Driving the evolution of the body-area network (BAN), this
technology promises to provide a secure, low-cost method for
implementing short-range, low-data-rate wireless communication
with low power consumption. Technology dreamers envision a
future in which individuals do not use access points, but
instead function as their own communications hubs. Among the
companies moving the world closer to that reality is Microchip
Technology, Inc., which just unveiled its BodyCom technology.
This technology gives designers a framework to use the human
body as a secure communication channel. Compared to existing
wireless methods, it promises to provide lower energy
consumption while increasing security via bidirectional
authentication. Because no RF antennas are required, BodyCom
technology also allows for simple circuit-level designs and a
low bill of materials (BOM). At its heart, BodyCom technology is
activated by capacitively coupling to the human body (see
figure). The system then begins communicating bidirectionall