Coupled LC Oscillator Circuit for Multi-Frequency RFID Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID readers face challenges in detecting transponders tuned to different resonant frequencies, leading to reduced sensitivity and detection range, especially when dealing with a population of transponders having varying resonant frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a detection signal generator circuit within the RFID reader that utilizes a coupled oscillator system with multiple LC pairs, enabling the generation of detection signals at different frequencies, allowing for the detection of transponders tuned to various resonant frequencies while maintaining low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single frequency detection signal is used, then the reader can maintain low power consumption, but it cannot detect transponders with different resonant frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection frequency rangeVSAvoiddetection signal generator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple LC pairs (first LC pair and second LC pair) into a single detection signal generator circuit. These LC pairs are coupled together through a coupling capacitor, allowing the circuit to generate detection signals at multiple frequencies (first detection frequency and second detection frequency) while maintaining a unified, integrated structure rather than using separate generator circuits for each frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection signal generator circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by generating detection signals at different frequencies using the coupled LC pairs. This universal circuit can detect transponders with various resonant frequencies, making the reader adaptable to different transponder types without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate detection signal generators are used for different frequencies, then all transponder frequencies can be detected, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder frequency coverageVSAvoidreader power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple LC pairs into a single coupled oscillator system that shares common components and coupling mechanisms. This integrated approach allows the generation of multiple detection frequencies from one unified circuit rather than operating separate generator circuits, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect transponders across different frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the reader operates continuously in data transaction state, then communication with transponders is maintained, but power supply depletes rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder communication reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply consumption rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reader employs periodic detection signal generation instead of continuous data transaction state operation. The coupled LC pairs generate detection signals at specific intervals to sense the presence of transponders, and only transition to the higher-power data transaction state when a transponder is detected. This periodic operation pattern maintains communication reliability by continuously monitoring for transponders while significantly reducing average power consumption during periods when no transponders are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 reader's ability to detect transponders with different resonant frequencies, maintaining high sensitivity and reducing power consumption, thereby improving detection range and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second LC pairs resonate in response to applied first and second pulses to produce a sequence of first and second detection signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

The transponder data signals are transmitted in the form of electromagnetic oscillations into the surrounding space in which the reader resides via the antenna of the transponder LC pair

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The reader 'excites' or powers up the passive transponder by transmitting excitation signals of a given frequency into the space surrounding the reader, which are received by the transponder and provide the operating power for the circuitry of the recipient transponder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1840789B1Detection signal generator circuit for an RFID reader
Publication Date: 2011.08.10 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP1840789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1840789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1840789B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An RFID transponder detector is provided having a coupled oscillator system. Coupled first and second LC pairs of the system produce a detection signal each time a combination of pulses is applied to the LC pairs. Application of the pulses is repeated periodically to produce a sequence fo detection signals having two different first and second detection frequencies. Transmitting the sequence of detection signals results in corresponding first and second response signals having the first and second detection frequencies at the LC pairs. Values of a preselected detection parameter for the detection signals are compared to the values of the detection parameter for the response signals to determine if a transponder having a transponder resonant frequency corresponding to the first or second detection frequency is present in a proximal space of the transponder detector.