Micro RFID Tag Folded Antenna Read Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio frequency identification tags have limited read range and are bulky, making them inefficient for tracking large numbers of articles, and can obstruct or be damaged during industrial or medical processes due to their size and shape requirements.
Innovation Solution
A micro radio frequency identification tag with a conductive surface that contacts the article, featuring an extended antenna and capacitors to increase read range and power output, while being encapsulated for protection from environmental factors, maintaining a small size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional radio frequency identification tags are used, then identification and tracking functionality is provided, but the read range is limited and the tags are bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna designs to three-dimensional folded antenna structures. The antenna is folded multiple times to create a compact three-dimensional configuration that maintains a long effective electrical length within a small physical footprint, thereby achieving extended read range without increasing tag volume
Solution Approach 2:
The folded antenna structure effectively nests multiple antenna segments within a compact space. Each fold creates a nested configuration where the antenna path is folded back on itself, allowing the antenna to occupy minimal space while maintaining the electrical length necessary for extended communication range
2Reliability
If conventional radio frequency identification tags are mounted on articles, then tracking is enabled, but the tags can obstruct or be damaged during industrial or medical processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the substrate for mounting the folded antenna and electronic components. The FPC can be conformally attached to various article surfaces and withstands bending, stretching, and environmental exposure, providing both durability during industrial/medical processes and ease of mounting on diverse article geometries
3Length of stationary object
If the antenna length is increased to extend read range, then communication distance is improved, but the tag size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional folded antenna structures that achieve long effective electrical length through vertical and lateral folding rather than simple linear extension. This dimensional transformation allows the antenna to maintain extended read range capability while occupying minimal planar space and minimizing added weight
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple folded segments that are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration. Each segment contributes to the overall electrical length while the segmented folded structure maintains a small total footprint, preventing weight and size increase despite extended read range
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 micro radio frequency identification tag achieves a longer read range and easier mounting on articles without obstructing their operation, while withstanding extreme temperatures and chemicals, enhancing tracking efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive radio frequency identification tags have a conductive ink applied to a silicon substrate acting as an antenna. The conductive ink on the silicon substrate has a similar effect as in an inductive radio frequency identification tag when exposed to an electromagnetic wave generated by the radio frequency reader or field generator.
Implementation Method 2
The antenna creates an induction charge in the presence of the electromagnetic energy of the radio frequency field. The induction charge, in turn, powers the logic and memory components.
Implementation Method 3
the micro radio frequency identification tag has a substrate with an antenna acting as a conductive surface, which is in contact with the surface of the article to which the micro radio frequency identification tag is mounted. The antenna acting as a conductive surface effectively extends the operating length of the antenna of the micro radio frequency identification tag, which increases the read range
Data Source
AI summary
A micro radio frequency identification tag for use on an article, the micro radio frequency identification tag comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, each surface including a width and a longitudinal length, the longitudinal length being greater than the width; a chip anchor having a first chip attachment pad and a second chip attachment pad; a radio frequency identification chip operatively retained on the first surface by the chip anchor; a component anchor having a first component attachment pad and a second component attachment pad; a passive component operatively retained on the first surface by the component anchor; a continuous planar antenna operatively retained on the second surface; a first conductive trace interconnect segment connected to the continuous planar antenna and the first chip attachment pad; a second conductive trace interconnect segment connected to the continuous planar antenna and the second chip attachment pad; a third conductive trace interconnect segment connected to the continuous planar antenna and the first component attachment pad; a fourth conductive trace interconnect segment connected to the continuous planar antenna and the second component attachment pad.