Addressing the challenges of fabricating microwave antennas using conductive threads

This paper examines the advantages and challenges of creating microwave patch antennas using conducting threads. The antennas are produced using automated embroidery machinery that could be easily scaled up to mass manufacture. Textile patch antennas are designed that resonate between 2 and 2.7 GHz depending on the substrate. Different stitch directions and compositions were considered. Measured gain and efficiency results are included in this paper.