An electronic tag

Abstract

The application provides an electronic tag, which comprises an electronic tag antenna and a tag chip; the tag chip comprises an RF module, a protocol and data processing module, and a memory module; the protocol and data processing module comprises at least a read-write unit and n read-only units; the electronic tag of the application integrates the read-only units of multiple read-only communication protocols and one read-write unit; each unit of the protocol and data processing module corresponds to a specific communication protocol and processes different data frame lengths, coding formats and transmission rates; thus, the electronic tag supports multiple protocols in hardware, solves the multi-reader compatibility problem of the RFID railway car number automatic identification system in the upgrading transition period, and meanwhile, the different units in the protocol and data processing module realize protocol separation, reduce instruction interference, and improve the identification rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of radio frequency tag technology. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, railway vehicle number automatic identification systems use ISO10374 protocol electronic tags based on RFID technology, which only support read-only mode and cyclically transmit 120 bits of vehicle number data at a rate of 10kbps. While this meets basic vehicle number identification requirements, in the context of train speed increases and information technology development, existing technologies have the following limitations:

[0003] Insufficient data capacity: It can only transmit vehicle number information and cannot obtain more pre-stored vehicle data;

[0004] Low transmission rate: difficult to meet the large data volume requirements of high-speed trains;

[0005] The writing method is limited: the tag data must be modified through a wired SPI interface, which is cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This technology proposes an electronic tag to address the technical problem mentioned in the background section that existing RFID radio frequency tags have limited functionality and cannot further meet user needs.

[0007] This invention mainly provides an electronic tag, which includes an electronic tag antenna T1 and a tag chip T2; the electronic tag antenna T1 is used to enable wireless communication between the tag chip T2 and the electronic tag reader / writer;

[0008] The tag chip T2 includes an RF module T21, a protocol and data processing module T22, and a memory module T23;

[0009] The protocol and data processing module T22 includes at least a read / write unit T220 and n read-only units T22n, where n is a positive integer.

[0010] The RF module T21 is used to receive the working instructions sent by the reader / writer, so that the read / write unit T220 or each read-only unit T22n can respond.

[0011] The RF module T21 is further configured to send the data to be transmitted from the tag chip T2 to the reader / writer; wherein the data to be transmitted is data fed back by the read / write unit T220 or the read-only unit T22n based on the working instruction; the working instruction includes a working mode conversion instruction for causing the electronic tag to enter the read-only communication protocol or one of the working instructions in the read / write communication protocol;

[0012] The RF module T21 includes a virtual power supply T211, a modulation circuit T212, and a demodulation circuit T213. The virtual power supply T211 is used to extract the energy of the radio frequency signal and provide energy to the tag chip T2. The modulation circuit T212 is used to perform radio frequency modulation on the data to be transmitted. The demodulation circuit T213 is used to receive or demodulate the working instructions sent by the reader.

[0013] The read / write unit T220 is used to process the read / write communication protocol or other work instructions sent by the reader to the RF module T21, and to complete related operations based on the read / write communication protocol to obtain the data to be sent, and to send the data to be sent through the modulation circuit T212, so that the electronic tag antenna T1 feeds back the data to be sent to the reader.

[0014] Each read-only unit T22n is used to read target data conforming to its read-only communication protocol from the memory module T23 according to the working instructions, and encode the target data according to a preset data encoding format to form a data frame;

[0015] The modulation circuit T212 is used to transmit the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate, so that the electronic tag antenna T1 feeds back the data to be transmitted to the reader.

[0016] Among them, the read-only communication protocol, data frame length, preset transmission rate and preset data encoding format of different read-only units T22n are all different.

[0017] The read-only working mode communication protocol includes, but is not limited to, the ISO10374 standard communication protocol; the read-write communication protocol includes the ISO18000-6C standard communication protocol or other standard communication protocols or custom RFID read-write communication protocols.

[0018] In this embodiment, the electronic tag integrates multiple read-only units with read-only working mode communication protocols and one read-write unit. Each unit of the protocol and data processing module corresponds to a specific communication protocol and handles different data frame lengths, encoding formats, and transmission rates. This enables the electronic tag to support multiple protocols in hardware, solving the multi-reader compatibility problem during the transition period of the railway vehicle number automatic identification system upgrade; at the same time, the different units in the protocol and data processing module achieve protocol separation to reduce instruction interference and improve the recognition rate.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the memory module T23 includes n storage regions, each of which has a mapping relationship with each read-only unit T22n and the read-only communication protocol of each read-only unit T22n; wherein each storage region is configured to store data required by the read-only communication protocol of the read-only unit with which it has a mapping relationship.

