Textile Antennas Integrating wireless functions to clothing

Flexible antennas are becoming ever more attractive, since the recent developments in wearable computing have opened several possibilities to integrate wireless functions to clothing. This activity demonstrated that flexible antennas are feasible in personal satellite communications with performance comparable to conventional technology. The overall objective of this activity was to study and analyze the viability of the textile (flexible) substrate materials for antenna elements and arrays. More specifically, to demonstrate compliance with satellite antenna user requirements using textile (flexible) substrate materials for antenna elements and/or arrays. This was achieved by designing, manufacturing and testing a breadboard of textile antenna taking into account operational conditions. The Iridium satellite phone system was selected as a live demonstration. The Iridium satellites operate at low altitudes (Low Earth Orbit, LEO) which make the communication possible between satellite and end-user without large antennas. The antennas were also fully tested under adverse operational conditions (like for example temperature or humidity). The main benefits of the textile antennas are their light weight, low price, low maintenance, no set-up requirements, and no damage from obstacles (robust).