Multi-band Harmonic RF Tags for Barcode Applications in a Cluttered Environment

摘要

In this paper, a low cost, simple to design, multi-band passive RFID tags with programmable frequency signature are demonstrated for packaging surveillance applications in a supply chain. The developed tags have good clutter rejection and lower cost per tag. The clutter rejection is achieved by employing harmonic radar concepts with improved interrogation range and efficiency. The developed RFID tags are multi-resonant structures and the harmonic of each resonance peak represents a data bit. The tags are modified such that each product has a unique frequency signature (unique ID) and is represented by presence "1" (reflection) or absence "0" (absorption) of the resonant peak in the frequency spectrum. Three different types of programmable tag designs are presented: i) Tag-1 a bow tie antenna coupled to band stop split ring resonators, ii) Tag-2 cross-coupled dipoles coupled to band pass split ring resonators and, iii) Tag-3 multiple narrowband dipoles antennas coupled together. The tag holds potential applications in product packaging, tracking, tracing, quality management and sensing in the supply chain.