sensors

Article
Smart Coat with a Fully-Embedded Textile Antenna
for IoT Applications
Caroline Loss 1,2,3, *, Ricardo Gonalves 2,4 , Catarina Lopes 1,2 , Pedro Pinho 2,5 and Rita Salvado 1
1 FibEnTech Research Unit, Universidade da Beira Interior, Rua Marqus Dvila e Bolama, Covilh 6201-001,
Portugal; catarina.lopes@ubi.pt (C.L.); lrbss@ubi.pt (R.S.)
2 Instituto de Telecomunicaes, Campus Universitrio de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-135, Portugal;
rgoncalves@av.it.pt (R.G.); ppinho@deetc.isel.pt (P.P.)
3 Capes Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Braslia 70040-020, Brazil
4 Departamento de Eletrnica, Telecomunicaes e Informtica, Universidade de Aveiro,
Campus Universitrio de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-135, Portugal
5 Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Rua Conselheiro Emlio Navarro, Lisboa 1959-009, Portugal
* Correspondence: carol@ubi.pt; Tel.: +351-275-319-852

Academic Editors: Stefano Mariani, Dirk Lehmhus, Francesco Ciucci, Alberto Vallan and Thomas B. Messervey
Received: 22 April 2016; Accepted: 17 June 2016; Published: 22 June 2016

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IoT) scenario is strongly related with the advance of the development
of wireless sensor networks (WSN) and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. Additionally,
in the WSN context, for a continuous feed, the integration of textile antennas for energy harvesting
into smart clothing is a particularly interesting solution when the replacement of batteries is not easy
to practice, such as in wearable devices. This paper presents the E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat.
It has an embedded dual-band textile antenna for electromagnetic energy harvesting, operating at
global system for mobile communication (GSM) 900 and digital cellular system (DCS) 1800 bands.
This printed antenna is fully integrated, as its dielectric is the textile material composing the coat
itself. The E-Caption illustrates the innovative concept of textile antennas that can be manipulated
as simple emblems. Seven prototypes of these emblem antennas, manufactured by lamination
and embroidering techniques are also presented. It is shown that the orientation of the conductive
fabric does not influence the performance of the antenna. It is also shown that the direction and
number of the stitches in the embroidery may influence the performance of the antenna. Moreover,
the comparison of results obtained before and after the integration of the antenna into cloth shows
the integration does not affect the behavior of the antenna.

Keywords: textile antenna; energy harvesting; smart clothing; wearable devices

1. Introduction
Nowadays, the socio-economic development and lifestyle trends indicate an increasing
consumption of technological products and processes, powered by emergent concepts such as the
Internet of Things (IoT), where everything is connected in a single network [1]. The development of
smart objects for IoT applications, include the capacity of this objects to be identifiable, to communicate
and to interact [2]. In this context, wearable technology has been addressed to make the person, mainly
through his clothes, able to communicate with, and be part of, this technological network [3].
Wireless communication systems are made up of several electronic components, which, over
the years, have been miniaturized and made more flexible, such as batteries, sensors, actuators, data
processing units, interconnectors, and antennas [4]. In the systems for on-body applications, the
antennas have been challenging, because they are conventionally built on rigid substrates, hindering
their efficient and comfortable integration into the garment.

Sensors 2016, 16, 938; doi:10.3390/s16060938 www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors

Sensors 2016, 16, 938 2 of 13

However, embedding antennas into clothing allows expanding the interaction of the user with
some electronic devices, making them less invasive and more discrete. Thus, textile antennas that
are designed combining the traditional textile materials with new technologies emerge as a potential
interface of the human-technology-environment relationship. Textile antennas, thus, become an
active part in the wireless communication systems [59], aiming applications, such as tracking and
navigation [1012], mobile computing, and others [13].

1.1. Textile Antennas

For IoT applications, embedding antennas into clothing makes the garments become a smart
interface for the interaction between the user and the network. The wearable antennas should be
thin, lightweight, of easy or no maintenance, robust, and resistant to washing cycles and usage and,
moreover, must be low cost for manufacturing and commercializing [14]. In this way, textile planar
antennas, the microstrip patch type, have been proposed for garment applications, because they present
all of these characteristics, and also are adaptable to any surface [15]. This type of antenna is usually
formed by overlapping conductive (patch and ground plane) and dielectric (substrate) layers [16].
Therefore, the knowledge of the properties of textile materials that are used is crucial, as well as the
manufacturing techniques for connecting the layers, such as gluing, seaming, and laminating with
adhesive sheets. Furthermore, the microstrip patch antenna radiates perpendicularly to a ground
plane, which serves as a shield to the antenna radiation, assuring that the human body absorbs only a
very small fraction of the radiation.

1.2. Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting

The integration of electronic devices on clothing puts the question about how to feed them.
The batteries are an obvious choice, but they are bulky, require frequent replacement or recharging,
and their short longevity is an ecological concern of current times. Additionally, the research of
self-sustainable wireless devices is a growing challenge in IoT applications [17]. In this context, energy
harvesting is a promising solution to consider in the next generation of wireless sensor networks (WSN).
Nowadays, radio frequency (RF) energy is currently broadcasted from billions of radio transmitters
and, thus, can be collected from the ambient environment or from dedicated sources [18]. Moreover,
the advance of technology stimulates the growing number of wireless transmitters, especially in highly
populated urban areas, increasing the power density of available RF in the environment [19].
Coherently, in the past years, different proposals of textile antennas for RF energy harvesting
have been proposed [1921]. However, only two works [19,20] have outlined the integration of these
antennas in smart clothing. In [20] a scheme of jacket with harvester circuit is presented. A triple-band
ring textile antenna for RF energy harvesting, operating at GSM900, GSM1800, and WiFi frequencies is
also proposed. This antenna was developed with a multilayer configuration and for its conductive
parts, the Global EMC shielding fabric with surface resistivity of 0.02 /sq. was used. An unspecified
fabric with r = 1.23 was used as a substrate support of the antenna. The Kapton fabric with r = 3.4,
tan = 0.002 and 1 mm of thickness, was used as the dielectric substrate. The predicted antenna
efficiencies are 61% at 900 MHz, 54% at 1750 MHz, and 85% at 2450 MHz. In [21] the draft of a coat is
presented, where multiple body-worn embroidered textile antennas are proposed to be integrated into
a harvester system operating in the 2.45 GHz WLAN band.

