Inkjet-Printed Antennas for Wireless Communication

Advances in small, nearly conformal wireless electronics have created a need for compatible flexible antennas. Potential applications include radio-frequency identification tags, unmanned aerial vehicle communication, radio technology, mobile phones, and sensors for cars and aircraft. The goal of this project is to use an inkjet printer with conductive ink to print functional antennas. Materials for this technology are readily available and antennas can be produced quickly and inexpensively. The team conducted a design of experiments to determine the best method for printing a working antenna by testing different printers, inks, substrates, and printing methods. Conductive ink was used with standard inkjet printers to create a two-dimensional antenna print. Size and flexibility were key design parameters.