RFID Tag Corrugated Antenna Read Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags with short read ranges limit their application due to factors such as frequency of radio waves and interrogator power output, restricting their usage in various scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The RFID tag design incorporates a corrugated inductive antenna and magnetic field concentration elements, along with an inductive-capacitive circuit and cross-coupled circuits, to enhance electromagnetic field coupling and increase read range, utilizing materials like copper and ferromagnetic materials to improve signal strength and penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a passive tag uses radio energy from the interrogator, then the tag is cheaper and smaller, but the read range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a corrugated inductive antenna with a curved, three-dimensional structure instead of a flat planar antenna. The corrugations create multiple reflective surfaces that redirect electromagnetic energy, effectively expanding the tag's reception capability in multiple directions and increasing the read range while maintaining the passive tag's cost-effective design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and electrical parameters of the antenna by introducing corrugations with specific geometries (depth, width, spacing). These parameter modifications alter the antenna's electromagnetic characteristics, improving its coupling efficiency with the interrogator's field and extending the operational read range without adding active components
2Device complexity
If the interrogator uses standard radio frequency signals, then the system is simple, but the read range and communication efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary element coupled to the inductive antenna. This capacitor forms an inductive-capacitive circuit that resonates at the interrogator's frequency, acting as a mediator to enhance energy transfer efficiency and extend communication range without complicating the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary electromagnetic properties, including conductive materials for the corrugated antenna structure and dielectric materials for the capacitor. This composite approach creates a tag that efficiently couples with electromagnetic fields, improving communication efficiency while maintaining system simplicity
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
The enhanced RFID tag design significantly increases read range and communication efficiency, allowing for broader application and effective data transfer with weaker interrogation fields.
Implementation Method 1
A passive tag uses the radio energy transmitted by the interrogator in order to transmit its ID signal
Implementation Method 2
The circuit includes a corrugated inductive antenna to communicate with a RFID interrogator using radio frequency signals
Implementation Method 3
The tag also includes one or more magnetic field concentration elements, located on the substrate, that concentrate a magnetic field toward the inductive antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a substrate; and an inductive-capacitive circuit located on the substrate. The circuit includes a corrugated inductive antenna to communicate with a RFID interrogator using radio frequency signals. The circuit further includes a capacitor coupled to the corrugated inductive antenna.