[0020] In this embodiment, the memory module is configured with n different storage areas to achieve protocol separation, reduce instruction interference, improve the recognition rate, enhance the instruction recognition rate, and make system communication more reliable.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the electronic tag further includes an SPI port T3;

[0022] The tag chip T2 also includes an SPI interface module T25;

[0023] The SPI port T3 is connected to the SPI interface module T25 via a wired connection, so that the tag chip T2 and the RFID reader / writer can communicate via a wired connection to call the read / write unit T220 to write data to the memory module T23.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the electronic tag antenna T1 is used to receive a first radio electromagnetic wave emitted by the reader and send the first radio electromagnetic wave to the tag chip T2, wherein the first radio electromagnetic wave represents an operating command.

[0025] The electronic tag antenna T1 is also used to convert the data to be transmitted from the tag chip T2 into a second radio electromagnetic wave signal and send it to the reader.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the tag chip T2 further includes a timer unit T24;

[0027] The timer unit T24 is used to count the transmission duration of the data to be transmitted when the modulation circuit T212 transmits the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate.

[0028] The protocol and data processing module T22 is also used to send a disable signal to the modulation circuit T212 to cut off its radio frequency transmission function when the transmission duration reaches the first set time; and to send an enable signal to the demodulation circuit T213.

[0029] The demodulation circuit T213 is used to activate the radio frequency signal receiving function when the enable signal is received, so that the electronic tag enters the listening mode.

[0030] In this embodiment, the electronic tag is in listening mode and will not be interfered with by other commands, which helps to improve the efficiency of receiving commands and makes it easier for the electronic tag to perform communication protocol conversion.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the memory module T23 further includes a specific memory unit T231;

[0032] The specific storage unit T231 is configured to store the read-only working mode identification code variable of the electronic tag;

[0033] The reader / writer is also used to write a new read-only working mode identifier code to the specific storage unit T231 through a write instruction, so that the tag chip T2 determines the new read-only communication protocol, target read-only unit and target storage area corresponding to the new read-only working mode identifier code;

[0034] The target read-only unit is used to read target data in the target storage area when the electronic tag is powered on.

[0035] In this embodiment of the application, when it is necessary to switch between read-only working mode and communication protocol, the RFID reader can send a read-only working mode conversion instruction to modify the current identification code of the read-only working mode identification code variable of a specific storage unit. The electronic tag can then load the modified read-only working mode, thereby realizing the communication protocol conversion between the various read-only units inside the tag chip of the electronic tag.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the tag chip T2 may include a read-only operating mode register;

[0037] The reader is also used to send a read-only working mode conversion instruction to the read-only working mode register of the tag chip T2 to change the current read-only working mode and the current read-only communication protocol of the electronic tag.

[0038] In this embodiment, the reader can send a read-only working mode conversion instruction to the read-only working mode register of the tag chip T2 to temporarily change the current read-only working mode and the current read-only communication protocol of the electronic tag. After the electronic tag loses power, the current registered data in the read-only working mode register will be lost. When the tag is powered on again, it will be reloaded according to the read-only working mode identifier code stored in the memory module. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system structure of an electronic tag provided in this application;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the system structure of an electronic tag provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the system structure of an electronic tag provided in this application.

[0043] Icon labels:

[0044] Electronic tag antenna-T1;

[0045] Tag chip - T2, RF module - T21, protocol and data processing module - T22, memory module - T23;

[0046] Read-write unit - T220, read-only unit - T22n;

[0047] Virtual power supply - T211, modulation circuit - T212, demodulation circuit - T213; timer unit - T24.

[0048] SPI port - T3, SPI interface module - T25.

