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In many circumstances Smart
Clothing needs to interact and communicate with other devices, either on
the same user or in the environment. The technology of wireless
communication is rapidly moving and low cost, low power, highly reliable
miniaturised communications elements can be integrated into smart
textiles.
Integrated wireless networks
Fabric area networks (FANs) enable electronic
devices to exchange digital information, power, and control signals
within the user’s personal space and remote locations. FANs use wireless
RF communication links using currents measuring one nanoamp yet can
transmit data at speed equivalent to a 2400-baud modem.
Low power short distance, and higher power longer distance wireless
protocols can be integrated into the clothing. These include:
Textile Antennae
In order to improve the reception and transmission of wireless
information for wireless communications by smart clothing, for example
mobile phones, GPS, the surface of the clothing must be used as an
antenna. In order to do this effectively flexible, textile-based
antennae have been developed, to be integrated into jackets and shirts.
Woven RFID antennas (CEA-LETI/METIS/Sofileta)
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