2. Materials and Methods

This paper is based on the dual-band textile antenna for GSM900 and DCS1800 frequency
bands proposed in [22] that is shown in Figure 1 and which dimensions are given in Table 1 below.
The next subsections will analyze the manufacturing process of making this antenna, presenting
seven prototypes, made using two different manufacturing techniques: thermal adhesive lamination
and embroidering. Further, the integration of the antenna into a smart coat, by fully embedding it into
the material constituting the coat, is described.
 Sensors 2016, 16, 938 3 of 13

Sensorsembroidering.
2016, 16, 938 Further, the integration of the antenna into a smart coat, by fully embedding it into 3 of 13
the material constituting the coat, is described.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 1. Textile antenna. (a) Design of the dual-band antenna; (b) Front; and (c) Back.
Figure 1. Textile antenna. (a) Design of the dual-band antenna; (b) Front; and (c) Back.
Table 1. Dimensions of the textile antenna.
Table 1. Dimensions of the textile antenna.
Parameter Dimension (mm)
L, L gnd, Lf, Lfx
Parameter 120, 100, 78,(mm)
Dimension 30
Lm1, Lm2, gap, W 12, 5, 3.1, 80
L, Lgnd , Lf , Lfx 120, 100, 78, 30
Wf, Wm1 , Wm2, Wm3, Wm4 1.5, 31, 21, 8, 4
Lm1 , Lm2 , gap, W 12, 5, 3.1, 80
Wf , Wm1 , Wm2 , Wm3 , Wm4 1.5, 31, 21, 8, 4
2.1. Materials
The selection of textile materials for the development of antennas is critical, as discussed in [14].
2.1. Materials
In this work, all materials used to manufacture the wearable antennas are commercially available and
The selection
described in theofTable
textile materials
2. For for thesubstrate,
the dielectric development of antennas
a synthetic is critical,
fabric with low regainas discussed
was chosen,in [14].
In this
in work,
order toallminimize
materialstheused
effecttoofmanufacture the wearable
the moisture absorption antennas
on lowering theare commercially
resonance available
frequency of the and
described in the Table 2. For the dielectric substrate, a synthetic fabric with low regain was chosen,
antenna.
in order to minimize the effect of the moisture absorption on lowering the resonance frequency of
Table 2. Characteristics of the textile materials used to develop wearable antennas.
the antenna.
Mass per Unit Thickness
Fabric Composition Finish r tan
Dielectric Table 2. Characteristics 2)
Surface (g/mof the textile materials used to develop (mm)
wearable antennas.
Materials Cordura Polyurethane
280 100% PA 6.6 0.5 1.9 0.0098
Light coated
Massper
Mass perUnit
Unit Thickness
Thickness Conductivity
Fabric
Fabric 2 Composition
Composition Finish
Finish r tan
Dielectric Surface (g/m
Surface (g/m 2) ) (mm)(mm) (S/m)
Materials 100% PA Copper and tin
Polyurethane
Conductive Cordura
Zelt 55.87
280 100% Polyamide 0.5 0.06 1.75105
1.9 0.0098
Light 6.6 plated
coated
Materials
Conductivity
Yarn Linear
MassMass
per(dtex)
Unit
1 Composition Finish -
Thickness Conductivity
Fabric Composition Finish (S/m)
Surface 2
Silverpam 250 (g/m ) 100% Polyamide Silver plated (mm) - (S/m)
0.005
Mass per Unit 100% CopperFinish
and Thickness
Fabric
Zelt 55.87 Composition 0.06(mm) 1.75105
Conductive Surface (g/m2) Polyamide tin plated
Materials Oil + water
Atlantic 120 Mass
Linear 100% Polyester 0.3 Conductivity
Other Yarn Composition repellent
Finish -
(dtex) 1 (S/m)
Materials Adhesive Mass per Unit Thickness
Composition -
Sheet Type Surface (g/m2) 100% (mm)
Silverpam
Fixorete 250 Silver plated - 0.005
0.28 Polyamide
100% Polyamide - 0.01
Losango
Mass per Unit Thickness
1 Fabric
Tex is the unit of the International Composition
System of Units usedFinish
to characterize the linear mass of fibers and
Surface (g/m2 ) (mm)
yarns. Tex is defined as the mass in grams per 1000 m. The subunit decitex (dtex) is the mass in grams
100% Oil + water
Atlantic 120 0.3
Otherper 10,000 m [23]. Polyester repellent
Materials
Adhesive Mass per Unit Thickness
Composition -
Sheet Type Surface (g/m2 ) (mm)
Fixorete 100%
0.28 - 0.01
Losango Polyamide
1 Tex is the unit of the International System of Units used to characterize the linear mass of fibers and yarns.