[0049] Specific storage unit - T231. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this application may also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, and circuits are omitted so as not to obscure the description of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0051] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0052] It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0053] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0054] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic tag according to an embodiment of this application. The electronic tag of this embodiment can be applied to the application scenario of a railway vehicle number recognition system. The electronic tag of this embodiment is fixed on a railway train, and an electronic tag reader is set up at the railway station to communicate and interact with the electronic tag of this embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, an electronic tag in this embodiment includes an electronic tag antenna T1 and a tag chip T2; the electronic tag antenna T1 is used to enable wireless communication between the tag chip T2 and the reader; the reader in this embodiment is a reader that supports a read-write communication protocol, and this application embodiment uses an RFID electronic tag as an example for illustration;

[0058] The electronic tag antenna T1 is used to enable wireless communication between the tag chip T2 and the RFID reader; in this embodiment, the electronic tag antenna T1 can be an ultra-high frequency RFID electronic tag antenna.

[0059] For example, the electronic tag antenna T1 is used to receive a first radio electromagnetic wave emitted by the RFID reader and send the first radio electromagnetic wave to the tag chip T2, wherein the first radio electromagnetic wave represents an operating instruction; it is also used to convert the data to be transmitted by the tag chip T2 into a second radio electromagnetic wave signal and send it to the RFID reader; the operating instruction includes an instruction to switch the electronic tag into a read-only communication protocol or an operating instruction in a read-write communication protocol.

[0060] The tag chip T2 includes an RF module T21, a protocol and data processing module T22, and a memory module T23. The tag chip T2 is the core technology device of the electronic tag in this application embodiment. All functions of the electronic tag system are integrated into the tag chip, including the RF module T21, the protocol and data processing module T22, the memory module T23, and the timer unit T24.

[0061] The protocol and data processing module T22 includes at least a read / write unit T220 and a read-only unit.

[0062] T22n;

[0063] The RF module T21 is used to receive working instructions sent by the RFID reader for the reading and writing unit T220 to respond to; the working instructions include a working mode conversion instruction to switch the electronic tag into a read-only communication protocol or a working instruction in the read-write communication protocol;

[0064] The RF module T21 is also used to modulate and send the data to be sent by the tag chip T2 to the RFID reader; wherein, when the working instruction is a read-write communication protocol, the data to be sent can be the data fed back by the read-write unit T220 based on the working instruction; when the working instruction is a read-only communication protocol, the data to be sent can be the data fed back by the read-only unit T22n based on the working instruction.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the RF module T21 may include a virtual power supply T211, a modulation circuit T212, and a demodulation circuit T213. The virtual power supply T211 is used to extract the energy of the radio frequency signal and provide energy to the tag chip T2. The modulation circuit T212 is used to perform radio frequency modulation on the data to be transmitted. The demodulation circuit T213 is used to receive and demodulate the working instructions sent by the RFID reader.

[0066] The protocol and data processing module T22 includes at least one read / write unit T220 and multiple read-only units T22n;

[0067] The read / write unit T220 is used to process the working instructions sent by the RFID reader to the RF module T21, and to complete related operations based on the read / write communication protocol to obtain the data to be sent. The data to be sent is then sent through the modulation circuit T212, so that the electronic tag antenna T1 feeds back the data to be sent to the reader.

[0068] Each read-only unit T22n is used to read target data conforming to its read-only communication protocol from the memory module T23 according to the working instructions, and encode the target data according to a preset data encoding format to form a data frame;

[0069] The modulation circuit T212 is also used to transmit the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate, so that the electronic tag antenna T1 feeds back the data to be transmitted to the reader.

[0070] Among them, the read-only communication protocol, preset transmission rate and preset data encoding format of each read-only unit T22n are not the same;

[0071] Understandably, since the data frame length, data encoding format, and data transmission rate sent by the read-only unit T22n are different in each read-only operating mode, their communication protocols are also different, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between each read-only operating mode and its communication protocol. The read-write communication protocol enables the electronic tag to receive the working instructions from the RFID reader and complete the relevant read and write operations according to the instructions.

[0072] For example, the working mode of a read-only unit T22n is as follows: read the target data conforming to the read-only communication protocol from the memory module T23, encode the target data according to the preset data encoding format to form a data frame, and then continuously send the data frame as the data to be sent m times (m times is the preset number of times) at the preset transmission rate set by the read-only communication protocol. For example, sending it 1-20 times in a loop avoids data loss or delay, which is suitable for the application scenario of high-speed train operation.

[0073] In some embodiments, the memory module T23 includes n storage regions, each storage region having a mapping relationship with each read-only unit T22n and the read-only communication protocol of each read-only unit T22n; wherein each storage region is configured to store the data required by the read-only communication protocol of the read-only unit with which it has a mapping relationship.

