Antenna-less RFID Tag Multi-bit Backscatter Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tags are limited in achieving high data rates and flexibility, as they can only transmit one bit simultaneously and lack spatial and temporal extensibility in their data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A semi-passive RFID tag with a digital circuit using switching components that operate within an interrogation range of an incident carrier wave, employing impedance-based side-channels to modulate backscatter responses, allowing for multi-bit transmission and flexible bit configuration without the need for antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional RFID tags use a single antenna and IC chip configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the data transmission rate is limited to 1 bit simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RFID tag into multiple independent digital circuit blocks (e.g., 36 flip-flops arranged in 6 groups of 6), where each block can independently modulate the backscatter signal. This segmentation enables parallel transmission of multiple bits simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure based on standard digital circuit components.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital circuit blocks serve multiple functions: they act as both data storage elements (flip-flops storing binary states) and modulation elements (switching between different impedance states to modulate the backscatter signal). This multi-functionality increases data transmission capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags use fixed-bit transmission configuration, then the device design is straightforward, but the flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration capability where the number of active digital circuit blocks can be adjusted based on the required data transmission rate. The system can dynamically activate different numbers of flip-flop groups (e.g., 6, 12, 18, or 36 bits) allowing adaptive optimization of data transmission capacity according to application requirements without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the operational parameters by activating or deactivating specific digital circuit blocks. By controlling the number and arrangement of active flip-flops, the tag can adjust its data transmission capacity parameter (from 1 bit to 36 bits simultaneously) while maintaining the same physical hardware structure.
3Productivity
If traditional backscatter modulation uses two-state RF loads, then the modulation mechanism is simple, but the data rate is constrained to single bit transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single two-state RF load, the patent segments the modulation function across multiple digital circuit blocks. Each flip-flop or group of flip-flops acts as an independent modulation element, switching between different impedance states. This segmentation enables parallel modulation of multiple data bits simultaneously, increasing data rate while keeping each individual modulation element relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple digital circuit blocks (flip-flops, logic gates, multiplexers) into an integrated backscatter modulation system. By merging these digital components with the RF backscatter mechanism, the system achieves multi-bit simultaneous transmission capability while utilizing standard digital circuit building blocks, thereby managing complexity through modular integration.
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
The proposed RFID tag achieves up to 36 bits of simultaneous transmission, providing 68.7 billion unique IDs and a data rate of 100 kbits/sec with a low bit error rate, demonstrating enhanced data transmission capabilities across various frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a modulated backscatter response is observed in the presence of the switching operations
Implementation Method 2
impedance-based side-channels to modulate backscatter responses
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a digital circuit with switching components operating within an interrogation range of an incident carrier wave. A plurality of input connections and output connections direct data communications through the switching components within the digital circuit, and the data communications are subject to switching operations of the switching components between at least one of the input connections and at least one of the output connections. A backscatter response reflected from the digital circuit upon arrival of the incident carrier wave, wherein the backscatter response is a modulated backscatter response in the presence of the switching operations.