The next big thing: Wireless Body Area Networks Max Effgen, November 28, 2011 Since June I have been working with some very exciting technology that will change the way we sense the world. It is an ultra-low power radio circuit developed at the University of Washington’s Wireless Sensing Lab. My work has focused on finding commercial applications and partners for the technology. One application that will be reality and absorbed into our culture in the near future is the wireless body area network (WBAN). WBANs are wearable bio-signal sensors combined with some computing power and an ultra-low power radio. There are many different applications but all center on measuring and communicating bio-signals (i.e., EKG, EEG, EMG). Emerging products in this space are measured by 3 related characteristics: size, weight and power consumption (SWAP). Higher power consumption requires higher-capacity batteries, which increases the size and weight of the product. Bandwidth (and data throughput) is an important consideration that is also related to power consumption. The higher the bandwidth, the greater the power consumed. Radio frequency spectrum has different bandwidth properties and power requirements to broadcast at different frequencies. This relationship is close to linear, that is, at higher frequencies, more power is needed, and more bandwidth can be utilized. Also important to consider is that today there approximately on average 5 radios per household. In the future there may be as many as 5 per square meter. Being able to do more with less is key. Areas where WBANs will be important: 1) Military The Department of Defense is researching future combat systems that provide commanding, unfair competitive advantages in communication and situational awareness. Being able to actively see the heartbeats of soldiers in the field or to detect an activated helmet-embedded concussion sensor will be the first step of turning the soldier of today into the future force warrior of tomorrow. Proposed designs are not far removed from a Star Wars Stormtrooper. 2) Healthcare WBANs will be able to provide portable, low cost non-intrusive, real-time wireless monitoring of multiple physiological vital signs. Think reduced costs and patient compliance while improving the quality of care. Healthcare by wirelessly connecting individuals to healthcare providers – simply, affordably and unobtrusively, is an emerging trend. Corventis, CardioNet and Toumaz all offer low power wireless devices to monitor biosignials. CardioNet and Toumaz are public traded while Corventis has taken venture funding including a $10 million Series C round in late 2009. Something to think about: All WBAN products with medical applications will have a dual regulatory FDA and FCC considerations. 3) Sports and Fitness The sport and fitness market is very much in the hobbyist and early adopter stage. There are two distinct camps, the sports monitoring startups like Zephyr and the hobbyist camp known as the Quantified Self movement. Zephyr is focused on the athlete. The Quantified Self movement is looking to measure, track and analyze bio-data. There are a rage of professional quality products, like Zephyr, to personal consumer items such as Nike+, Fitbit and the Up from Jawbone. Bluetooth Low Energy, Ant and other protocols are beginning to address the issues of 5 radios per square meter. When those are solved, WBANs will be everywhere. The application possibilities will be pretty amazing. thoughts WBAN