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Development of Woven Fabric-based Electrical Circuits

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Anuj Dhawan
Affiliation:
College of Textiles, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, U.S.A.
Tushar K. Ghosh
Affiliation:
College of Textiles, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, U.S.A.
Abdelfattah M. Seyam
Affiliation:
College of Textiles, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, U.S.A.
John Muth
Affiliation:
College of Electrical Engineering, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, U.S.A
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Abstract

This paper describes the development of woven electrical circuits, which are formed by interlacing conducting and non-conducting threads into a woven fabric. Conductive threads in these electrical networks are arranged and woven such that they follow desired electrical circuit designs. Electronic devices can be attached to these electrical networks, which can serve as flexible circuit boards. In these woven circuits, an efficient transfer of current from one conductive yarn to an orthogonal one is achieved by the formation of an effective electrical interconnect at the point of intersection of these yarns. Formation of woven conductive networks also involves disconnect formation or cutting of conductive yarns at certain specified points. Different methods and processes were identified and applied in order to form interconnects and disconnects at specified points of these fabrics. Efficacy of these interconnects was evaluated by DC resistance and AC Signal measurements. The results of these evaluations are reported. The conductive threads woven into these fabric-based circuits were also evaluated for signal integrity issues.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

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References

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