Characterisation of flexible, thermal transfer printed UWB antenna under static bending

We present low-cost, flexible thermal transfer printed (TTP) ultra-wideband printed monopole antenna in the IEEE 802.15.3a band ideal for low-power, short-range and high-data-rate communications. The performance of the antenna was characterised under various static bending conditions. The antenna retained ultra-wideband characteristics under static flexing covering 100% under no bending, 85% under 40 mm radius bend, and 70% under 19 mm radius bend of the total IEEE 802.15.3a band. The radiation characteristics of the antenna remained omnidirectional throughout the entire band and closely follows simulated characteristics.