RFID Device with Selective Energy Booster for Read Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID devices face limitations in performance and power requirements, with passive devices having limited functionality and active devices needing a power source for communication, while semi-passive devices share the disadvantages of both.
Innovation Solution
An RFID device with an energy booster that selectively amplifies incoming signals, allowing operation in multiple passive modes, including a fully passive mode and a boosted passive mode, using backscatter modulation and relying on incident energy for power, with an optional rechargeable energy source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive RFID devices are used, then simplicity and long life are achieved, but performance and read range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID device dynamically switches between passive mode and boosted passive mode based on operational needs. The energy booster is selectively activated to amplify incoming RF signals when enhanced performance is required, while maintaining the ability to operate in traditional passive mode when simplicity is sufficient. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy parameter of the RFID system by introducing an energy booster that can amplify incoming RF signals. This parameter change allows the device to overcome the inherent limitations of passive devices regarding read range and performance, while the selective activation maintains the simplicity advantage when full performance is not needed.
2Reliability
If active RFID devices are used, then communication reliability and transmission power are improved, but requirement for internal power source increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID device achieves multi-functionality by combining passive operation with boosted passive operation capabilities. The energy booster component enables the passive device to achieve communication reliability and transmission power levels comparable to active devices, without requiring a permanent internal power source. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of signal amplification from the active device paradigm and applies it selectively to passive devices. Rather than requiring a continuous power source like active devices, the energy booster is only activated when enhanced performance is needed, removing the burden of continuous power consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve active-like performance when required.
3Reliability
If semi-passive RFID devices are used, then some reliability improvements are achieved, but disadvantages of both active and passive devices are retained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a rechargeable energy source that can be periodically recharged from harvested RF energy or other sources. This energy source is used temporarily to power the energy booster when enhanced performance is needed, then depleted and recharged. This approach provides the reliability benefits of active/semi-passive devices only when necessary, while maintaining passive device characteristics for extended periods, effectively using a 'short-living' energy source that is replenished as needed.
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
Enhances performance and read range of RFID devices in boosted passive mode while maintaining functionality in fully passive mode, extending the service life of the energy source and allowing selective use of boosted mode under specific conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a passive RFID chip configured to communicate with a reader by backscatter modulation, without transmitting its own signal
Implementation Method 2
an energy booster operatively coupled to the antenna and the chip, wherein the energy booster is configured to selectively amplify incoming energy received by the antenna and sent to the passive RFID chip
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency identification (RFID) device is capable of operating in multiple passive modes, in either a fully passive mode or a boosted passive mode. The device includes an RFID chip that is suitable for operation of passive RFID devices. An antenna is coupled to the chip for receiving radio frequency signals, such as those sent by a reader/detector device. In addition, the RFID device has an energy booster which may be used to boost the energy of signals received by the device, in order to enable operation at a reduced level of RF signal. The energy boost may be selectively applied in order to transform the passive RFID device into operating in a boosted passive mode. The energy booster may include a one-port transistor and an energy source that is used to power the transistor. The energy source may be a rechargeable energy source.