Multi-ID RFID Tag Architecture With Shared Antenna Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless ID tags with a single ID storage circuit and antenna require modifications to prevent multiple tags on an object from responding simultaneously, and existing solutions for multiple tags are either costly or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tag device with a plurality of ID storage circuits coupled to a single antenna or antenna array, sharing common RF modulation, demodulation, and power harvesting circuits, allowing individual activation and deactivation of ID storage circuits based on reader signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate RFID tags are used on a single object to track different lifecycle stages, then each tag can independently store and transmit ID information, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ID storage circuits into a single integrated device that shares common antenna, power harvesting circuit, modulation circuit, and demodulation circuit. This merging approach allows multiple IDs to be stored and transmitted through a single tag structure, reducing the number of separate tags needed while maintaining the ability to track different lifecycle stages independently
Solution Approach 2:
The shared circuits (antenna, power harvesting, modulation, demodulation) serve multiple ID storage circuits simultaneously, making these components universal resources that support multiple functions. This multi-functionality allows a single tag device to handle multiple identification tasks that would traditionally require separate dedicated tags for each function
2Device complexity
If multiple ID storage circuits share common circuits in a single tag device, then cost and space are reduced, but the circuits must be carefully managed to prevent simultaneous responses from multiple IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the shared circuits through a selector circuit that can selectively connect different ID storage circuits to the common antenna and communication circuits. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to activate only the specific ID storage circuit needed at any given moment, preventing simultaneous responses and enabling flexible management of multiple IDs within a single tag device
3Reliability
If separate tags are used for different lifecycle stages, then each stage can be tracked independently, but modifications are needed to prevent multiple tags from responding simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ID storage functionality into multiple independent ID storage circuits within a single tag device, while keeping the communication and power circuits shared. This segmentation allows independent control and activation of different ID storage circuits corresponding to different lifecycle stages, eliminating the need for physical modifications to prevent simultaneous responses while maintaining independent tracking capability
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
Enables efficient use of multiple IDs on a single object, providing cost and space savings while allowing individual data encoding and enabling/disabling of ID storage circuits for various lifecycle stages, enhancing tracking and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a power harvesting circuit electrically coupled to the antenna and configured to receive RF energy collected by the antenna and convert the RF energy into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple identity (ID) tag device is provided. The multiple ID tag device comprises an antenna, a power harvesting circuit electrically coupled to the antenna and configured to receive RF energy collected by the antenna and convert the RF energy into electrical power, a demodulation circuit electrically coupled to the antenna, a modulation circuit electrically coupled to the antenna, a selector circuit electrically coupled to the power harvesting circuit, the demodulation circuit, and the modulation circuit and configured to receive a first signal from the demodulation circuit, send a second signal to the modulation circuit, and receive electrical power from the power harvesting circuit, and a plurality of ID storage circuits electrically coupled to the selector circuit, each ID storage circuit configured to receive the first signal from the selector circuit, send the second signal to the selector circuit, and receive the electrical power from the selector circuit.