Researchers at The Ohio State University have embroidered circuits into fabric with 0.1 mm precision -- an ideal size for integrating sensors and electronic components into clothing. The achievement supports the development of new wearable technology, including a bandage that monitors tissue or a flexible fabric cap that senses brain activity.

Researchers at The Ohio State University are developing embroidered antennas and circuits with 0.1 mm precision—the perfect size to integrate electronic components such as sensors and computer memory devices into clothing. Photo by Jo McCulty, courtesy of The Ohio State University.

The functional textiles, also called “e-textiles,” are created in part on a typical tabletop sewing machine. The machine automatically embroiders thread into fabric, based on a pattern loaded via a computer file. The researchers substitute the thread with fine silver metal wires that, once embroidered, feel the same as traditional clothing materials.

Previously, the researchers had used silver-coated polymer thread with a 0.5-mm diameter, each thread made up of 600 even finer filaments twisted together. The new threads have a 0.1-mm diameter, made with only seven filaments. Each filament is copper at the center, enameled with pure silver.

Tests showed that an embroidered 6-inch-across spiral antenna transmitted signals at frequencies of 1 to 5 GHz with near-perfect efficiency. The antenna could be used to send signals and health data to mobile devices.

Source 

Topics:
Anatomy Antennas Consumer electronics Data Acquisition Diagnostics Electronic Components Electronic equipment Electronics Fabrics Medical Medical equipment and supplies Medical, health and wellness Medical, health, and wellness Nervous system Patient Monitoring Research and development Sensors Sensors and actuators

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    This article first appeared in the June, 2016 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine.

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