[0074] In this embodiment, the memory module is configured with n different storage areas to achieve protocol separation, reduce instruction interference, improve the recognition rate, enhance the instruction recognition rate, and make system communication more reliable.

[0075] For example, the memory module in this embodiment uses a low-voltage, low-power non-volatile memory (a memory whose data is not lost after power failure), such as an EEPROM or an NVM memory. It is understood that the data of the read-only communication protocol of each read-only unit T22n is stored in the corresponding storage area of ​​the memory module T23; that is, each read-only communication protocol has a fixed data storage area. When the electronic tag in this embodiment operates on different read-only communication protocols, it can read the target data in the corresponding storage area.

[0076] In this embodiment, the electronic tag integrates multiple read-only units with read-only working mode communication protocols and one read-write unit. Each unit of the protocol and data processing module corresponds to a specific communication protocol and handles different data frame lengths, encoding formats, and transmission rates. This enables the electronic tag to support multiple protocols in hardware, solving the multi-reader compatibility problem during the transition period of the railway vehicle number automatic identification system upgrade; at the same time, the different units in the protocol and data processing module achieve protocol separation to reduce instruction interference and improve the recognition rate.

[0077] Furthermore, the tag chip T2 also includes a timer unit T24;

[0078] The timer unit T24 is used to count the transmission duration of the data to be transmitted when the modulation circuit T212 transmits the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate.

[0079] The protocol and data processing module T22 is also used to send a disable signal to the modulation circuit T212 to cut off its radio frequency transmission function when the transmission duration reaches the first set time; and to send an enable signal to the demodulation circuit T213.

[0080] The demodulation circuit T213 is used to activate the radio frequency signal receiving function when the enable signal is received, so that the electronic tag enters the listening mode.

[0081] Understandably, after the electronic tag completes the transmission of the data to be sent, the protocol and data processing module T22 sends a disable signal to the modulation circuit T212 to cut off the radio frequency transmission function; at the same time, it sends an enable signal to the demodulation circuit T213 to start the radio frequency signal reception. At this time, the protocol and data processing module T22 begins to parse the baseband signal output by the demodulation circuit T213:

[0082] If a valid working instruction (such as an instruction frame in ISO 18000-6C format) is detected within the second set time (e.g., 500μs-10ms), the working instruction is executed. For example, if the working instruction is a working mode conversion instruction for a read-only communication protocol, the target read-only unit can be activated from each read-only unit (T221T222, T223, T224…T22n). As another example, if the working instruction is a read-write instruction for a read-write communication protocol, the read-write unit T220 is activated.

[0083] If no work instruction is received within the second set time, the protocol and data processing module T22 will reactivate the read-only unit (such as T221) corresponding to the current read-only working mode and return to the data transmission status.

[0084] In this embodiment, the electronic tag is in listening mode. First, it determines whether it has received a working instruction from the reader. When a working instruction is received, it does not execute the instruction immediately, but analyzes the received instruction. In this way, the electronic tag in this embodiment will not be interfered with by other instructions, which helps to improve the efficiency of receiving instructions and makes it easier for the electronic tag to perform communication protocol conversion.

[0085] In some examples, to reduce power consumption, only the demodulation circuit, read / write protocol processing module, and clock module are powered in the listening mode, while other unrelated circuits are turned off.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] refer to Figure 2 The electronic tag also includes an SPI port T3;

[0088] The tag chip T2 also includes an SPI interface module T25;

[0089] The SPI port T3 is connected to the SPI interface module T25 via a wired connection, so that the tag chip T2 and the RFID reader can communicate via SPI wired connection and read and write data in the memory T23.

[0090] Understandably, the SPI interface module T25 and the read / write unit T220 are not directly connected via a data bus within the tag chip T2. Both are independently connected to the memory module T23, and they achieve indirect collaboration by reading and writing to the same memory (T23).

[0091] For example, an RFID reader or external device can access data in memory T23 through the SPI interface module T25. If the access command requires modification of the data in memory T23, the data in memory T23 can be modified (such as the default mode identifier at address 0).

