This work is a paper based dissertation which presents a new method to design low cost chipless radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags using MEMS technology. The proposed chipless tag can be batch-fabricated using a basic MEMS fabrication process. The chipless tag can operate over a wide range of frequencies including the conventional UHF band for RFID applications. The elimination of the chip can reduces the tag price to the extent that it becomes an alternative solution to barcode labels. A prototype of the tag is implemented using a basic fabrication process and measurements are performed to validate its functionality. For the RFID reader, a direct conversion passive micro-mixer combined with a 180 degrees ring hybrid coupler is realized to operate over the unlicensed 60 GHz frequency band. This is followed by a low phase error Rotman lens combined with a patch antenna array in each output port to support beam steering and increasing the communication range. Experimental measurements on a fabricated 3-bit chipless tag show that the tag can backscatter a unique identification code to an RFID interrogator.
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