Tex is defined as the mass in grams per 1000 m. The subunit decitex (dtex) is the mass in grams per 10,000 m [23].
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 4 of 13

Sensors 2016, 16, 938 4 of 13

2.2. Manufacturing Techniques

2.2. Manufacturing Techniques
Beyond choosing the textile materials, the construction technique of the antenna is also crucial
Beyond choosing the textile materials, the construction technique of the antenna is also crucial
because the textile materials are highly deformable. The geometrical dimensions of the conductive
because the textile materials are highly deformable. The geometrical dimensions of the conductive
patch and of the dielectric substrate should remain stable when connecting them, as the mechanical
patch and of the dielectric substrate should remain stable when connecting them, as the mechanical
stabilization of both materials is essential to preserve the desired characteristics of the antenna. The
stabilization of both materials is essential to preserve the desired characteristics of the antenna. The
geometrical precision of the conductive patch is also critical as the proposed antenna has thin details,
geometrical precision of the conductive patch is also critical as the proposed antenna has thin details,
as shown in Table 1.
as shown in Table 1.
Moreover, the technique to connect the various layers should not affect the electrical properties
Moreover, the technique to connect the various layers should not affect the electrical properties
of the patch, particularly its electrical resistivity. All antennas presented in the following sections
of the patch, particularly its electrical resistivity. All antennas presented in the following sections
were produced assembling the components with the thermal adhesive sheet (JAU Txteis, Serzedo,
were produced assembling the components with the thermal adhesive sheet (JAU Txteis, Serzedo,
Portugal), previously described in the Table 2. The antennas were glued by ironing without steam in a
Portugal), previously described in the Table 2. The antennas were glued by ironing without steam in
vacuum table. Steam was not used deliberately, especially on materials with copper, to avoid oxidation
a vacuum table. Steam was not used deliberately, especially on materials with copper, to avoid
of the conductive material and the consequent increase of its electrical resistivity.
oxidation of the conductive material and the consequent increase of its electrical resistivity.
However, an extra antenna was produced by an ironing process with steam in order to analyse
However, an extra antenna was produced by an ironing process with steam in order to analyse
the influence of the steam in the performance of the antenna. Both antennas, with and without
the influence of the steam in the performance of the antenna. Both antennas, with and without steam,
steam, were assembled using the same ironing conditions, presented in the Table 3. Additionally, in
were assembled using the same ironing conditions, presented in the Table 3. Additionally, in order
order to ensure the geometrical accuracy, the patches were cut by an LC6090C CCD (Jinan G. Weike
to ensure the geometrical accuracy, the patches were cut by an LC6090C CCD (Jinan G. Weike Science
Science & Tecnology Co. Ltd., Jinan, China) laser cutting machine. The obtained results are shown in
& Tecnology Co. Ltd., Jinan, China) laser cutting machine. The obtained results are shown in the
the Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Table 3. Ironing conditions.
Table 3. Ironing conditions.
Temperature ((C)
C) Pressure (bar)
(bar) Time (s)
Temperature Pressure Time (s)
200
200 10
10 1212(6(6for
forpatch
patch +
+ 66 for
for ground
groundplane)
plane)

Figure 2. Comparison between ironing processes with, and without, steam.

Figure 2. Comparison between ironing processes with, and without, steam.

According to the measured results presented on Figure 2, one can see a higher frequency shift
in theAccording
antenna madeto theusing
measured
steamresults
in the presented on Figure
ironing process. 2, onetocan
In order see a higher
investigate frequency
the cause shift
of this in
shift,
the antenna made using steam in the ironing process. In order to investigate
the thickness of the antenna was measured, using Kawabatas Evaluation System (KES) for fabrics the cause of this shift,
the thickness
(KES-F-3 of the antenna
Compressional wasFor
Tester). measured, using
the antenna Kawabatas
without steam,Evaluation System
the thickness is 0.62(KES)
mm, andfor fabrics
for the
(KES-F-3 Compressional Tester). For the antenna without steam, the thickness is 0.62
antenna with steam it is 0.60 mm. This difference can be due to the higher compaction of the materials mm, and for the
antenna
when steamwith steam it is 0.60
is applied. Asmm.oneThis
can difference
see in thecanscanning
be due toelectron
the higher compaction
microscope of theimages
(SEM) materialsin
when steam is applied. As one can see in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images
Figure 3, in the antenna without steam the adhesive sheet (see yellow arrows) remains at the interface in Figure 3,
in the antenna without steam the adhesive sheet (see yellow arrows) remains at the
between the conductive and dielectric layers. However, when the steam is applied, the adhesive sheet interface between
the conductive
merges with theand dielectric
textile layers.
structure (seeHowever, when the steam is applied, the adhesive sheet merges
green arrows).
with This
the textile structure (see green arrows).
effect may be responsible for a decrease in conductivity due to the presence of the glue
among the conductive yarns. Moreover, the presence of the adhesive sheet into the Cordura fabric
(B. W. Wernerfelt Group, Sborg, Danmark) will presumably change, even if slightly, its permittivity.
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 5 of 13

Finally, the shift in frequency may be due to other factors, such as the precision of cutting during the
manufacturing process.
SensorsNevertheless,
2016, 16, 938 it is worth noting that it is important to further study the effect of steam in
5 ofthe
13
performance of the antenna, in order to consider and compensate for it in the design of the antenna.

Sensors 2016, 16, 938 5 of 13

Finally, the shift in frequency may be due to other factors, such as the precision of cutting during the
manufacturing process.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that it is important to further study the effect of steam in the
performance of the antenna, in order to consider and compensate for it in the design of the antenna.

Figure 3. SEM images: cross-section of the antenna assembled (a) without steam and (b) with steam.
Figure 3. SEM images: cross-section of the antenna assembled (a) without steam and (b) with steam.

