A varactor-tuned frequency-reconfigurable fabric antenna embedded in polymer: Assessment of suitability for wearable applications

Roy B. V. B. Simorangkir, Yang Yang, Karu P. Esselle, Yinliang Diao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel class of wearable antennas that are flexible, electronically tunable, and robust. They consist of conductive fabric parts, used as the radiator, with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer utilized to form the substrate as well as the full encapsulation of the radiator including its electronic tuning elements. To validate the concept, a prototype that provides frequency tuning from 2.3 to 2.65 GHz has been fabricated and tested. The fabrication process is detailed and experimental investigations on its suitability for wearable applications are presented. To assess the antenna robustness, its reconfigurability under severe physical deformations has been studied through washing the antenna and also by wrapping it on the head and wrist of a UWB human muscle equivalent phantom. The antenna's effect on body has also been investigated through Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measurement. The results confirm that the antenna is a promising candidate for modern wearable devices.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS)
Subtitle of host publicationproceedings
Place of PublicationPiscataway, NJ, USA
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages204-207
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781509063604
ISBN (Print)9781509063611
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2017
Event2017 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, IMS 2017 - Honololu, United States
Duration: 4 Jun 20179 Jun 2017

Conference

Conference2017 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, IMS 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonololu
Period4/06/179/06/17

Keywords

  • Conductive fabric
  • Flexible antenna
  • Poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
  • Reconfigurable antenna

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A varactor-tuned frequency-reconfigurable fabric antenna embedded in polymer: Assessment of suitability for wearable applications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this