Achal Kumar Yadav TCRD

Radio Frequency IDentification

As simple as a 1 bit anti-theft device As smart as a powered remote data logger or processor Most often means an RF Barcode RFID tags wireless barcode labels applied to objects Interrogator Queries RFID tags and receives a response

Inexpensive Tags as cheap as $0.20 available in large quantities Push towards $0.05 tags Wireless Does not require manual inspection or optical scanning Integrated Tags can be put under traditional barcodes or labels RFID interrogators can be integrated with IT infrastructure (databases, etc.) Small Implantable RFID chips and capsules used for animal tracking

Tag does not emit its own RF carrier Tag modulates existing carrier, usually using ASK (amplitude shift keying) ASK is detected with an envelope detector Detects sudden changes in amplitude Outputs a digital waveform Practical envelope detectors implement noise filtering Signal is often 60dB down from carrier Collision detection Many RFID standards (ISO, EPC) implement collision detection / resolution Allows multiple tags to be queried in the same area

Combining sensors with RFID tags Temperature Chemical Strain Humidity Should be inexpensive and small, like regular RFID tags Should be easy to implement No power requirement

Requires two antennas at interrogator Requires interrogator modifications and complex circuitry Encodes 1 bit Change resonance of tag antenna Requires modification of interrogator circuitry Simple to encode 1 bit, more complex modifications could allow for more Use two tags Sensor breaks / activates one tag One tag for reference Simple solution requires no modification to interrogator Slightly more expensive Encodes 1 bit per extra sensor

 Concept Backscatter allows carrier to be off frequency Part of the RFID tag's spiral antenna is shorted out by a MEMS sensor when activated Resonant frequency of tag becomes higher Reflected power is higher when carrier is offresonance By quickly switching between carriers, the sensor data can be acquired at the envelope detector, without complex interrogator modification

Series 6000 S6350 midrange reader module RI-I11-112A RFID tags (square inlay) Operate in the HF band at 13.56 Mhz HF tags have external spiral antenna +20dBm (100mW) power Antennas Self built antenna (first attempt) Wire loop antenna with loop tuner (second attempt)

RFID tags

TI RFID reader

 Original antenna design Low Q loop resonan at 13.56 MHz T match Hard to match, didn't work well

Two carrier idea requires modified reader TI unwilling to provide propriatery schematics or information Reader must be reverse engineered Goal is to cut path somewhere between oscillator. Use a coax switch to choose between original and new carrier

Antenna is tuned for reflected power. Best tuning achieved, SWR 1.01:1 (not pictured)

 Antenna

is tuned using MFJ-936B Loop

Tuner Wavelength (~22 m) is much larger than antenna length Antenna can be detuned by moving, people walking nearby, etc. Needs to be retuned often, sharp Q Played around with widening Q, but read range was reduced (created loss) Tradeoff between read reliability and reading range

Modified RFID system complete Problems with input for second carrier Signal generator wants to see 50 ohms Easily solved by making a simple CMOS oscillator in place of signal generator Problems with reader modifications Initially modified reader didn't work Desoldered modifications and performed a second time Worked perfectly Probably a short or something Problems with antenna T match hard to achieve 50 ohms Switched to the MFJ tuner in the interests of time

Tag is harder to modify Antenna pattern on tag is aluminum Can't solder Conductive epoxy is too high resistance Created PCB antenna to transplant tag chip on to Solderable Can integrate sensors in more convenient ways Still problems with binding the tag chip to the PCB, initial method caused some reliability issues Possible to use alternative metals to bind sensors to the tag

Credit card sized RFID tag Stores account balance Put in your wallet and pass over reader to enter subway Purchase goods at supermarket, etc. RFID door locks Pass RFID card near reader for room access, seen in many buildings RFID price tag Being pushed by Wal-Mart RFID item management Used in libraries for books, CDs, etc. Enables self checkout and integration with antitheft