N. Kingstown, R.I.-based high-tech research and development company Applied Radar has developed a new line of electronic textile (or E-textile) antennas that promises lightweight, flexible antennas for OEM wireless and radar products.

    "Electronic textiles promise novel methods of producing lightweight, flexible antennas with performance surpassing current solutions to address a wide variety of applications," noted Bill Weedon, president and CEO of Applied Radar, Inc. "What's exciting about this new technology is that the E-textile manufacturing methods enable a drastic cost reduction and a seamless integration into the environment. In addition, conformal encapsulation of E-Textile electronics opens new frontiers to system designers in the aircraft, shipbuilding, and automotive industries."

    The ET-100 series of antennas are lighter weight and lower cost than traditional printed circuit alternatives and provide enhanced compatibility, improved manufacturability and performance. This textile technology is expected to displace traditional printed circuit antenna technology in many applications. In addition, the flexibility provided offers a range of new applications -- from aesthetically pleasing home wireless to wearable fashion-enhancing garment antennas, according to Applied Radar.

    A sister technology, ET-Conformal, enables Applied Radar to provide system integrators and OEM product designers with the opportunity to integrate low-cost antennas into such products a ceiling tiles, airframes, vehicles, and ship hulls. Current applications cover frequencies to 3 GHz, with a further extension to 12 GHz expected shortly.