RFID Reader Digital-to-Analog Signal Conversion for Industrial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID readers are limited to transmitting only digital information, making it difficult to integrate RFID sensor data with industrial control systems that require analog inputs, as they were originally designed for narrowly focused identification data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An RFID apparatus and method that converts digital signals from multiple RFID sensors into analog signals, allowing these analog signals to be transmitted along dedicated wire lines to control systems, enabling the integration of RFID sensor data with industrial equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID readers transmit only digital information, then identification data transmission is accurate and reliable, but integration with industrial control systems requiring analog inputs is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device between the RFID reader and control system that performs digital-to-analog conversion. This intermediary contains a microprocessor that receives digital signals from the RFID reader, converts them to analog signals, and transmits them to control systems via wired connections, thereby enabling integration without modifying the original RFID reader architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal parameter from digital to analog format. The microprocessor converts digital identification data into analog electrical signals that can be transmitted through standard industrial control wiring, allowing RFID data to be compatible with analog input control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID readers are designed for narrowly focused identification data transmission, then device simplicity is maintained, but functionality for industrial sensor data transmission is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface device that can handle multiple functions: reading RFID tags, converting digital to analog signals, and transmitting data to various control systems. This single device replaces the need for separate RFID readers and analog signal generators, simplifying industrial application deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: the RFID reader module for identification data acquisition, the conversion module for digital-to-analog transformation, and the transmission module for wired communication with control systems. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall 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
Enables the seamless transmission of RFID sensor data, such as temperature and pressure readings, in analog form to industrial control systems, overcoming the limitations of traditional RFID readers and facilitating their use in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader, having an RFID reader antenna; the RFID reader antenna adapted to receive a first digital signal from a first RFID sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID apparatus is disclosed generally comprising an RFID reader antenna attached to a microprocessor, the RFID reader antenna adapted to receive a first digital signal from a first RFID sensor and a second digital signal from a second RFID sensor. The RFID apparatus further possesses a converter that converts the first digital signal to a first analog output, such as electrical current, and the second digital signal to a second analog output. The apparatus can further possess a first electrical wire adapted carry the first analog output to a control system when the first electrical wire is connected to the control system. Also the apparatus can possess a second electrical wire adapted to carry the second analog output to the control system when the second electrical wire is connected to the control system. The control system is external to RFID apparatus and independent of the RFID apparatus.