Flexible Microwave Transponder Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microwave transponders face limitations when adhered to curved surfaces due to impedance mismatch between the antenna and semiconductor chip, leading to reduced operating range and performance, especially when power increase is restricted by safety regulations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible microwave transponder with a conductive plate and a circular-shaped window extending from the terminal gap, optimizing impedance matching by concentrating the electromagnetic field near the semiconductor chip, thus minimizing the impact of bending on impedance matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transponder is bent to adhere on a curved installation, then the transponder can be installed on various surfaces, but the impedance mismatch between antenna and semiconductor chip increases, reducing operating range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation surface adaptabilityVSAvoidimpedance matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible substrate to support the antenna and semiconductor chip assembly, allowing the transponder to conform to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible nature of the substrate enables bending without breaking, while the overall assembly remains compact enough to adhere to various installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an impedance matching circuit as an intermediary element between the antenna and semiconductor chip. This matching circuit compensates for impedance variations caused by bending, maintaining optimal impedance matching even when the transponder is deformed to adhere to curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If microwave power is increased to extend operating range, then communication distance improves, but safety regulations and other legislation restrict power increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating rangeVSAvoidmicrowave power

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the electrical parameters of the antenna system, including impedance matching and resonant frequency tuning, to maximize energy transfer efficiency. By changing these parameters, the system achieves extended operating range without increasing transmitted power, complying with safety regulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the limitation of bent installations into a benefit by designing the antenna and matching circuit to maintain performance specifically under deformed conditions. The impedance matching circuit is designed to compensate for the very distortions that occur during bending, turning a previously harmful effect into an optimized operating condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the transponder is constructed to adhere on a curved installation, then installation flexibility improves, but operating range is limited and performance depreciates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidoperating range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible substrate enables the transponder to be easily installed on curved surfaces by conforming to various shapes. This same flexibility is complemented by the impedance matching circuit that ensures operating performance is maintained despite the deformation, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the antenna and matching circuit with dynamic characteristics that adapt to the deformed state. The impedance matching network is configured to maintain optimal performance specifically when the transponder is bent, making the system dynamically optimized for its intended application rather than for flat installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables the transponder to operate within an improved range with lower microwave power, maintaining performance even on curved surfaces by reducing impedance mismatch and electromagnetic power loss, thereby enhancing the RFID system's efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

optimizing impedance matching by concentrating the electromagnetic field near the semiconductor chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field concentration: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

fulfills impedance matching in order to transfer maximum energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7505789B2Microwave transponder

Publication Date: 2009.03.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A microwave transponder. The microwave transponder includes a conductive plate including an antenna, and a semiconductor chip disposed within a terminal gap located in a vicinity of a center of the conductive plate. A window of a predetermined shape is formed to extend from the terminal gap toward a side of the conductive plate. The perfect impedance matching is fulfilled even when the transponder is bent. Since the return loss of the electromagnetic power is reduced at least in a quarter through the impedance matching, the energy transferred to the transponder is maximized.