From Rigid to Flexible and Stretchable: Considerations for Design of Wireless Electronics on Skin

In this paper, we consider the design challenges and solutions for achieving both good electrical performance and convenience of use for skin wearable electronics. User convenience includes both enhancing the benefit of using the device and minimizing the interference with normal life caused by the device. The electrical performance includes reliability of conductors and inter-connections to discrete components, as well as the RF performance of the antenna for wireless communication. We discuss flexibility and stretchability as solutions for user convenience, but also consider the negative effects they cause for the electrical reliability. Further, we identify size and height as important factors for both convenience and RF performance.