[0092] Example 3

[0093] Furthermore, the electronic tag in this embodiment can be configured with multiple read-only operating modes and one read-write operating mode, and the read-only operating modes can include a read-only operating mode with the ISO10374 communication protocol. Each read-only operating mode has a unique mode identifier code, and the data frame length, encoding method, and data transmission rate of each read-only operating mode are different. Therefore, their communication protocols are different, and each has a corresponding communication protocol and communication protocol identifier code. The read-write communication protocol is a protocol compatible with the ISO18000-6C standard, or another standard RFID communication protocol, or a custom RFID read-write communication protocol. Therefore, the electronic tag in this embodiment is a multi-protocol electronic tag. The operating frequency of the electronic tag is 840–960 MHz.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 The protocol and data processing module T22 in this embodiment includes n read-only units (first read-only unit T221, second read-only unit T222, third read-only unit T223, fourth read-only unit T224... nth read-only unit T22n). Each read-only unit T22n in this embodiment corresponds to a read-only working mode.

[0095] For example, the read-only operating mode with the ISO10374 communication protocol is the first read-only operating mode set by the electronic tag. In this mode, the data returned by the tag is 128 bits per frame (including 120 bits of vehicle number data, data check code, and frame flag), the data format is FSK encoded, and the data transmission rate is 10kbps. This communication protocol is the current communication protocol of electronic tags for railway locomotives and rolling stock and needs to be retained. The first read-only operating mode is implemented by the first read-only unit T221 of the tag chip.

[0096] Based on the application requirements of electronic tags for railway locomotives and rolling stock in my country, several communication protocols with read-only working modes can also be defined:

[0097] For example, the second read-only operating mode and communication protocol: the tag returns data with a frame length of 128 bits (including vehicle number data, CRC checksum, and frame header identifier), in FM0 encoding format, with a data transmission rate of 40kbps. This communication protocol modifies the frame header identifier and the CRC checksum of the data, improving the reliability of data transmission. Furthermore, the data transmission rate of this communication protocol is four times that of ISO10374, which can meet the application requirements of high-speed trains. The second read-only operating mode is implemented by the second read-only unit T222 of the tag chip.

[0098] For example, the third read-only operating mode and communication protocol: the tag returns data with a frame length of 256 bits (including vehicle number data, CRC checksum, and frame header identifier), in FM0 encoding format, with a data transmission rate of 40kbps. This communication protocol increases the length of the vehicle number data and reserves some data bits, increasing the amount of vehicle-related information the tag can hold and improving application functionality. This third read-only operating mode is implemented by the tag chip's third read-only unit T223.

[0099] For example, the fourth read-only operating mode and communication protocol: each frame of data returned by the tag is longer than 128 bits or more than 256 bits, the data format is FM0 encoding, and the data transmission rate is 40kbps. In this operating mode, in addition to returning vehicle number data, the tag can also return other information data, such as vehicle maintenance records, providing more information to the ground system and further enhancing application functionality. The fourth read-only operating mode is implemented by the fourth read-only unit T224 of the tag chip.

[0100] For example, the fifth, sixth, and seventh read-only operating modes and communication protocols: Based on the application requirements of different types of vehicles (freight trucks, locomotives, buses, EMUs, etc.), different communication protocols with different data lengths, formats, and data transmission rates are defined. Each communication protocol is assigned a unique identifier, ensuring a one-to-one correspondence between the identifier and the various protocols. The fifth, sixth, and seventh read-only operating modes are implemented by the 5th, 6th, and 7th read-only units T225, T226, T227, etc., of the tag chip, respectively.

[0101] In this embodiment, the target data to be transmitted in each read-only operating mode of the electronic tag is pre-set and stored in the corresponding storage area of ​​the memory module. When the electronic tag enters the read-only operating mode, it can read the target data in the corresponding storage area of ​​the memory module, encode it, and transmit it.

[0102] For example, as shown in Table 1, in the user data area of ​​the memory module, the storage area at address 0 is used to set the default read-only working mode identifier code selected by the electronic tag when powered on, the number of data frames M returned by the electronic tag in read-only working mode, and the duration T of the tag in listening working mode; the storage areas at addresses 1 to 4 are used to store 128 bits of data for the first read-only working mode; the storage areas at addresses 5 to 8 are used to store 128 bits of data for the second read-only working mode; the storage areas at addresses 9 to 16 are used to store 256 bits of data for the third read-only working mode; and the storage areas at addresses 17 to n (n is greater than 20 or 24) are used to store data for the fourth read-only working mode. After writing data to these memory areas of the electronic tag in this embodiment, these storage areas can be locked to prevent accidental rewriting during subsequent use.