2.2.1. Laminated Antennas

This effect may be responsible for a decrease in conductivity due to the presence of the glue
among the antennas
These conductive areyarns.
madeMoreover,
by superposing fabrics of
the presence andtheattaching
adhesivethem sheetwith
into athe
thermal
Corduraadhesive
fabric
sheet. The cutting process of the conductive material is critical, as the antenna
(B. W. Wernerfelt Group, Sborg, Danmark) will presumably change, even if slightly, its permittivity. has very thin lines; for
instance, theshift
Finally, the Wf in
dimension
frequency(see may Table 1). to
be due In other
orderfactors,
to increasesuchthe geometrical
as the precisionaccuracy,
of cuttingthe patches
during the
were cut by an LC6090C
manufacturing process. CCD laser cutting machine. This procedure also reduces the common fraying
effectNevertheless,
that appears when cutting
it is worth thin fabrics
noting that it with scissors.to further study the effect of steam in the
is important
Two
Figureantennas
performance 3. of
SEM were fabricated
theimages:
antenna, in orderwith
cross-section this
of consider
to the lamination
antenna assembled
and technique.
compensate forIn
(a) without order
steam
it in to
andtest
(b) the
the design with
of influence
antenna.of
steam.
the
the direction of the structure of the conductive fabric (Zelt) on the performance of the antenna, the
2.2.1. Laminated
patch of antenna Antennas
A was cut parallel to the warp, and the patch of antenna B was cut at 45 (bias).
Figure 4 presents the simulated and measured values of S11 parameter of both antennas, measured
These antennas are made by by superposing
superposing fabrics and attaching them with aa thermal thermal adhesive
adhesive
with a vector network analyser (VNA).
sheet. The
The cutting
cuttingprocess
processofofthetheconductive
conductivematerialmaterial is is critical,
critical, as as
thethe antenna
antenna hashas
veryvery
thinthin lines;
lines; for
for instance,
instance, thethe
Wf W dimension
dimension
f (see(see Table
Table 1).
1). In In order
order toto increase
increase the
the geometrical
geometrical accuracy,
accuracy, the patches
were
were cut
cut by an LC6090C CCD laser cutting machine. This procedure also reduces the common fraying
effect that
that appears
appears whenwhen cutting
cutting thin
thin fabrics
fabrics with
with scissors.
scissors.
Two
Two antennas
antennas werewere fabricated
fabricated withwith this
this lamination
lamination technique.
technique. In order to test the influence of
the direction of the structure
structure of of the
the conductive
conductive fabric (Zelt) (Zelt) on on the
the performance
performance of the antenna,
antenna, the
patch of antenna A was cut parallel to the warp, and the patch of antenna B was cut at 45 45 (bias).
(bias).
Figure 4 presents
presents thethe simulated
simulated and and measured
measured values values of of SS11
11 parameter of both both antennas,
antennas, measured
measured
with
with aa vector
vector network
network analyser
analyser (VNA).
(VNA).

Figure 4. Simulated and measured return loss of laminated antennas.

The antennas produced by the lamination technique have shown good results, as the S11
parameter shows. As one can see in Figure 4, the measurements match the simulation fairly well,
although there is a small shift of the frequency. This shift of frequency might be due to the narrow
manufacturing tolerances that exist even when cutting the fabric by laser. Still, the reflection
coefficient (S11) is low at the operating frequencies, meaning that the antenna presents a good
impedance mismatch in both GSM and DCS bands.

Figure 4. Simulated and measured return loss of laminated antennas.

Figure 4. Simulated and measured return loss of laminated antennas.

The antennas produced by the lamination technique have shown good results, as the S11
parameter shows. As one can see in Figure 4, the measurements match the simulation fairly well,
although there is a small shift of the frequency. This shift of frequency might be due to the narrow
manufacturing tolerances that exist even when cutting the fabric by laser. Still, the reflection
coefficient (S11) is low at the operating frequencies, meaning that the antenna presents a good
impedance mismatch in both GSM and DCS bands.
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 6 of 13

The antennas produced by the lamination technique have shown good results, as the S11 parameter
shows. As one can see in Figure 4, the measurements match the simulation fairly well, although there
is a small shift of the frequency. This shift of frequency might be due to the narrow manufacturing
tolerances that exist even when cutting the fabric by laser. Still, the reflection coefficient (S11 ) is low at
the operating frequencies, meaning that the antenna presents a good impedance mismatch in both
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 6 of 13
GSM and DCS bands.
Thus, with the laminated manufacturing technique, by controlling the ironing conditions, the
Thus, with the laminated manufacturing technique, by controlling the ironing conditions, the
adhesive may remain at the interface of the conductive and dielectric materials, as one can see in the
adhesive may remain at the interface of the conductive and dielectric materials, as one can see in the
SEM image in Figure 5, showing the cross-section of a laminated antenna assembled without steam.
SEM image in Figure 5, showing the cross-section of a laminated antenna assembled without steam.
Therefore, in this antenna, made by ironing without steam, the electrical surface resistance of the
Therefore, in this antenna, made by ironing without steam, the electrical surface resistance of the
patch and the relative permittivity of the substrate are not significantly changed. This observation is
patch and the relative permittivity of the substrate are not significantly changed. This observation is
corroborated by the S11 measurements previously showed in the Figure 4.
corroborated by the S11 measurements previously showed in the Figure 4.

