Performance of Flexible Microwave Antenna Under Environmental Stress

Flexible antennas are integral to the development of next generation electronics through reduction in SWaP resulting in improved capabilities. Here, we show the in-situ performance of flexible microwave antennas under environmental stress conditions based on MIL-STD-810 testing standards for the first time. Flexible dual-band antennas (2.4 GHz and 4.6 GHz) are fabricated by etching patterned Cu clad RO3003 and assessed for their performance under environmental stresses while operating at high temperature (65 °C), low temperature (-40 °C), in thermal shock between the high and low temperatures, temperature-humidity (85 °C / 85 % RH) or water immersion. Coated and non-coated antennas showed robustness during the environmental exposures as they could function satisfactorily under most stress conditions.