Textile-Based Flexible Electronics for Wearable Applications: From Antennas to Batteries

Abstract

We present a new class of textile-based electronics for wearable applications that are flexible, robust, and completely unobtrusive to the wearer. Contrary to state-of-the-art flexible electronics, the proposed technology brings forward unprecedented tolerance to mechanical/thermal stresses; enables precision and Radio-Frequency (RF) performance similar to that achieved by rigid copper prototypes; and eliminates the need for rigid/bulky batteries. Specifically, conductive traces (antennas and transmission lines, among others) are realized via automated embroidery of conductive E-threads, while batteries are directly "printed" on fabrics via conductive inks. The proposed technology brings forward transformational opportunities for a very wide range of applications, including healthcare, sports, wireless communications, Radio Frequency Identification, etc.