Figure 5. SEM image: cross-section of the textile antenna after assembly with adhesive sheet, without
Figure 5. SEM image: cross-section of the textile antenna after assembly with adhesive sheet,
steam.
without steam.
2.2.2. Embroidered Antennas
2.2.2. Embroidered Antennas
Embroidering is a promising method in terms of repeatability and mass-manufacturing [24], as
Embroidering
the embroidered antennasis a promising
do notmethod
need ain terms or
cutting of repeatability and mass-manufacturing
lamination process, thus reducing the [24], as the
production
embroidered
costs. For this reason, several embroidered antennas have been proposed; for instance, costs.
antennas do not need a cutting or lamination process, thus reducing the production spiral
For this reason,
antennas several
[25,26], RFIDembroidered
tags [27,28],antennas
and antennashave without
been proposed;
a ground forplane
instance, spiral
[2931]. antennas
This [25,26],
paper explores
RFID tags [27,28], and
the embroidering antennas
technique towithout
produceaantennas
ground plane [2931].
that can This applied
be easily paper explores the embroidering
in clothing as an emblem.
technique
This way the embroidering technique might enlarge the dissemination of the textileThis
to produce antennas that can be easily applied in clothing as an emblem. way the
antennas into
embroidering
clothing. technique might enlarge the dissemination of the textile antennas into clothing.
AsAsthe
theantenna
antennaconsidered
consideredininthis thispaper
paperisisaaprinted
printedmonopole
monopoleantenna
antennawhich
whichrequires
requiresa aground
ground
plane,
plane, the manufacturing process has to be adapted in order to eliminate the short cutscaused
the manufacturing process has to be adapted in order to eliminate the short cuts causedby bythe
the
embroidering technique in both sides of the dielectric material. Therefore, the
embroidering technique in both sides of the dielectric material. Therefore, the construction technique construction technique
ofofthe
theembroidered
embroideredantenna antennawas:was:firstly,
firstly,embroidering
embroideringthe thepatch
patchininaathinthintextile;
textile;secondly,
secondly,cut cutthe
the
embroidery; and, finally, attach the embroidery to the dielectric substrate using
embroidery; and, finally, attach the embroidery to the dielectric substrate using the thermal adhesive the thermal adhesive
sheet.
sheet.This
Thisprocess
processisisthe thesame
sameoneoneused
usedtotoproduce
producethe thetraditional
traditionalemblems
emblemsfor forcloth
clothcustomization.
customization.
Five
Five antennas were developed with this technique, using a SWF MA-6 automaticembroidering
antennas were developed with this technique, using a SWF MA-6 automatic embroidering
machine.
machine. The patches were embroidered in the Atlantic fabric (B. W. Wernerfelt Group,Sborg,
The patches were embroidered in the Atlantic fabric (B. W. Wernerfelt Group, Sborg,
Danmark)
Danmark)using usingSilverpam
Silverpamyarn yarn(Tibtech
(TibtechInnovations,
Innovations,Pierre PierreMauroy,
Mauroy,France)
France)(see(seeTable
Table2).2).The
The
parameters
parametersofofthe embroidery
the embroidery arearedescribed
described in Table
in Table4. The orientation
4. The orientationof the stitch
of the waswas
stitch considered
consideredby
performing
by performing stitches along
stitches fourfour
along different directions
different directions for for
antennas
antennas 1, 3,
1, 4,
3, and 5. 5.
4, and TheThenumber
numberofofstiches
stiches
was considered by varying the float of the stitch for antennas 2 and 3. To avoid differences in the
fringe effect on the feed line (Wf Lf) due the different directions of the stitches, all antennas have
feed lines embroidered with a horizontal step stitch.
Figure 6 shows the simulated and measured values of the S11 parameter of these antennas,
measured with a VNA. It is clean that the measurements match closely to the simulations. Where
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 7 of 13
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embroidery
embroidery [15],
embroidery a horizontal
reducing
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[15],[15], [15], the
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the reducing
the stitch.
conductivity
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the the
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ofreturn
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of antennas
antennas 3 and
antennas
3ofand 2.and
3antennas
3 and
2. 2. 32.and 2.
embroidery [15], reducing the conductivity of the patch, which may explain the difference between
Table 4. Parameters of the embroidered antennas.
the magnitudes of the returnTable loss 4.of
Table
Table 4. antennas
Parameters
Table 4.
Table of the
4. Parameters
Parameters of3
Parameters
4. ofand
embroidered
Parameters
the 2. embroidered
of embroidered
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of the embroidered
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Antenna
Antenna Antenna
Antenna 11 1 1
AntennaAntenna 1 2 221 2 2 3 23 3 3 3 4 4 4 44 4 5 5 5 5 55
Vertical step stitch,
Vertical
Vertical
Vertical step
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Description of Stitch
Description
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with
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Description of Stitch stepstep
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Description Stitch
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Stitch with horizontal (direction: 152/quadrant 2), (direction: 30/quadrant 1),
step stitch vertical step
step with horizontal step with horizontal step
Number of
NumberStitches
of Stitches
Number
Number Number Number 1255
1255
of Stitches
of Stitches
of Stitches of12551255 125520842084
Stitches 2084 2084 1378
1255
2084 2084
13781378
1378 1378 13781360136013601360
1360 1360 136113611361 1361 1361
1361
YarnYarn
Consumption
Yarn Consumption
Yarn Yarn (g)
(g)Consumption
Yarn
Consumption
Consumption 0.27
0.27(g)
(g)Consumption
(g) 0.270.390.39
0.270.27(g) 0.270.39 0.39 0.22
0.39 0.220.22
0.39 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.23 0.230.23 0.23
0.23 0.23 0.27 0.270.27 0.27 0.27
0.27
Yarn Yarn Consumption
Yarn
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of Stitch Yarn Consumption
Yarn Consumption
Consumption
Consumption
per Embroidered
per per
per Embroidered per Embroidered
Embroidered
Embroidered 489 489 489 489 706 706
per Embroidered
489 489706 706 398706
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489
AreaArea
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Area 2(g/m 2) (g/m2)
) Area
) Area
(g/m(g/m
2)
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Number of Stitches 1255 2084 1378 1360 1361

Yarn Consumption (g) 0.27 0.39 0.22
Figure 6 shows the simulated and measured values of the 0.23
S11 parameter of these0.27
antennas,
Yarn Consumption
measured with a VNA.
per Embroidered 489It is clean706
that the measurements
398 match closely
416 to the simulations.
489 Where
antenna 3 is 2the
Area (g/m ) one with the best match of the reflection coefficient.

