RFID Strap Network and Touch Probe Reader for Transponder Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID devices face challenges due to the size disparity between integrated circuit chip pads and antennas, leading to manufacturing difficulties and power limitations that restrict memory capacity in transponder systems.
Innovation Solution
A transponder network comprising RFID straps with substrates, leads, and chips, where the straps are electrically coupled to form a network with increased memory capacity, and can be powered by internal sources or RF signals, using touch probe technology for communication with a reader device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an intermediate strap component is used to connect the integrated circuit chip to the antenna, then the manufacturing process becomes feasible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the intermediate strap component from the final RFID device structure. Instead of permanently incorporating the strap as a separate component, the chip is mounted directly onto the antenna substrate, eliminating the need for the strap in the finished product while still allowing for feasible manufacturing processes during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mounting actions by pre-attaching the integrated circuit chip to the antenna substrate during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action consolidates multiple components into a single integrated structure before final assembly, simplifying the overall device while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Reliability
If continuous wave RF energy is used to power the chip, then the chip can operate within FCC limits, but the memory capacity is restricted due to power limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from continuous wave (CW) RF energy transmission to periodic or pulsed RF energy transmission. By using periodic action, the system can accumulate energy in the antenna and capacitor over time, allowing for higher power delivery to the chip during active periods while still complying with average power limits set by FCC regulations. This enables larger memory capacity while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary energy accumulation by charging a capacitor during periods when RF energy is transmitted, before the actual data reading or writing operation occurs. This preliminary energy storage allows the chip to access larger memory capacity during high-power intervals without exceeding continuous power limits, effectively decoupling average power consumption from peak power requirements.
3Area of moving object
If the integrated circuit chip pads are made very small to reduce size, then the chip area is minimized, but the attachment difficulty increases due to the size disparity with antenna conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the size disparity issue by changing the dimensional relationship between chip pads and antenna conductors. Instead of requiring precise alignment in a single plane, the chip is mounted at an angle or in a three-dimensional configuration relative to the antenna substrate, allowing small chip pads to connect to larger antenna conductors through vertical or angular positioning rather than horizontal alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the antenna substrate itself as an intermediary component that bridges the size gap between the small chip pads and the larger antenna conductors. The substrate provides a transition layer with appropriate trace widths and connection geometries that can interface with both the miniaturized chip pads and the larger antenna structures, facilitating reliable electrical connection without requiring the chip pads to be enlarged.
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 memory capacity and power efficiency in RFID systems, allowing for improved communication and data storage while overcoming power limitations and manufacturing challenges.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for receiving and transmitting RF signals
Implementation Method 2
The radio module is adapted to generate one or more RF signals under the control of the control system
Implementation Method 3
The probe contact is operatively coupled to the radio module for receiving the one or more RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
Transponder networks and transponder systems are provided which help to overcome the issues presented to transponders systems by FCC power limitations. One embodiment provides a transponder network that includes a plurality of RFID straps in order to increase the amount of memory that is practically available in the network. Other embodiments provide transponder systems employing a touch probe RFID reader device that enable information to be communicated to and from a transponder or a transponder network by establishing physical contact with the reader device rather than through an air interface.