Development of flexible, wearable antennas

There is an increasing interest in wearable antennas and electronics in both the civil and military domains. In the civil domain there is a move towards pervasive computing which utilises various electronic devices placed around the body. Electronic devices typically involve a communications element for transfer of entertainment media, information sources and social interaction. Communication may occur between devices through an on-body channel or to external devices. Flexible, conformal antennas are essential to provide an unobtrusive solution. In the military domain the current emphasis on network centric warfare and more complex body worn sensors contrasts with a desire to reduce the burden on the soldier. Flexible, conformal, wearable electronics and antennas provide technology to satisfy these conflicting requirements. This paper presents the development and assessment of wearable antennas which are integrated into clothing. This work considers antennas operating from 100 MHz to 1 GHz. Advantages and disadvantages of several construction methods and materials are discussed. Measured radiation patterns and input impedances are presented for the integrated antennas worn on the body.