Open AccessInkjet printed dipole antennas on textiles for wearable communications
Author(s) -
Chauraya Alford,
Whittow William G.,
Vardaxoglou JYiannis C.,
Li Yi,
Torah Russel,
Yang Kai,
Beeby Steve,
Tudor John
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
iet microwaves, antennas and propagation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.555
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1751-8733
pISSN - 1751-8725
DOI - 10.1049/iet-map.2013.0076
Subject(s) - materials science , planar , textile , antenna (radio) , inkwell , fabrication , conductive ink , dipole antenna , layer (electronics) , surface roughness , optoelectronics , polyester , reflection (computer programming) , reflection coefficient , sheet resistance , computer science , electrical engineering , nanotechnology , composite material , engineering , medicine , computer graphics (images) , alternative medicine , pathology , programming language
This study presents an inkjet printed textile antenna realised using a novel fabrication methodology. Conventionally, it is very difficult to inkjet print onto textiles because of surface roughness. This study demonstrates how this can be overcome by developing an interface coated layer which bonds to a standard polyester cotton fabric, creating a smooth surface. A planar dipole antenna has been fabricated, simulated and measured. This study includes DC resistance, RF reflection coefficient results and antenna radiation patterns. Efficiencies of greater than 60% have been achieved with only one layer of conducting ink. The study demonstrates that the interface layer saves considerable time and cost in terms of the number of inkjet layers needed whilst also improving the printing resolution.