RFID Interference Suppression via Dynamic Antenna Load Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passive-type RFID systems face difficulties in reading RFID tags due to electromagnetic field interference, particularly at multipath interference points where radio interference from nearby electromagnetic-wave reflecting bodies makes it challenging to maintain effective communication.

Innovation Solution

An interference suppression apparatus is introduced, comprising a power supply circuit, an antenna, a clock with adjustable time constants, and a load adjuster that changes the antenna's characteristics based on the clock's output or detected commands, effectively altering the electromagnetic field around the RFID tag to suppress interference and improve readability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a passive-type RFID system is used for long-distance reading, then power supply is not required and item inventory management is enabled, but electromagnetic field interference occurs at multipath interference points making spatial reading difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply requirementVSAvoidreading reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna characteristics changeable over time. The load adjuster modifies the antenna's electrical characteristics (such as impedance or resonant frequency) dynamically in response to detected electromagnetic field conditions or commands from the reading apparatus. This allows the antenna to adapt to varying electromagnetic environments, avoiding multipath interference points and maintaining reliable communication without requiring additional power supply infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the antenna's electrical parameters (impedance, resonant frequency, or other characteristics) through the load adjuster. By changing these parameters in response to detected field conditions or reading apparatus commands, the system can shift operating points to avoid interference zones, thereby maintaining reading reliability in passive RFID operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the antenna characteristic is changed frequently to avoid interference, then electromagnetic field interference is suppressed, but the communication time requirement cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic field interferenceVSAvoidcommunication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by changing the antenna characteristics at specifically timed intervals rather than continuously or too frequently. The load adjuster modifies antenna parameters in periodic cycles or at predetermined timing points during the communication process, allowing the RFID tag sufficient time to complete its communication cycle while still achieving interference suppression through controlled, periodic characteristic changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanically controlled reflective plate is used to change radio wave path, then multipath effects are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultipath effectsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical reflective plate system with an electronic solution. Instead of using mechanically controlled physical reflectors to alter radio wave paths, the invention uses an electronic load adjuster to modify the antenna's electrical characteristics. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, moving parts, and control mechanisms while achieving the same goal of reducing multipath effects through electronic parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution effectively suppresses electromagnetic field interference, allowing for reliable reading of RFID tags even in challenging environments by adjusting the antenna's characteristics to match or counteract the interfering electromagnetic fields, thereby enhancing communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna (12) connected to the power supply circuit (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the power supply circuit (14) generates electric power from electromagnetic waves from the RFID reading apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3926518B1Interference suppression apparatus and interference suppression system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 DENSO WAVE INC
  • EP3926518B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3926518B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3926518B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An interference suppression apparatus suppresses electromagnetic field interference produced by an RFID tag. The interference suppression apparatus includes a power supply circuit, an antenna that is connected to the power supply circuit, a clock that is connected to the power supply circuit, and a load adjuster that is connected to the power supply circuit. The clock generates an output in which a time constant is adjusted to be longer than a communication time of the RFID tag. The load adjuster changes a characteristic of the antenna based on the output from the clock.