Single Multiband Antenna for Multi-Protocol RFID Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID devices are designed for a single frequency range and communication protocol, requiring significant and costly modifications to operate in additional frequency ranges and protocols, and have limited data transmission and communication range due to charge storage limitations and distance constraints.

Innovation Solution

A single antenna structure is configured to resonate at multiple frequency ranges, enabling communication with RFID interrogators using different protocols, and power reception over multiple frequency ranges, with a multiband resonant antenna design and filter circuits to process signals according to respective protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional RFID devices are designed for a single frequency range, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to operate in multiple frequency ranges and protocols is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range compatibilityVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal antenna system that can operate across multiple frequency ranges (LF, HF, UHF) using a single multiband resonant antenna structure. This allows one RFID device to communicate with interrogators using different protocols without requiring separate antennas for each frequency range, thereby improving adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple antenna systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a tunable antenna design where the resonant frequency can be dynamically adjusted by changing electrical parameters (capacitance, inductance) of the antenna circuit. This enables the single antenna to adapt to different frequency ranges by modifying its electrical characteristics, resolving the contradiction between multi-frequency adaptability and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If RFID devices are modified to operate in additional frequency ranges with additional communication protocols, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple protocol capabilities into a single RFID device through the multiband resonant antenna and configurable circuitry. This universal design allows the device to support multiple communication protocols (ISO 14443, ISO 18000-6C, etc.) without requiring separate hardware modules for each protocol, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple frequency range operations and protocol handling capabilities into a single integrated antenna and circuit system. By merging what would traditionally require separate antennas and circuitry for different protocols into one unified system, the patent reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the communication link range is extended beyond constraint distance parameters, then the communication range is improved, but the charge storage limitations of passive RFID devices restrict the ability to maintain extended range communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidcharge storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic power transfer and data transmission cycles that allow the passive RFID device to accumulate energy in small increments during each interrogation cycle. By using periodic rather than continuous operation, the device can extend communication range while working within the limitations of its charge storage capacity, as energy is replenished in periodic bursts from the interrogator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 extended data transmission and communication range by simultaneously or serially communicating with multiple RFID interrogators using different protocols, enhancing the operational flexibility and efficiency of RFID devices.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna having a single antenna structure resonant on multiple resonant frequency ranges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

RFID is a technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify and communicate with a device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12450450B2Systems and methods using single antenna for multiple resonant frequency ranges

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 LODESTAR LICENSING GROUP LLC

AI summary

A radio frequency device utilizing an antenna having a single antenna structure resonant on multiple resonant frequency ranges. The antenna can be configured to operate within multiple frequency ranges for communication according to respective protocols associated with the respective frequency ranges.