RFID Tag Memory Access Arbiter for Fast Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags face inefficiencies in communication between an external logic element and an interrogator, particularly due to low data transfer rates and the need for additional, non-standardized commands, which complicates data storage and retrieval in non-volatile memory.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a unique address space with volatile memories for data and status information, connected through a memory access arbiter to facilitate faster communication using standardized and non-standardized commands, reducing the time required for data transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If data is stored in non-volatile memory of the RFID tag, then data persistence is improved, but data transfer time increases to several milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory system into two distinct parts: volatile memory (RAM) for fast data transfer operations and non-volatile memory (EEPROM) for persistent data storage. The volatile memory handles time-critical data exchange between the RFID tag and external logic element, while the non-volatile memory maintains data persistence. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing fast access when needed while preserving data stability for long-term storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces volatile memory as an intermediary buffer between the non-volatile memory and the communication interface. Data is first loaded from non-volatile memory into volatile memory, then transferred rapidly to the external logic element. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain data persistence in non-volatile memory while achieving fast transfer rates through the volatile memory buffer, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of data stability and transfer speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional non-standardized commands are implemented for data transfer, then communication functionality is improved, but device complexity and compatibility issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing standardized RFID commands multi-functional by implementing different operational modes within the same command framework. The volatile memory is accessed through standard read/write commands that already exist in RFID protocols, but these commands are enhanced to also manage data buffering and transfer operations. This universality approach allows the system to achieve extended communication functionality without requiring entirely new command sets, thereby maintaining compatibility while improving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A memory access arbiter (MAA) in an RFID tag is connected to an unique address space (UAS), which comprises a non-volatile memory (NVM), a transferred data memory (TDM) and a status-information memory (SIM) storing information on the status of the transferred data memory (TDM). The transferred data memory (TDM) and the status-information memory (SIM) are volatile memories, e.g. of the RAM type having a memory capacity of 16 bits or 32 bits according to the standard of an applied RFID communication. The RFID tag of the invention provides for a faster communication between an interrogator and an external logic element by one order of magnitude, which is due to fast volatile memories for transferred data as well as for corresponding status information. A still higher communication rate is achieved by introducing a command that has not yet been standardized.