Composite Multi-Tag RFID System for Reliable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags, particularly passive tags, face performance issues such as low bandwidth and high failure rates in data transmission, while active tags are expensive and require a power source, necessitating a solution that provides performance comparable to active tags in a passive tag platform.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a composite multi-tag system where multiple RFID tags are configured to operate as a single device, utilizing multiple RF network nodes with separate antennas and memory, enabling improved connectivity, redundancy, and increased memory, and allowing for communication through a beacon tag, which can operate in harsh environments and adjust impedance for better signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive RFID tags are used, then cost is reduced and no power source is required, but data transmission bandwidth is low and failure rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single RFID tag into multiple RF network nodes (first, second, third nodes) that can independently communicate with the reader. This segmentation allows parallel data transmission through multiple nodes, increasing effective bandwidth and reducing failure risk since not all nodes need to succeed for data transmission to occur.
2Reliability
If active RFID tags are used, then data transmission performance is improved, but cost increases and power source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power architecture where the first RF network node harvests power from the reader's electromagnetic field and shares it with the second and third nodes. This eliminates the need for separate power sources in each node while enabling reliable data transmission from multiple nodes, achieving active-tag-like performance in a passive tag platform.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple RFID tags are combined as composite multi-tag, then memory capacity and connectivity are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RF network nodes into a single composite multi-tag that presents as one logical unit to the reader. The nodes share common memory resources and coordinate their communication, providing increased memory capacity and connectivity while maintaining a simple single-tag interface that masks the underlying complexity.
4Reliability
If precise antenna placement is required, then signal quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna function across multiple RF network nodes, each with its own antenna. This distribution of antenna functions provides spatial diversity that compensates for imprecise placement of individual antennas, as at least one node is likely to achieve adequate signal quality without requiring all antennas to be precisely positioned.
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
This solution enhances the performance of RFID tags by providing improved connectivity, increased memory, and robustness, enabling reliable data transmission in diverse environments, including those with liquids and metals, while reducing costs by eliminating the need for precise antenna placement and power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of individual tags may include a passive tag, an active tag, both an active tag and a passive tag, and the like. In embodiments, the plurality of individual tags may include a multi-chip tag.
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the plurality of individual tags may be a beacon tag, where the beacon tag may be a long range tag, a tag that communicates with the reader at long range
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, where the passive RFID tag contains an RF network node and communication facility. The RF network node includes an RF and analog block for receiving and transmitting an RFID reader signal, a data processing and controller block for digital information processing, a memory store, and a power management block for managing power requirements of the RF network node. The communication facility communicates at least in part with an external display facility. The distribution of power to the RF network node functional blocks is controlled using the power management block to select between an extended operational time and an increase in available functionality.