Effects of a human body on a dipole antenna at 450 and 900 MHz

The VSWR and pattern characteristics of a dipole held close to or touching a human body have been experimentally determined and the results are reported. Two choke-sleeve dipoles, tuned for the two test frequencies of 450 and 900 MHz, were used for this study. The measurements were made with the antenna held at a person's waist, chest, and shoulder levels and also held above the head. The radiation characteristics of the combined body and antenna were compared with the dipole characteristics in free space. Propagation shadowing by the body and the effects of the body on the VSWR characteristics are illustrated.