METHOD OF FABRICATING A HEATED PLANAR ANTENNA

A planar antenna that provides a heating function is fabricated by printing a pattern of catalytic ink onto a surface of a web of flexible substrate. The printed pattern of catalytic ink defines an antenna pattern including a radiating element and a ground element. A conductive material is electrolessly plated onto the pattern of catalytic ink by transporting the web of flexible substrate through a reservoir of plating solution to form a corresponding pattern of conductive material. The electrolessly-plated ground element includes a conduction path between a first connection point and a second connection point, wherein the electrolessly-plated ground element is adapted to be connected to a power source to provide a voltage between the first connection point and the second connection point, thereby producing heat by providing a current through the ground element along the conduction path.