Electronic Textiles Move Forward
As a proof-of-concept, Infineon created a small section of "smart" carpet. This carpet appears just like conventional fitted carpet - all of the microcontroller and sensor functions are arranged beneath the fibre surface. Depending on the particular requirements, the distance between the microcontrollers can be freely defined.
The demonstrator developed by Infineon incorporates robust encapsulated integrated capacitive sensors that act as touch detectors and LEDs as display elements. A carpet equipped with these chips and with this electronic architecture could thus be used as a motion or fire detector.
The more densely the sensor elements are arranged, the more precise the results of measurement. At the same time, the integrated LEDs support use of the high-tech carpet as a control system that can be used in public buildings to mark walking routes and control the flow of visitors or to mark escape routes in an emergency.
In order to evaluate the information supplied by the microcontrollers, individually adapted programs can be written.
The chips are interconnected by means of extremely fine signal and data conductors that are woven into a braided material that acts as the carrier. This interconnecting woven material can be the base layer or an intermediate layer of a carpet or of any other textile material. Each chip communicates via a self-learning "neural network" with its immediate neighbour and uses a software algorithm to ascertain its own position. If an element within the network is faulty, the chips automatically search for new ways to maintain communication.
Since the coordinates are stored in the chip and the entire carpet network is self-organising, a faulty semiconductor element or a damaged connection does not impair the networks ability to function. The self-organising nature of the material allows it to be cut to size in order to fit a specific area or a desired shape. Once it is cut and installed, the information network is connected via a data interface to existing systems, such as the alarm, air-conditioning or IT system.
Dr Werner Weber, senior director at the Emerging Technologies Lab, reports: "This innovative technology for integrating microelectronics into textile surfaces will be further developed in conjunction with cooperation partners from the textile industry within two years to produce a fully functional and intelligent woven material that could be used to cover a wide area."
Another potential field of application for the new high-tech textiles is the building industry. Here, the sensors could be used as a means of detecting faults in concrete at an early stage. The water and heat-resistant chips could be integrated into columns, floors and walls, where they could collate information about the condition of the building material. Information gathered in this way could then be evaluated by means of a laptop computer connected to an interface of the concrete carrier. This would also allow static investigations to be performed faster and more cost-efficiently.
Application in the field of advertising and information is also conceivable - when integrated into tent roofs or Zeppelin (airship) and balloon covers, the controllable LEDs as well as other display elements could be used to convey advertising messages.
The same research team demonstrated practical integration of electronics into clothing a year ago with "Wearable Electronics".
