It is safer and more reliable to “sewn” the antenna into the communication equipment in the clothes

According to the US Daily Science website, recently, in order to make communication equipment more convenient and reliable, scientists at the Ohio State University have developed a new method that can use a plastic film and metal wire to directly sewn radio antennas into clothing, a new antenna system. The range of radio signals that can be received is 4 times that of conventional antennas. Scientists say that next-generation communication systems may rely on sewing machines. Related research was published in the "Antenna and Wireless Communications Express" recently published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

New technology sews the antenna into the fabric. For many infantry, activity and communication are often not available, making them helpless. The antennas they use may be large and not easily added to their existing heavy loads.

“Our main goal is to improve the reliability of communications and make it easier for the soldiers to do so,” said Chen Zhiqi, an associate professor of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering at Ohio State University. “However, police, fire fighters, and spaceflight The staff can also use this technology to free up hands for other important activities."

In the past, scientists had proposed to embed communication equipment in clothes. The latest system took the essence of previous research and used a new method to integrate all devices effectively. And scientists also added a unique computer-controlled device to the entire system, allowing multiple antennas to be on a piece of fabric. Collaborative work.

John Frakas, director of the University’s Electronic Science Laboratory, said: “We will not see the antenna on the mobile phone because the antenna has been built into the mobile phone part. Now, we hope to do it on the clothes. a little."

Engineers created a model antenna by etching multiple layers of thin layer brass onto a commercial plastic film FR-4. This film is light and soft and can be sewn into fabrics. The scientists weaved the film into four positions on the chest, back and shoulders of a vest. In laboratory tests, the new antenna system can provide stronger signals than traditional military antennas, allowing it to receive signals in the range of four times the previous.

Engineers are also studying the direct printing of this antenna on clothes, while also trying to use a wire to sewed the antenna directly into the clothes and moved an ordinary home sewing machine into the lab. Test results show that they can embroider the antenna into cotton, taffeta, and other fabrics.

The key is to allow the antenna to “talk” to the network communication code. However, when the antenna is in contact with human skin, the body will generally absorb radio signals and form a short circuit, and if the antenna is placed improperly, when people are carrying walls or other obstacles When the object moves, the human body may prevent the radio from receiving or sending signals.

The Ohio State University scientists overcome several problems by letting several antennae that work together to transmit or receive signals round the body. In addition, Li Yongji, a doctoral student at the university, has also developed a computer-controlled device—a metal box that is a bit smaller and a foot thick than a credit card, and uses network communications that engineers have developed to coordinate signals between antennas. The code controls the antenna. Scientists weave this computer-controlled device on a person's belt. No matter which direction the person is facing, the added computer-controlled device senses the movement of the body and turns on the antenna to activate the antenna that performs best for a given body position.

So, the scientists have developed new communication systems that can send and receive signals in all directions, and when the system goes through a wall or in a building, it can send and receive signals, and does not require the wearer to carry extra Antenna. Researchers have tested their performance in the aisles of electronic science labs, where both doors and windows interfere, and found that they can efficiently receive and transmit signals.

Chen Chih-chi says that deploying such an antenna system for each person will cost US$200, but large-scale production will significantly reduce costs. Engineers are working with antenna design companies to apply for and commercialize this technology.

Fracas believes that this technology is also suitable for use by the general public. Moreover, elderly people and people with disabilities can wear such clothes and communicate with the outside world in an emergency. He said: "Imagine a vest or T-shirt made from this kind of technology and we will feel very like it."