Figure 6. Simulated
Figure
Figure
Figure andand
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6. Simulated
6. Simulated measured
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Simulated
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and
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return
of return
loss of lossantennas.
embroidered
of antennas.
of embroidered
embroidered embroidered
antennas.
antennas. antennas.

2.3.2.3.
Integration
2.3. 2.3. into
Integration
Integration Clothing
Integration
2.3.into
Integration
intointo Clothing
into Clothing
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When When developing
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electromagnetic
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for electromagnetic E-Caption:
harvestingthe
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E-Caption:
E-Caption:
E-Caption: andSmart
E-Caption:
Smart
Smart Sustainable
and and Smart
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2.3. Integration
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When developing
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and desirable
Antennas 4 and format is a challenge.
5 present very similar Some authors
behavior thathave been
might integrating
indicate the angletextile antennas
of the in products
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in a pleasing way, for instance, as wearable antennas for commercial advertisement
is not influencing it. Coherently, antenna 1 shows the higher shift of the frequency that can be due to proposes,
dissimulated
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fact the direction ofnames and logotypes
the embroidery stitch [32,33]. However,tountil
is perpendicular now,line.
the feed the microstrip patch
Additionally, textile
antenna 2
antennas
was madehave
usingbeen built ex
a vertical situ as
stitch, andwasthen posteriorly
antenna integrated
3, having however, in athe lining
higher of the garment
number or This
of stitches. into
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makes or current
simply flowgluedless
to the cloth. due the constant breaks and higher number of air gaps in the
continuous,
This paper
embroidery proposes
[15], reducing thean innovativeof the
conductivity solution
patch, that
whichpresents
may explainthe the
first antennabetween
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manufactured directly in the clothing
magnitudes of the return loss of antennas 3 and 2. as it is made with the same textile materials composing the
cloth. This cloth is a smart coat for electromagnetic harvestingthe E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable
2.3.
Coat,Integration
in which into Clothing has a substrate that is continuous and was cut according to the pattern-
the antenna
makingWhen of the coat, thus
developing beingtextile
smart part of it.
products, bringing technologies to the consumer in an acceptable
and desirable format is a challenge. Some authors have been integrating textile antennas in products
in a pleasing way, for instance, as wearable antennas for commercial advertisement proposes,
dissimulated in brand names and logotypes [32,33]. However, until now, the microstrip patch textile
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 8 of 13

antennas have been built ex situ and then posteriorly integrated in the lining of the garment or into
pockets or simply glued to the cloth.
This paper proposes an innovative solution that presents the first antenna prototype manufactured
directly in the clothing as it is made with the same textile materials composing the cloth. This cloth is
a smart coat for electromagnetic harvestingthe E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat, in which the
antenna has a substrate that is continuous and was cut according to the pattern-making of the8coat,
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 of 13
thus being part of it.
This
This innovative
innovative solution
solutionto
tointegrate
integrateantennas
antennasintointocloths
clothsisisillustrated inin
illustrated Figure 7. 7.
Figure The antenna
The antennais
integrated into the clothing by manipulating it as a simple emblem. In the future, the
is integrated into the clothing by manipulating it as a simple emblem. In the future, the antennas can antennas can
be
be incorporated
incorporated into into patterns
patterns and
and drawings,
drawings, mixing
mixing conductive
conductive and and non-conductive embroideries,
non-conductive embroideries,
creating
creating fashionable
fashionable emblems
emblems that
that function
function as
as antennas.
antennas. These
These emblem
emblem antennas
antennas may
may be accessible
be accessible
to the end user for customization of smart cloth, for several applications.
to the end user for customization of smart cloth, for several applications.

Figure 7.
Figure 7. Comparison
Comparison of
of techniques
techniques of
of integration
integration of
of antennas
antennas into
into cloth
cloth (a)
(a) typical
typical integration
integration and
and
(b) emblem approach.
(b) emblem approach.

E-Caption: Smart
E-Caption: Smart and
and Sustainable
Sustainable Coat
Coat
The integration
The integration of of textile
textile antennas
antennas forfor energy
energy harvesting
harvesting into
into smart
smart clothing
clothing emerges
emerges as as aa
particularly interesting solution when the replacement of batteries is not easy to
particularly interesting solution when the replacement of batteries is not easy to practice, such as inpractice, such as in
wearable devices. A fully-embedded antenna in clothing contributes for the integration
wearable devices. A fully-embedded antenna in clothing contributes for the integration of electronic of electronic
devices in
devices in less
less obtrusive
obtrusive ways,
ways, improving
improving the the good
good aesthetic
aesthetic and
and the
the technical
technical design,
design, making
making the the
garment more comfortable and desirable to the final consumer. This might
garment more comfortable and desirable to the final consumer. This might enhance niche markets enhance niche markets
where form
where formandandfunction
functionworkwork together
together in order
in order to create
to create newnew attractive
attractive textiletextile products
products that can that can
assist
assist
the theinuser
user manyin many
aspectsaspects
of theirofdaily
theirroutine.
daily routine.
The E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable
The E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat Coat was
was developed
developed combining
combining thesethese concepts,
concepts, integrating
integrating
antenna A
antenna A produced
produced by by the
the lamination
lamination manufacturing
manufacturing technique
technique presented
presented in in previous
previous sections.
sections. ItIt is
is
the first prototype of a smart coat with a printed monopole antenna fully integrated,
the first prototype of a smart coat with a printed monopole antenna fully integrated, as its dielectric is as its dielectric
is the
the textile
textile material
material composing
composing the itself.
the coat coat itself. The
The coat is coat
madeisofmade of Cordura
Cordura and of a 3D and of a(Reference
fabric 3D fabric
(Referencefabric,
30033D 30033D fabric, from LMALeandro
from LMALeandro Manuel Arajo,Manuel Arajo,
Ltda.). Figure Ltda.).the
8 shows Figure 8 shows
E-Caption the
coat with
E-Caption coat with the textile antenna
the textile antenna for RF energy harvesting. for RF energy harvesting.
In the past years, some authors have been analyzing the influence of the human body on the
performance of textile antennas [34,35]. However, no one has analyzed the influence of its integration
on clothing on its performance. Therefore, the analysis of the integration of antennas and the
evaluation of their behavior after integration into clothing are discussed in Section 3.
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 9 of 13
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 9 of 13

Sensors 2016, 16, 938 9 of 13

(a) (b)
Figure 8. E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat. (a) Design of the coat and (b) integrated antenna, in
Figure 8. E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat. (a) Design of the coat and (b) integrated antenna,
detail.
in detail.

