RF properties of stretchable transmission line structures

Today, most electronic components are implemented on rigid substrates. However, many objects in daily-life, e.g. our skin, tapes, textiles or plastic are not rigid - they are bendable, stretchable, and even morphable. Stretchable electronic components are required to combine electronics and bendable daily-life items. This paper describes stretchable radio frequency transmission line designs, which are a first attempt to the usage of stretchable electronics at high frequencies. Two different meander shaped lines were designed, simulated, fabricated and measured. The propagation constant, as a central transmission line parameter, reveals a characteristic dependence on the stretching level, caused by corresponding changes of geometry and electrical length, which can be exploited in tailored applications.