IoT-Integrated Transparent Flexible Monopole Antenna for Wireless Communication in Agriculture

Flexible and transparent antennas are essential in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, particularly for smart farming applications that require wireless communication over uneven surfaces. This study presents the design and simulation of a transparent, flexible monopole antenna, utilizing a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, operating at 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi applications. Three antenna models were designed to investigate the effects of structural modifications on performance. Antenna results triple resonance frequency of 2.4 GHz, 4.5 GHz and 6.8 GHz. Simulation results reveal that the optimal design operates at 2.47 GHz, with a return loss of -14.69 dB. Antenna has maximum directivity of 3.6 dBi. Bending tests at 30°, 60°, and 90° demonstrate that the antenna remains stable despite slight frequency shifts. The measured results shows that the antenna has in good agreement with the simulation result. The transparent PDMS substrate not only offers excellent flexibility but also provides environmental protection, making the antenna ideal for IoT applications such as soil moisture monitoring in agriculture.