A Circular Disk Microstrip WLAN Antenna for Wearable Applications

The evolution of antenna technology for man-machine interface has taken quantum leaps in utilizing textile materials as antenna substrates. In future this will allow complete freedom to develop body-worn antenna systems embedded in so- called "smart clothes". Smart clothes will emerge in various sports outfits, emergency workers' outfits, military, medical, space applications and so on. The ability to establish wireless communication link is an essential requirement for smart clothes. In this paper, a circular disk microstrip WLAN antenna for wearable applications has been designed. This wearable antenna meant to meet the Bluetooth specifications has been developed by using copper conducting parts in case I and electrotextile (smart cloth) in case II. In both cases indigo blue jeans cotton fabric is used as the substrate material. Thus the suitability of fabric substrate materials for the development of microstrip patch antennas is also well demonstrated.