Project Specifications

Team Members

Advisor

Dr. Rajeev Bansal  (ECE)

Sponsor

MegaWave Corporation

200 Shrewsbury Street

Boylston, MA 01505

MegaWave Contact:  Emanual Merulla

Introduction:

            MegaWave, a small antenna design and RF consulting company has a need for a solution to fill their electromagnetic phantom.  Currently, MegaWave’s phantom is filled with a saline solution, and the goal of this project is to develop a solution that is more accurate over the specified frequency range.  While their saline solution acted similar to the human body, it was determined that it was not precise enough for MegaWave’s research.  Therefore, a new solution is needed that more closely represents the electromagnetic properties of the human body.  This finished solution will provide more accurate results when developing body-worn antennas, allowing them to be more efficient. 

Overview:

            This solution should be designed so that it better represents the electromagnetic properties of the human body than the previously used saline solution.  The solution must be accurate for a frequency range of 20 MHz - 3000MHz.  Also the solution with which the phantom will be filled should be stable, that is, it will not separate over time or due to small changes in temperature.  The code for the automated testing system should be modified so that graphs are automatically created after taking a measurement, as well as a way to easily compare the phantom test results with the human test results.  The final solution must be tested using the revised automated testing system developed last year for MegaWave Corporation. 

Specifications:

Environmental:

• Solution should be stable in fair weather conditions.
• Testing will take place outdoors.
• Solution should not be harmful to the environment.

Testing:

• The solution should closely represent the electromagnetic properties of the human body for a frequency range of 20MHz to 3000MHz.
• Small scale testing will utilize both a network analyzer and dielectric probe provided by MegaWave.
• A human will undergo the same test as the phantom in order for comparison.
• Final solution will be tested using MegaWave’s testing process.

Physical:

• Solution should be cost effective and easy to prepare.
• Solution should be easy to handle. 
  • Solution can be poured into the dummy as well as emptied without difficulty.

Software:

• The software should be compatible with the Windows XP operating system.

• The current control software generates a 360 degree azimuth pattern and antenna gain data.
• The modified software should automatically generate data specific graphs using excel.
• The modified software should be able to easily compare current test results with previously stored test results.

To download this file:.pdf