Multi-Node RFID Tag for Bandwidth and Reliability
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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 on a substrate, allowing for coordinated functionality, redundancy, and multi-frequency capabilities, including the use of a master node for communication and encryption, and the integration of sensors for data management and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive RFID tags are used, then cost is reduced and no 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 overcome the limitations of single-node passive tags by distributing functionality across multiple nodes, thereby improving both reliability through redundancy and bandwidth through parallel communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple RF network nodes are combined within a single passive RFID tag structure. By merging multiple functional nodes that can operate independently and coordinate with each other, the system achieves enhanced data transmission capabilities and reliability while maintaining the passive tag advantage of no local power source requirement.
2Productivity
If active RFID tags are used, then data transmission performance is improved, but cost increases and power source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal RFID tag platform that can operate in multiple modes (passive and active) depending on the application requirements. The same hardware architecture supports both passive operation for cost-sensitive applications and active operation for performance-critical applications, eliminating the need for separate tag types and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system dynamically adjusts its operational mode between passive and active states based on real-time requirements. The multiple RF network nodes can switch between being powered by the passive harvesting mechanism and being powered by local sources, allowing the system to optimize between cost and performance on-demand rather than being fixed in one mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF network nodes are added to enhance functionality, then memory capacity and communication capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical copies of RF network nodes rather than designing complex unique circuits for each function. Each node is a standardized, replicated unit that can be independently manufactured and tested. This copying approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces design complexity, and allows for easier replacement and maintenance while providing the needed versatility through frequency selection.
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.