IoT-Integrated BLE-Based Real-Time Data Link and Beamforming Phased Array for Healthcare

• Published in: IEEE transactions on industrial informatics Vol. 21; no. 6; pp. 4874 - 4882
• Main Authors: Shah, Syed Ahson Ali, Lee, Hyunung, Jang, You Lim, Rim, Chun T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 01.06.2025; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Antenna arrays; Array signal processing; Beam steering; Beamforming; Beamsteering; Biomedical materials; biotelemetry; bluetooth low energy (BLE); Communication; Control systems; Dipole antennas; Epilepsy; implantable antenna; Internet of Things (IoT); Microstrip antennas; Phase shifters; phased array; Phased arrays; Radio frequency; Radiofrequency identification; Real time; received signal strength indicator (RSSI); Reliability; Signal strength; Time measurement; Wireless sensor networks
• ISSN: 1551-3203; 1941-0050
• DOI: 10.1109/TII.2025.3547030

This article presents a novel approach to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for epilepsy treatment, introducing a phased array antenna (PAA) system integrated with Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology. The system comprises an implantable VNS receiver ( Rx ) and an external transmitter ( Tx ) based on a 1 × 2 PAA configuration, operating at 2,450 MHz. Additionally, an advanced 1 × 4 PAA system is employed to further optimize beam-steering capabilities. Dynamic beamforming is achieved through digital phase shifters. The integration of a commercial BLE-based radio frequency (RF) microcontroller facilitates seamless communication and control. Simulations and experimental verifications of 1 × 2 and 1 × 4 PAA systems are conducted to verify the performance. Measured peak gains of 2.63 dBi and 5.39 dBi are achieved by 1 × 2 PAA and 1 × 4 PAA with a −10 dB bandwidth of 100 and 330 MHz, respectively at the BLE band. Real-time measurements of received signal strength indicators in diverse environments, including free-space (−54 dBm), tissue-mimicking saline gel (−42 dBm), and live animal subjects (−79 dBm), substantiate the practicality of beamsteering and communication within the BLE-enabled PAA system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to develop a BLE-based communication and beamforming RF PAA system for biomedical applications.