3. Results
In the past years, some authors have been analyzing the influence of the human body on the
The performance
performance of the (a)
of textile antennasantenna
[34,35].ofHowever,
the E-Caption:
no oneSmart and Sustainable
has analyzed (b) Coat was
the influence tested
of its in the
integration
anechoic chamber,
on clothing as shown in Therefore,
onE-Caption:
its performance. Figure 9.
Figure 8. Smart and Sustainablethe analysis
Coat. of theofintegration
(a) Design the coat andof(b)
antennas andantenna,
integrated the evaluation
in
of their behavior after integration into clothing are discussed in Section 3.
detail.

3. Results
3. Results
The performance
The performance of
of the
the antenna
antenna of the E-Caption:
of the Smart and
E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable
Sustainable Coat
Coat was
was tested
tested in
in the
the
anechoic chamber, as shown in Figure
anechoic chamber, as shown in Figure 9.9.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 9. Performance of the antenna in the anechoic chamber (a) in free space and (b,c) on-body
measurements.

Figure 10 presents the variation in the S11 parameter obtained through numerical simulation and
measured in free space, before and after the integration into the smart coat. It is possible to see the
(a) (b) (c)
agreement between the simulated and measured values even in the on-body measurements. The
textileFigure 9. Performance
antenna
Figure 9.
presents anofoperating
the antenna in the anechoic
frequency range chamber
capable (a) in free spacecovering
of completely and (b,c) the
Performance of the antenna in the anechoic chamber (a) in free space and
on-body
GSM900
measurements.
(880960 MHz) and the DCS1800 (17101880 MHz).
(b,c) on-body measurements.

Figure 10 presents the variation in the S11 parameter obtained through numerical simulation and
Figurein10
measured presents
free space, the variation
before in the
and after the Sintegration
11 parameter obtained
into through
the smart coat. Itnumerical
is possiblesimulation
to see the
and measured in free space, before and after the integration into the smart coat.
agreement between the simulated and measured values even in the on-body measurements. It is possible toThe
see
the agreement
textile antennabetween
presentsthe
an simulated
operating and measured
frequency rangevalues evenofincompletely
capable the on-body measurements.
covering The
the GSM900
(880960 MHz) and the DCS1800 (17101880 MHz).
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 10 of 13
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 10 of 13

textile antenna presents an operating frequency range capable of completely covering the GSM900
Sensors 2016,MHz)
(880960 16, 938and the DCS1800 (17101880 MHz). 10 of 13

Figure 10. Simulated and measured return loss, before/after the integration on clothing.

Even after integrated into clothing, the radiation pattern of the antenna is clearly
Figure 10.
omnidirectional. TheSimulated
Figure 11 and measured
shows return loss,pattern
the radiation before/after theantenna
of the integration on integrated
fully clothing.
Figure 10. Simulated and measured return loss, before/after the integration on clothing. into the
smart coat structure and also measured on-body. The results depicted in Figure 11 correspond to the
Even after integrated into clothing, the radiation pattern of the antenna is clearly
XZ plane. This integrated
Even after is the onlyinto measurable plane (see Figure 9), due to the configuration and placement
omnidirectional. The Figure 11clothing,
shows the theradiation
radiation pattern
pattern of the
of the antenna
antenna isfully
clearly omnidirectional.
integrated into the
of the antenna
The Figure on the
11 showsand coat. Nevertheless,
the radiation pattern it is the
of the antenna most relevant
fullydepicted
integratedplane in order to evaluate the
smart coat structure also measured on-body. The results in into
Figurethe11smart coat
correspond structure
to the
omnidirectional
andplane.
also measured characteristic
on-body. of the antenna.
The resultsplane
depicted
XZ This is the only measurable (see in Figure
Figure 9),11 correspond
due to the XZ plane.
to the configuration This is the
and placement
only Moreover, given the position of the antenna on the coat, previously shown in Figure 8, it isonclear
of themeasurable
antenna on plane
the (see
coat.Figure 9), due toitthe
Nevertheless, is configuration
the most relevant and placement
plane in orderof thetoantenna
evaluate the
the
that
coat. the direction
Nevertheless, at
itwhich
is the the
most antenna
relevant will present
plane in less
order to influence
evaluate from
the the coat or
omnidirectional from the person
characteristic
omnidirectional characteristic of the antenna.
occurs at nearly 30 in the broadside direction. This is confirmed by the results depicted in Figure 11.
of theMoreover,
antenna. given the position of the antenna on the coat, previously shown in Figure 8, it is clear
that the direction at which the antenna will present less influence from the coat or from the person
occurs at nearly 30 in the broadside direction. This is confirmed by the results depicted in Figure 11.

