RFID Tag Voltage Limiter Segmentation for Response Time and Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID tags face a trade-off between voltage limiter precision and response time, where faster response times result in lower maximum acceptable battery voltage, and existing solutions fail to accurately limit supply voltage while ensuring low power consumption and protection from high input power scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The RFID tag employs two synchronized voltage limiters: a fast-response first limiter during start-up to keep the supply voltage within specific thresholds and a more accurate second limiter during stationary states, ensuring the voltage remains below a given threshold with a tolerance margin, using CMOS transistors and Zener diodes to manage voltage effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fast-response voltage limiter is used to protect from high input power scenarios, then response time is improved, but voltage accuracy deteriorates due to greater variability of the limitation voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidvoltage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage limiter is divided into two distinct parts: a first voltage limiter with fast response time for initial protection, and a second voltage limiter with high accuracy for precise voltage control. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between the first voltage limiter during start-up and the second voltage limiter during stationary operation. This dynamic operation allows the system to have fast response when needed and high accuracy when the system is stable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the limitation voltage is set high to accept a wide range of battery types, then adaptability is improved, but protection capability deteriorates because faster response time is required to protect from high input power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery type compatibilityVSAvoidprotection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protection system is segmented into two stages: initial fast protection against voltage spikes regardless of battery type, followed by accurate voltage regulation that allows higher limitation voltages for battery compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first voltage limiter acts in advance during start-up to prevent any potential damage from high input power before the second, more accurate voltage limiter takes over for sustained operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach allows for precise voltage control, balancing response time and voltage accuracy, ensuring the RFID tag operates within safe voltage limits while maintaining low power consumption and compatibility with various battery types, enhancing product yield and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a first voltage limiter adapted and configured to limit, during a start-up state of the RFID tag, said supply voltage VDD in order the latter not exceeding a given first threshold voltage value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage limiting:

Implementation Method 2

a second voltage limiter, different to and synchronized with said first voltage limiter, said second voltage limiter being adapted and configured to be activated during a stationary state of the RFID tag so that the supply voltage VDD of the RFID tag being always kept below a given second threshold voltage value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage limiting:

Implementation Method 3

using CMOS transistors and Zener diodes to manage voltage effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectZener effect:

Data Source

PatentEP3236392B1A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a method for limiting supply voltage of a RFID tag
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 FARSENS
  • EP3236392B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3236392B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3236392B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

The RFID tag comprising: a first communication module (201) for extracting energy from received signals from a RFID reader providing a supply voltage VDD to the RFID tag (200); an energy storage module (203) to store said extracted energy from the received signals; a first voltage limiter (205) adapted and configured to limit, during a start-up state of the RFID tag (200), said supply voltage VDD; and a second voltage limiter (206), different to and synchronized with said first voltage limiter (205), said second voltage limiter (206) being adapted and configured to be activated during a stationary state of the RFID tag (200).