A compact wideband low-profile all textile on/off body antenna for Satcom and defense applications

Abstract

A compact, flexible, low-profile end-fire broadband wearable antenna operating in Ku-band /X-band is proposed in this manuscript for defense and satellite communications (Satcom) applications. The main objective of this work is cross-polarization reduction by the defected ground structure (DGS), which offers a wider bandwidth. Due to its flexibility and ability to absolutely conform to the curved-shaped human body, denim fabric is used as a substrate, whereas copper tape is used as a conductor, which allows for the integration of the antenna into garments and makes it appropriate for a wide range of wearable applications in various bands. The prototype has been developed with a size of $20\times 20\times 0.5$ mm³ for experimental validation. The measured results from a fabricated prototype are well matched with the simulated ones of the proposed design, which indicate a wide bandwidth of 57.35% (7.76–14 GHz) appropriate for use in applications such as defense operating from 8 to 12 GHz, satellite TV (11.7–12.2 GHz), Ku-band downlink (10.95–11.7 GHz), Ku-band uplink (11.7–14.5 GHz), and a high gain of 5.1 dBi. The specific absorption rate (SAR) is much below the permissible limit of 1.6 W/kg, with better radiation characteristics. Thus, the proposed antenna is more compact, and it clearly achieves a smaller footprint, larger impedance bandwidths, and a low SAR with potential prospect for Satcom and defense purposes.