[0103] Table 1

[0104]

[0105] The number of times, M, the tag continuously transmits data frames in read-only mode is a fixed, pre-set value. Too few frames may result in poor reader reception, while too many frames may cause time delays. Therefore, in this embodiment, a first preset time is set to limit the number of data frames transmitted. This value can be selected based on actual conditions, for example, between 1 and 20. The data encoding method and data transmission rate for each read-only mode are also pre-set; therefore, the communication protocol for each read-only mode in this embodiment is also pre-set. Each read-only unit in the electronic tag processes and converts the data for its respective read-only mode.

[0106] In other embodiments, after the electronic tag of this embodiment is powered on and activated, it needs to select one of a variety of read-only working modes as the current working mode. The current working mode of the electronic tag is loaded, and then the electronic tag enters the read-only working mode. The corresponding read-only unit works and reads the target data required by the read-only working mode from the memory module. The data is encoded according to the preset data encoding format to form a data frame. Then, the data frame is continuously and cyclically sent m times at the preset transmission rate of the read-only communication protocol within a first set time (m times is a preset number of times, for example, m can be 1-20 times to avoid data loss or delay).

[0107] Example 4

[0108] In this embodiment, since the read / write communication protocol is either compatible with the ISO18000-6C standard or a custom read / write communication protocol, the instructions received by the electronic tag need to conform to the ISO18000-6C standard or a custom read / write communication protocol. Therefore, the read-only working mode conversion instruction of the electronic tag also needs to conform to the ISO18000-6C standard or a custom read / write communication protocol. The read-only working mode conversion instruction is a custom instruction based on the ISO18000-6C standard or a custom read / write communication protocol, including an opcode and operands. The opcode indicates a unique read-only working mode conversion; the operands represent the system-defined read-only working mode identifier code to be used. In addition, this embodiment also defines the communication protocol corresponding to each read-only working mode. When using the read-only working mode conversion instruction to convert the tag's read-only working mode, the corresponding communication protocol is also converted.

[0109] Accordingly, the tag chip T2 may include a read-only operating mode register. The reader can send a read-only operating mode conversion instruction to the read-only operating mode register of the tag chip T2 to temporarily change the current read-only operating mode and the current read-only communication protocol of the electronic tag. After the electronic tag loses power, the current registered data in the read-only operating mode register will be lost. When the electronic tag is powered on again, it will be reloaded according to the read-only operating mode identifier code stored in the memory module.

[0110] Example 5

[0111] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the read-only operating mode switching instruction can also be implemented using a write instruction:

[0112] refer to Figure 3 In the memory module of the electronic tag, there is a specific storage unit T231 for storing the read-only working mode identification code variable of the electronic tag. The reader can write a new read-only working mode identification code to be used into the specific storage unit T231 through a write instruction (this "write instruction" is equivalent to a "read-only working mode conversion instruction").

[0113] When the electronic tag is powered on again, it can load a new target read-only communication protocol, target read-only unit, and target storage area corresponding to the new read-only working mode identifier code; thereby switching the working mode to the new read-only working mode and the communication protocol to the new communication protocol, and then reading the target data required for the new read-only working mode from the target storage area.

