Embroidered textiles for RF electronics and medical sensors

Flexible radio frequency (RF) electronics are essential components in realizing wearable and flexible electronic devices, including conformal antennas [1]. They are required to provide mechanical conformality and flexibility, excellent RF performance and yet comply with the current circuit fabrication technology based on traditional rigid and flat devices. Existing flexible circuits employ light-weight polymer substrates (such as polyimide and polyester films) that can be flexed and deformed under external stress. However, these substrates return to their original shape after the stress is released. To overcome this drawback, we recently developed conformal-flexible electronics based on conductive fibers and elastic polymer substrates. Conducting fibers offer the unique conformal capability, low profiles and operational efficiency when applied onto the objects [2],[3].