Low-profile robust circularly polarized textile patch antenna for WBAN and ISM applications

Abstract

In this research, a conformal circularly polarized (CP) antenna has been developed employing polyester textiles as its substrate material. The proposed antenna configuration demonstrates its efficacy across multiple frequency bands—specifically 3 GHz and 4.5 GHz of WBAN and 5.8 GHz of ISM radio bands. The antenna's distinctive design is developed on a rectangular structure as its primary radiating component, with a ground structure ingeniously arranged counter-positioning to the antenna's patch. Electrical conductivity was widely achieved by employing adhesive copper and silver tape, conductive fabric, stitching conductive threads and copper paint, conventionally applied through brush painting techniques. The copper paint fabrication methodology has been chosen for its ability to confer conformability upon the antenna while minimizing its dimensions, ensuring lightweight attributes, and endowing it with remarkable resilience to environmental factors while preserving its optimal radiating performance. The CP polyester antenna showcases noteworthy peak gains: 3.91 dBi at 3 GHz, 5.86 dBi at 4.5 GHz and 6.62 dBi at 5.8 GHz (ISM). These gains highlight the antenna's ability to efficiently capture and transmit signals within the aforementioned frequency bands, affirming its potential for robust wireless communication.