[0114] Understandably, when it is necessary to switch between read-only operating modes and communication protocols, the RFID reader can send a read-only operating mode conversion command to modify the current identification code of the read-only operating mode identification code variable of a specific storage unit T231. The electronic tag can then load the modified read-only operating mode, realizing the conversion of communication protocols between the various read-only units inside the tag chip of the electronic tag.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0116] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus / network devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus / network device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0117] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0118] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic tag, characterized in that, The electronic tag includes an electronic tag antenna (T1) and a tag chip (T2); the electronic tag antenna (T1) is used to enable wireless communication between the tag chip (T2) and the electronic tag reader. The tag chip (T2) includes an RF module (T21), a protocol and data processing module (T22), and a memory module (T23). The protocol and data processing module (T22) includes at least a read-write unit (T220) and n read-only units (T22n); where n is a positive integer. The RF module (T21) is used to receive the working instructions sent by the reader / writer, so that the read / write unit (T220) or each read-only unit (T22n) can respond. The RF module (T21) is further configured to transmit the data to be transmitted from the tag chip (T2) to the reader / writer; wherein the data to be transmitted is data fed back by the read / write unit (T220) or the read-only unit (T22n) based on the working instruction; the working instruction includes a working mode conversion instruction that causes the electronic tag to enter the read-only communication protocol or one of the working instructions in the read / write communication protocol; The RF module (T21) includes a virtual power supply (T211), a modulation circuit (T212), and a demodulation circuit (T213). The virtual power supply (T211) is used to extract the energy of the radio frequency signal and provide energy to the tag chip (T2). The modulation circuit (T212) is used to perform radio frequency modulation on the data to be transmitted. The demodulation circuit (T213) is used to receive or demodulate the working instructions sent by the reader. The read / write unit (T220) is used to process the work instructions or other work instructions of the read / write communication protocol sent by the reader received by the RF module (T21), and to complete related operations based on the read / write communication protocol to obtain the data to be sent, and to send the data to be sent through the modulation circuit (T212), so that the electronic tag antenna (T1) feeds back the data to be sent to the reader; Each read-only unit (T22n) is used to read target data conforming to its read-only communication protocol from the memory module (T23) according to the working instructions, and encode the target data according to a preset data encoding format to form a data frame; The modulation circuit (T212) is used to transmit the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate, so that the electronic tag antenna T1 feeds back the data to be transmitted to the reader. Among them, the read-only communication protocol, data frame length, preset transmission rate and preset data encoding format of different read-only units (T22n) are different.

2. The electronic tag as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The memory module (T23) includes n storage areas, each of which has a mapping relationship with each read-only unit (T22n) and the read-only communication protocol of each read-only unit (T22n); wherein each storage area is configured to store the data required by the read-only communication protocol of the read-only unit with which it has a mapping relationship.

3. The electronic tag as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tag chip (T2) also includes a timer unit (T24); The timer unit (T24) is used to count the transmission duration of the data to be transmitted when the modulation circuit (T212) transmits the data frame as data to be transmitted at a preset transmission rate. The protocol and data processing module (T22) is also used to send a disable signal to the modulation circuit (T212) to cut off its radio frequency transmission function when the transmission duration reaches the first set time, and to send an enable signal to the demodulation circuit (T213). The demodulation circuit (T213) is used to activate the radio frequency signal receiving function upon receiving the enable signal, so that the electronic tag enters the listening mode.

4. The electronic tag as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The memory module (T23) also includes a specific memory unit (T231). The specific storage unit (T231) is configured to store the read-only working mode identification code variable of the electronic tag; The reader / writer is also used to write a new read-only working mode identifier code to the specific storage unit (T231) via a write instruction, so that the tag chip (T2) determines the new read-only communication protocol, target read-only unit and target storage area corresponding to the new read-only working mode identifier code; The target read-only unit is used to read target data in the target storage area when the electronic tag is powered on.

5. The electronic tag as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tag chip (T2) may include a read-only operating mode register; The reader is also used to send a read-only working mode conversion instruction to the read-only working mode register of the tag chip (T2) to change the current read-only working mode and the current read-only communication protocol of the electronic tag.

6. The electronic tag as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic tag also includes an SPI port (T3); The tag chip (T2) also includes an SPI interface module (T25). The SPI port (T3) is connected to the SPI interface module (T25) via a wired connection, so that the tag chip (T2) and the reader / writer can communicate via a wired connection to call the read / write unit (T220) to write data to the memory module (T23).

7. The electronic tag as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic tag antenna (T1) is used to receive the first radio electromagnetic wave emitted by the reader and send the first radio electromagnetic wave to the tag chip (T2), and the first radio electromagnetic wave represents the working command. The electronic tag antenna (T1) is also used to convert the data to be transmitted from the tag chip (T2) into a second radio electromagnetic wave signal and send it to the reader.

8. The electronic tag as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The memory module (T23) is a non-volatile memory.

9. The electronic tag as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The read / write communication protocol of the read / write unit (T220) is a protocol compatible with the ISO18000-6C standard or other standard RFID communication protocols or a custom RFID read / write communication protocol.

10. The electronic tag as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The communication protocol for the read-only working mode includes, but is not limited to, the ISO10374 standard communication protocol; the read-write communication protocol includes the ISO18000-6C standard communication protocol or other standard communication protocols or custom RFID read-write communication protocols.

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