Design and performance analysis of a textile antenna suitable for smart clothing

Abstract

A textile antenna suitable for smart clothing is proposed, fabricated and tested at ISM band. The performance has been evaluated both in free space and in the proximity of the human body. It is observed that in free space the antenna gain is 4.78dB and in on-body condition the gain 4.37dB. There is a 10% shift in impedance bandwidth from free space to on-body communication links. Due to the flexible structure bending effect of the antenna near the body is also investigated. A slight decrease in resonating frequency occurs when the antenna is bent. Measurement campaign has been carried out to validate the numerical results. A parametric study has also been performed to observe the relationship between bending angles and antenna parameters.