RFID Receiver Bit Extraction With Direct ADC Decoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of RFID receivers and transceivers in portable devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches, is hindered by the size and weight of electronic components, and the impracticality of updating hardware due to labor and cost constraints, leading to inflexible and outdated RFID systems.

Innovation Solution

An RFID receiver design featuring a decoder circuit with a direct analog-to-digital converter connection to the antenna, eliminating external signal processing components and incorporating a bit extractor with filters and a processor for flexible feature updates, allowing for efficient data bit extraction from radio signals without additional electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional RFID receiver design with external signal processing components (diodes, transistors) is used, then signal processing capability is achieved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the signal processing functions (demodulation, detection) directly into the decoder circuit that is already connected to the antenna. The decoder circuit performs both decoding and signal processing tasks, eliminating the need for separate external components like diodes and transistors, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining full signal processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder circuit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it decodes the RFID signal and also performs signal processing tasks such as demodulation and detection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated external signal processing components, reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware components are changed to improve RFID receiver features, then performance is improved, but labor cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature update capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configurability within the decoder circuit through software control. The circuit can be reconfigured via software to support different RFID standards and protocols without requiring physical hardware changes, enabling flexible feature updates while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The decoder circuit allows parameter changes through software configuration rather than hardware modification. By changing operational parameters and configuration settings, the system can adapt to different RFID standards and requirements without requiring labor-intensive hardware rework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If more electronic components are added for signal processing, then signal processing quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing qualityVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal processing functions (demodulation, detection, decoding) into a single integrated decoder circuit. This consolidation maintains high signal processing quality through sophisticated internal processing while reducing the total number of external components required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design reduces the need for external signal processing components, enhances tolerance to frequency and amplitude fluctuations, and enables flexible updates, thereby improving the efficiency and adaptability of RFID receivers in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna (11) configured to receive a radio signal from an RFID transmitter (2), and to generate an electrical signal from the radio signal received from the RFID transmitter (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3264699B1RFID receiver and method of extracting data bits encoded in a radio signal
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 LEGIC IDENTSYSTEMS AG
  • EP3264699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3264699B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3264699B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An RFID receiver (1) comprises an antenna (11) configured to receive a radio signal (20) from an RFID transmitter (2) and to generate an electrical signal (110) from the radio signal (20) received from the RFID transmitter (2). A decoder circuit (10) is connected to the antenna (11) and configured to extract from the electrical signal (110) generated by the antenna (11) data bits encoded in the electrical signal (110). The decoder circuit (10) comprises an analog-to-digital converter (12) connected directly to the antenna (11) and configured to generate a digital input signal (13) from the electrical signal (110) generated by the antenna (11). A bit extractor (14) is connected to the analog-to-digital converter (12) and configured to extract the data bits from the digital input (13) signal generated by the analog-to-digital converter (12).