Conformal, Light-Weight&Load-Bearing Antennas Based on Conductive Textile Threads

ABSTRACT: PaneraTech,Inc. in collaboration with The Ohio State University ElectroScience Laboratory proposes to develop lightweight,conformal and volumetric UAV antennas based on conductive fibers embroidered on organza and/or polymer dielectric substrates. Given our expertise on designing wideband antennas and weaving them into the UAV for low frequency applications, under this STTR effort, we will primarily focus on adapting and testing our electronic-textile (E-textile) technology in making realistic antennas that incorporate feeds, matching networks and radiating structures. BENEFIT: Conformal, light-weight and load-bearing antennas based on conductive textile threads offer significant advantage to improved communication on UAVs in communication/navigation/surveillance systems. Conformal and flexible antennas can also be used in various commercial application including, body-worn antennas and medical applications for improved imaging and patient monitoring.