Contactless Tag Memory Reading Protocol Using Incrementation Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tag memory reading protocols, such as the 'read multi block' command, are inefficient for large memory sizes due to high transmission error risks and long reading times, especially with sequential blockwise reading methods.
Innovation Solution
A new reading protocol that sends a specific read command followed by an incrementation marker, allowing the contactless tag to increment its address counter iteratively, reducing the need for repeated block read commands and minimizing transmission errors by using a CRC for integrity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential blockwise reading is used, then transmission error risk is reduced, but reading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending a read command that pre-loads multiple blocks into the tag's buffer memory before transmission begins. This allows the interrogation unit to receive multiple blocks in sequence without repeatedly commanding the tag to retrieve each block individually, thus reducing total reading time while maintaining blockwise transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic buffer management where the tag maintains a buffer of pre-fetched blocks that can be transmitted on demand. The buffer size and refilling strategy adapt to the reading speed and error rate, dynamically optimizing the balance between transmission reliability and reading efficiency.
2Productivity
If multi-block reading command is used, then reading speed is improved, but transmission error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the multi-block reading process into two phases: a bulk data retrieval phase where multiple blocks are fetched into the tag buffer, and a controlled transmission phase where blocks are sent one by one with individual CRC verification. This segmentation maintains the speed benefit of multi-block operations while preserving the reliability of blockwise transmission with error checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag's buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the memory plane and the transmission interface. It allows bulk reading operations to occur independently of transmission constraints, enabling the system to benefit from faster bulk retrieval while maintaining reliable incremental transmission with CRC protection for each block.
3Reliability
If repeated block read commands are sent, then reading completeness is ensured, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing a single read command that pre-loads multiple consecutive blocks into the tag buffer before transmission begins. This eliminates the need for repeated block read commands during the data transfer phase, reducing communication overhead while ensuring reading completeness through the buffer's sequential output.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reading a group of memory words from an integrated circuit memory of a contactless tag, comprising the sending by a remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of a specific command for reading the group of memory words from a given start address, the initialization of an address counter for the contactless tag to the value of the given start address, and the sending by the contactless tag of the memory word at the start address, as well as an iterative process comprising in succession a first step of sending by the remote interrogation unit to the contactless tag of an incrementation marker recognizable by the contactless tag, a second step of incrementation of the address counter for the contactless tag in response to the incrementation marker, and a third step of sending by the contactless tag to the remote interrogation unit of a data frame comprising the memory word stored in the memory at the address pointed at by the current value of the address counter.