Wearable textile antennas' efficiency characterization using a reverberation chamber

Characterization of efficiency is an important consideration to ensure the proper operation of an all-textile wearable antenna. In this work, a small, novel textile antenna is designed based on a planar inverted-F structure (PIFA). The structure incorporates an edge-feeding plate, symmetrical design, and well-placed slot, in order to ease fabrication. A thin conductive textile, Pure Copper Polyester Taffeta Fabric (PCPTF), and fleece is used to fabricate the structure. The efficiency is then verified and measured using a commercial reverberation chamber. Observed results indicate excellent agreements between simulations and measurements.