Microstrip Patch Antenna and Microstrip Patch Antenna Array for Microwave Life Detection System

The main problem during elimination of consequences of ecological accidents, connected with great destruction as earthquakes, failures, snow avalanche etc. is the rescue of people buried under fragments.Experience has shown that life detection systems like acoustic sensors are not reliable, and application trained dogs is not a universal means of capable to work under any conditions. The range of investigation of the optical endoscopes is limited by the opacity of the rubble.As a result, it appears that microwave sensors could bring some specific advantages for the detection of living victims. Primarily, microwaves are sensitive to small movements which are distinctive signs of life, independently of a possible loss of consciousness. It is at this juncture that microwave life detectors gain their significance [1] [2].The antenna system is an integral part of microwave life rescuing system. The compactness and portability of a microwave life detection system depend mainly on the miniaturization of the antenna used, which can be realised using a microstrip patch antenna. Microwave life detection system work in the L or X band. Since L band microwave signal penetrate large distance and is less affected by the presence of moisture compared to X band, it is better to use L band for life detection[2] . This paper proposes the design of a single element microstrip patch antenna and an 1x4 patch antenna array for a microwave life detection system at 2.45 GHz. The simulations are done in IE3D. Also the directivity of the simulated patch and Ix4 patch antenna array are compared. These antennas can also be used for various other applications in L band as WLAN, RF ID systems and other sensors. Index Terms -Microstrip Antenna, Microwave life detection system. __________________________________________________*****_________________________________________________