Folding-Dependent vs. Folding-Independent Flexible Antennas on E-Textiles

This paper explores folding effects upon two classes of antenna designs that exhibit folding-dependent and folding-independent electromagnetic (EM) performance, respectively. Specifically, Finite Element simulations are used to model: a) a monopole antenna that attains multi-band operation with ~44.5% shift in resonance frequency for a 60° fold, and b) a microstrip antenna that maintains a minimal resonance frequency shift of ~3.5% for a 60° fold. These designs bring forward unique opportunities for antennas that reconfigure their EM performance vs. antennas that maintain their EM performance despite changes in their constituent geometry. Notably, flexible and robust prototypes can be embroidered on e-textiles.