Implementation of a dual band body sensor node

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) can be considered as a lucrative wireless technology for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications that demand for power stringent operation, high data rate and low form factor. The main drawback of the UWB technology is its receiver complexity. In order to overcome this barrier, this paper presents an implementation of a WBAN sensor node that uses UWB for data transmission and narrow band for data reception. This unique technique provides a means of achieving low power consuming sensor nodes with high data rate capability. The compact sensor platforms are implemented using off-the-shelf components; hence presents an economically viable solution for both commercial and research purposes.