Low-Frequency Active RFID Tags for Harsh Environment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive backscattered RFID tags operating at low frequencies have limited power, range, and are susceptible to noise and harsh environments, making them unreliable for applications requiring robust communication and long battery life.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-frequency active radiating transceiver tags that use a battery and crystal for enhanced communication capabilities, including two coplanar antennas for independent tuning and a low-powered frequency multiplier, allowing for efficient power and data transmission over extended ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive backscattered RFID tags are used, then cost is reduced, but power, range, and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into passive tags (for cost-sensitive applications) and active tags (for reliability-critical applications), allowing selective deployment based on specific needs. Each tag type is optimized independently for its intended use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal RFID system that accommodates both passive and active tag types within the same network infrastructure, enabling the system to serve multiple functions: cost-effective tracking with passive tags and reliable communication with active tags.
2Device complexity
If passive backscattered RFID tags are used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Active tags serve as intermediary nodes that extend the communication range of the passive tag network. Active tags can communicate over longer distances and relay information, effectively expanding the system's reach without requiring all tags to have high-power transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional passive tag approach to a multi-dimensional network incorporating both passive and active tags at different levels, creating a hierarchical structure that extends communication range through strategic placement of active tags.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive backscattered RFID tags are used, then power consumption is reduced, but susceptibility to noise and harsh environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides protective coverage by deploying active tags in harsh environments before critical operations occur. These active tags create a shielded communication zone that protects against noise and environmental interference, cushioning the vulnerable passive tags from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID network uses a composite architecture combining passive and active tags, where each tag type contributes different properties: passive tags provide low power consumption while active tags provide noise resistance and environmental hardening, creating a synergistic system.
4Reliability
If active radiating transceiver tags with battery and crystal are used, then communication range and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments functionality between passive and active tags, placing complex components (battery, crystal, full transceiver) only where needed in active tags, while keeping passive tags simple. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Complexity and advanced features are applied locally only to active tags that require them for specific applications, while passive tags maintain simple designs for cost-sensitive applications. Each tag type is optimized with appropriate complexity for its intended use case.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These tags provide a cost-effective, reliable, and long-lasting solution for tracking and visibility systems, capable of operating in harsh environments with extended battery life and improved communication range, outperforming traditional passive and active RFID tags.
Implementation Method 1
Radio tag and antenna system... passive low frequency (inductive, LF) radiating, radio transceiver tag
Implementation Method 2
low frequencies, 3-30 kHz VLF or the Myriametric frequency range, 30-300 kHz LF the Kilometric range... Since the wavelength is so long at these low frequencies over 99% of the radiated energy is magnetic as opposed to a radiated electric field
Data Source
AI summary
Passive tags use two antennas with only limited mutual coupling one of which receives a power/clock field and the other of which receives a data signal. An area-reading antenna, or two or more antennas, are deployed to generate the power/clock field, from a base station. The base station, or active tags, or both, generate the data signals from time to time. This topology together with the use of low frequencies permits area reads, and permits small and economical passive tags, and further permits localization of a particular passive tag as being nearby to a particular active tag.