Low-cost thin-film passive RFID circuits and detector system

Abstract

This paper discusses the design of chip-less RFID tags of a standard pocket size of 69 mm by 156 mm. These tags are based on lumped elements of copper metal traces constructed on a thin polyamide flexible substrate. Moreover, a low-cost single-chip Bluetooth detector circuit system is demonstrated. Two different detection methods: variable coil load coupling and optical light intensity detection were combined to yield 256 unique ID codes. In the first method, by utilizing simple 4 MHz digital drivers and an integrated analog to digital converter (ADC) in the reader controller; various inductively coupled resonant loads corresponding to multiple distinct tags could be differentiated, yielding eight different (3-bit) ID codes. The additional via-based hole pattern reflectometer method creates additional 32 distinct levels (5-bit) utilizing 650 nm visible light-emitting diode and a simple trans-impedance operational along with the same analog ADC pins of a Bluetooth controller. The printed circuit board trace coil on the two-layer low-cost FR-4 waterproof sealed detector unit is simultaneously used as a Qi wireless power receiver to charge the120 mAh 2450 Lithium Polymer (LiR) battery. The device could remain operational for more than a month with a single charge; remaining connected with a mobile device and enabling 10 readouts daily.