Wideband characterization of fabrics for textile antennas

A method for wideband characterization of conductive textiles for use as part of an antenna is presented. The method takes into account edge effects of the conductive textile that are important for the antenna performance. The method is also used in an initial measurement campaign: five conductive textiles are categorized according to the suggested method. The method is microscopic compared to macroscopic methods such as waveguide methods or shielding effectiveness methods normally used for electromagnetic characterizations of materials. To emphasize this simulations are provided illustrating the importance of edge effects.