(a) (b)
Figure 11. Measured radiation pattern of the textile antenna into the coat at (a) 900 MHz and
Figure 11. Measured radiation pattern of the textile antenna into the coat at (a) 900 MHz and
(b) 1800 MHz. (a) (b)
(b) 1800 MHz.
Figure 11. Measured
According radiation
to the results pattern
presented in of the textile
Figure 11, oneantenna into the that,
may conclude coat at
as (a) 900 MHz
expected, theand
mass of
Moreover,
(b) 1800 given
MHz. the position of the antenna on the coat, previously shown
the coat and mainly of the person influence the radiation characteristic of the antenna.in Figure 8, it isInclear
the
that the direction
measurement at which
of the emptythe antenna
jacket, when will present
the less influence
coat places betweenfrom the coat
the probe or fromand
antenna thethe
person
test
According
occurs nearlyto
at around 30 theinresults
presented
the broadside in Figure
direction. 11, one may conclude that, as expected, the mass 11.
of
antenna, 160, there is a reduction in theThis
gainisof
confirmed by the
the antenna, results
which depicted
is due to thein Figure
presence of
the coat and mainly
According to the of thepresented
results person influence
in Figure theone
11, radiation
may characteristic
conclude that, as of the antenna.
expected, the massInof the
the
a large dielectric body, that is, the coat. Nevertheless, the antenna shows a nearly omnidirectional
measurement
coat and mainly ofofthe
theempty
personjacket, when
influence the the coat places
radiation between
characteristic of the antenna.
probe antenna and the test
In the measurement
pattern.
antenna,
of theThe around
empty 160,when
jacket, therethe
is acoat
reduction
places in the gainthe
between of probe
the antenna,
antenna which theis due
testtoantenna,
the presence of
on-body antenna performs differently. Since the human bodyandis conductive, around
it absorbs and
a large dielectric body, that is, the coat. Nevertheless, the antenna shows a nearly omnidirectional
reflects radiofrequency waves. The results on Figure 11 show that when the body is behind the test
pattern.
antenna, at 30 broadside, a slight increase in gain is measured. However, when the body is between
The on-body antenna performs differently. Since the human body is conductive, it absorbs and
the probe and the test antenna, at 160, it will absorb a high amount of radiation and will reflect the
reflects radiofrequency waves. The results on Figure 11 show that when the body is behind the test
antenna, at 30 broadside, a slight increase in gain is measured. However, when the body is between
the probe and the test antenna, at 160, it will absorb a high amount of radiation and will reflect the
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 11 of 13

160 , there is a reduction in the gain of the antenna, which is due to the presence of a large dielectric
body, that is, the coat. Nevertheless, the antenna shows a nearly omnidirectional pattern.
The on-body antenna performs differently. Since the human body is conductive, it absorbs and
reflects radiofrequency waves. The results on Figure 11 show that when the body is behind the test
antenna, at 30 broadside, a slight increase in gain is measured. However, when the body is between
the probe and the test antenna, at 160 , it will absorb a high amount of radiation and will reflect the
rest in the opposite direction, shielding the test antenna and, thus, create a null of radiation at this
point. This happens for both frequencies, being clearer at 1800 MHz.

4. Discussion
In the future, garments will not only communicate social conditions or protect the human body
against the extremes of nature, but will also provide information and communication tools. Clothes are
becoming able to communicate wirelessly without the need of large and expensive equipment. This is
possible because textile technologies can produce new types of sensors and antennas that are so small,
flexible, and inexpensive that they can be applied in different types of clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The effective integration of wearable systems contributes to the advance of the IoT. The innovative
concept of producing textile antennas to integrate into clothing by simply manipulating it as an
emblem may improve the usage of the wearable technologies. In the future, the wearable antennas
can be incorporated into textile patterns and drawings, creating fashionable antennas. These
emblem antennas may be easily acceded by the end user, for customization of smart cloth for
several applications.
The E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat is the first prototype of this concept, integrating
an emblem antenna capable of completely covering GSM900 (880960 MHz) and the DCS1800
(17101880 MHz) bands, for IoT applications. In this context, the integration of textile antennas for
energy harvesting into smart clothing can be a solution for recharging wearable devices, such as
low-power electronics and WBSN.

5. Conclusions
Embedding antennas in clothing contributes for the advance of the integration of electronic
devices in less obtrusive way making the smart clothes more comfortable. In the E-caption, the antenna
is manufactured directly on the clothing, having a continuous dielectric substrate made with the textile
materials composing the coat. Therefore, a continuous substrate of the antenna does not influence
its performance. Moreover, the presented results show that, despite the masses of the coat and of
the body influencing the radiation characteristic of the integrated antenna, it still shows a nearly
omnidirectional pattern.
This work shows that emblem antennas, including the ones having ground planes, may be
manufactured by lamination and embroidering techniques. When laminating, the ironing process
without steam seems to be preferable as it better preserves the electromagnetic performance of the
materials. Additionally, this work shows the orientation of the conductive fabric used for the patch
is not influencing the performance of the laminated antenna. In addition, it shows the direction
and number of the stitches in the embroidery may contribute to increasing the conductivity of some
elements, thus improving the performance.
Other techniques to produce emblem antennas may be considered in the future, for
instance, transfer, screen printing, and inkjet methods. Finally, this innovative concept of textile
antennas for energy harvesting might open new horizons in the clothing development and in
sustainable communication.

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank CAPES Foundation for the Ph.D. grant, process
No. 9371-13/3; the FCT/MEC for the Ph.D. grant SFRH/BD/91249/2012. This work is funded by FCT/MEC
through national funds and when applicable co-funder by FEDER-PT2020 in partnership agreement under the
project UID/EEA/50008/2013 and UID/Multi/00195/2013.
Sensors 2016, 16, 938 12 of 13

Author Contributions: Caroline Loss and Rita Salvado designed the experimental plan. Caroline Loss
manufactured the antennas. Catarina Lopes made the embroidering. Caroline Loss and Catarina Lopes made
the E-Caption: Smart and Sustainable Coat prototype. Ricardo Gonalves and Pedro Pinho designed the textile
antenna. Ricardo Gonalves and Caroline Loss made the measurements. Caroline Loss and Rita Salvado wrote
the manuscript. All authors revised the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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