The research work in this dissertation describe the reconfigurable frequency textile antenna for GPS and WiFi applications.The idea of reconfigurable frequency textile antenna helps to reduce the antenna size, cost, and gives more flexibility for wireless body area network (WBAN) application. Reconfigurable frequency antenna is useful in the rapid growth of the wireless communication system. The advantages of reconfigurable frequency antenna are to minimize interference with other wireless system and maximizing throughput. This dissertation proposed a reconfigurable frequency textile antenna (RFTA) with reconfigurable ability to switch from a single band frequency (GPS) into dual-band frequency (GPS and WiFi) and vice versa. RFTA
is composed of a truncated edges rectangular patch in order to perform circular polarization and incorporated with the slot structure at the ground plane. Three PIN diode switches are integrated at the slotted to varying the total size of the slot. By controlling the state of the switches, such antenna is able to perform at different operating frequencies. Besides, the antenna is using slotted method at the ground plane are capable to maintain the performances of circular polarization pattern at GPS operating frequency. With a dimension of 113 x 99 mm2, it is compact enough to be integrated in clothing for WBAN applications. On the other hand, RFTA is analyzed in term of bending conduction since the wearable antenna will be attached at arm will
easily bend due to human body structure. The simulation results further indicated that the RFTA under the bending degree of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, and 80° are good in most cases. Based on a preliminary assessment of specific absorption rate (SAR) results, this research confirms that RFTA is safe to the human being where the simulation SAR results are less than 1.6 W/kg and 2 W/kg for 1g and 10g mass of tissues correspondingly at based on International Commision on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) regulation. With all capabilities demonstrated and discussed, the RFTA antenna made of felt fabric and ShieldIt Super has big potential in realizing a new smart garment antenna.
