Effecting factors on electrical resistance of conductive paths

Abstract

Wearable electronics, wearable devices, and wearable technology concepts are gaining more importance day by day. With the developments in conductive and electronic industry which can be used in the clothing manufacturing, smart garments category look set to expand in terms of wearable offerings. There are different pathways to make a garment smart and, in all circumstances, there is a need for a path for connection between conductive components. This could be provided by cables conventionally or conductive paths can be utilized. Usually conductive fabrics, conductive printing and conductive yarns are used to create conductive paths. When using conductive yarns sewing is the most preferred technique for both electronic component and conductive path production. In this study, conductive paths are generated using different conductive yarns, stitch types, stitch densities, and thread positions and the effect of these parameters on electrical resistance values were investigated. Results showed that conductive thread type, stitch density, and conductive thread position are significant factors on electrical resistance values.