Multi-Node RFID Tag for Reliable Passive Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags, particularly passive tags, suffer from low bandwidth and high failure rates in data transmission, while active tags are expensive and require a power source, necessitating a solution that enhances performance without the need for a local power source.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of RFID tags with multiple RF network nodes mounted on a substrate, allowing for coordinated functionality, redundancy, and multi-frequency capabilities, including the use of a master node for communication and encryption, to improve data transmission and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If passive RFID tags are used, then no local power source is required, but data transmission bandwidth is low and failure rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is divided into multiple independent RF network nodes, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve active-tag-like reliability through redundancy while maintaining passive-tag energy efficiency, as individual nodes can be activated based on communication needs without requiring a continuous power source for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by activating different numbers and combinations of RF nodes based on communication requirements. During normal operation, fewer nodes are active to conserve energy, while during critical data transmission or when redundancy is needed, more nodes are activated to improve reliability, thus adapting the power consumption and reliability parameters dynamically.
2Reliability
If active RFID tags are used, then data transmission performance is improved, but cost increases and local power source is required
Solution Approach 1:
Each RF network node is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing both data transmission and power harvesting operations. This universality allows the system to achieve active-tag performance when needed while falling back to passive operation when sufficient energy is unavailable, eliminating the need for dedicated active components and their associated power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF nodes are designed to self-manage their operational state based on available energy and communication requirements. The system automatically determines when to activate additional nodes for improved reliability versus when to conserve energy, eliminating the need for external power management control and making the tag self-sufficient in determining its operational mode.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple RF network nodes are deployed, then memory capacity and redundancy are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple RF network nodes are merged into a single coordinated system where nodes share memory resources and communication responsibilities. This merging approach allows the system to achieve increased effective memory capacity through distributed storage while managing complexity by treating the nodes as a unified network rather than independent components requiring separate management.
Solution Approach 2:
A master node acts as an intermediary that coordinates communication and memory access among multiple RF nodes. This intermediary approach simplifies the system by centralizing coordination functions, allowing nodes to access combined memory resources without requiring complex peer-to-peer protocols, thus increasing effective memory capacity while controlling coordination complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequencies are transmitted, then compatibility with different readers is improved, but communication coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and switches between multiple transmission frequencies based on the requirements of different readers and communication conditions. This dynamic frequency selection allows the RFID tag to maintain compatibility with various reader systems while managing coordination complexity by activating only the necessary frequency for each specific communication event rather than maintaining all frequencies simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory.