RFID Reader Coaxial Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID reader devices have complex layout structures due to the use of general-purpose input/output (GPIO) interfaces and fan-out boxes for transmitting control signals and operation voltages to switch modules, leading to increased hardware costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The RFID reader device transmits a direct current (DC) voltage, a control signal, and an RF signal through a coaxial cable to a switch module, allowing the switch module to generate an operation voltage and select antennas, thereby simplifying the wire layout and eliminating the need for a GPIO interface controller chip and fan-out box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPIO interface and fan-out box are used to transmit control signals and operation voltages to switch modules, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and layout structure become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (control signal transmission, power transmission, and antenna switching) into a single RF signal path through the coaxial cable. The RF signal itself carries both power and control information to the switch module, eliminating the need for separate GPIO interfaces and fan-out boxes, thus reducing layout complexity while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coaxial cable is used for multiple purposes: transmitting RF signals, providing power to the switch module, and carrying control information. This multi-functional use of a single component reduces the overall system complexity and simplifies the layout structure compared to using dedicated separate channels for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If GPIO interface controller chip and fan-out box are used, then control signals can be transmitted to multiple switch modules, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the GPIO interface controller chip and fan-out box from the system by extracting their functions and integrating them into the RF signal transmission path. The RF signal directly provides control capability to the switch module without requiring separate control hardware, thereby reducing component count and hardware costs while maintaining the ability to control multiple switch modules
Solution Approach 2:
The RF signal serves multiple functions including powering the switch module and providing control information, making the system self-sufficient. The switch module derives its operating power and control signals from the same RF transmission line, eliminating the need for external power supplies and control logic circuits, thus reducing hardware costs
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency identification reader device including a plurality of antennas, a switch module, a coaxial cable, and a reader is provided. The switch module is electrically connected to the antennas. The coaxial cable is electrically connected to the switch module. The reader transmits a DC voltage, a control signal, and a radio-frequency signal to the switch module through the coaxial cable. The switch module generates an operation voltage by the DC voltage and the control signal. The switch module selects one of the antennas as a preset antenna by the control signal and drives the preset antenna by the radio-frequency signal.