A Novel Chipless RFID Tag Based on Backscattering Principle

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a modern wireless data transmission and reception technique for applications including automatic identification, asset tracking and security surveillance. As barcodes and other means of identification and asset tracking are inadequate for recent demands, RFID technology has attracted interest for applications such as logistics, supply chain management, asset tracking, and security access control. However, the cost of RFID limits their potential for the replacement of trillions of barcodes each year. The only possible solution is a fully printable chipless RFID tag. A novel RFID system comprised of a chipless RFID tag and an associated reader is reported in the thesis. The chipless tag is a fully-passive microwave circuit and uses spectral signatures for data encoding. The tag consists of a multi-resonator coupled to transmitting and receiving antennas. To accommodate multiple bits, the tag operates over the ultra wideband (UWB) frequency spectrum. UWB antennas are used to receive the interrogation signal sent from the reader and transmit the signal back to the reader after performing modulation of the frequency spectra with the multi-resonator. Modulation is performed in both amplitude and phase of the spectrum. A chipless tag up to 35 bits which operate over 3-7 GHz band has been designed. After the successful design of the chipless tag, three prototype readers have been developed. The Gen1 reader was designed to validate the chipless RFID concept using 6-bit chipless tag reading based on amplitude-only detection in S-band; the Gen2 reader is an upgraded version of Gen1 with both amplitude and phase detection capability; and the third generation reader is a UWB reader capable of reading up to 35-bits in the UWB band. The integrated reader is a complete system with analog RF and digital control sections loaded with graphical user interface (GUI) and software protocol. Both the hardware and software design of the RFID reader and field trials of the designed chipless RFID system have been validated in the real world environment. An investigation into antenna systems in order to enhance reading range up to 70 cm has also been performed. The unique features of the developed chipless RFID system are: (i) a low cost, fully printable tag and (ii) secure, remote and non-line-of-sight operability. The importance of this concept lies in the fact that chipless RFID tags become comparable to barcodes in terms of the substrate material used and the cost of fabrication. The main application of this chipless RFID system is in short-range tagging of extremely low cost items such as the Australian polymer banknote.

While Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has become popular for commodity and asset tracking and management, the relatively higher price of RFID tags limits its application in the supply chain of low-cost commodities. Recently, cost-effective chipless RFID tags that do not contain a microchip in the transponder have been gaining more attention from industry, academia, and government. Existing chipless RFID tags require removing or shorting of some resonators (i.e., spirals or patch slots) on the substrate to encode data, but this incurs a waste of tag area and increases the manufacturing time/cost of chipless RFID tags. In addition, the identifiers (IDs) generated by existing chipless RFID tags are small, deterministic, and clonable. To mitigate these shortcomings, we propose a new unclonable chipless RFID (UCR) tag that intrinsically generates a unique ID from manufacturing variations. UCR tag consists of a certain number of concentric ring slot resonators, whose resonance frequencies depend on slot parameters and substrate dielectric constant that are sensitive to manufacturing variations. The area of UCR tag is as small as regular quick response (QR) code. Simulation results based on CST Microwave Studio 2015 have verified the effectiveness and reliability of UCR tags. The non-overlapping margin between intra-tag and inter-tag Euclidian distance distributions reaches approximately 50 MHz in the presence of random white Gaussian noise (WGN) with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 10 dB.

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology successfully integrates radio transmitter and receiver, small size memory space and control circuitry to remotely store and retrieve data via wireless RF transceiver. As low-cost RFID tag can be massively manufactured by semiconductor industry, new applications associated with RFID technology have emerged rapidly such as inventory tracking, book storage and management, and airport baggage handling. Generally an RFID system is composed of many RFID tags (or tagged objects), at least one RFID reader, and one backend application system with database. An RFID tag gains its operation energy from query signals that are radio waves transmitted by RFID reader. Once a tag responds the query with its stored information to RFID reader, usually a unique identity number or string, the RFID system can recognize the tag carrier and perform required business logic operation. As RFID technique is widely used in supply chain management, the corresponding RFID application systems are expected to process and manage large amount of tagged objects at a predefined period of time regularly. Therefore, for large-scaled RFID applications, tag reading throughput is very critical since it will affect the total data processing time. To measure tag reading throughput of a RFID system, two performance criteria are usually adopted: tag reading delay and reader energy consumption [5]. As RFID reader and tag always communicate over a shared wireless channel, it is very easy to have signal collisions during a normal tag identification process when multiple tags exist in reader’s interrogation area. Signal collision results in query or data retransmission and eventually increases communication overhead and time delay of tag identification. Hence, an efficient tag collision arbitration mechanism is very important and critical for RFID systems to achieve effective performance. Existing RFID tag identification schemes can be classified into aloha-based solutions [3, 10, 12-13, 16, 21, 23-24] and tree-based solutions [1, 2, 4, 6-9, 14-15, 17-20, 22]. In aloha-based schemes, a reader estimates the number of tags in its interrogation area and broadcasts the total number of timeslots to each tag. Then each RFID tag randomly selects its own timeslot to transmit its ID without knowing which timeslots have been selected by other tags. By distributing tag responses to distinct timeslots instead of getting all tag responses at the same time, aloha-based schemes effectively reduce the probability of signal collision. However, aloha-based schemes have tag starvation problem in which certain tags may not

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been considered the “next revolution in supply chain management” (Srivastava, 2004, p. 60). Current research and development related to RFID focuses on the manufacturing and retail sectors with the aim of improving supply chain efficiency. After the manufacturing and retail sectors, health care is considered to be the next sector for RFID (Ericson, 2004). RFID technology’s potential to improve asset management in the health sector is considerable, especially with respect to asset management optimization. In fact, health expenses have increased substantially in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in recent years. In Canada, the public health budget amounted to $91.4 billion (CAD) for the year 2005–2006 compared to $79.9 billion in 2003–2004 (CIHI, 2005). Moreover, the health care industry has been the focus of intense public policy attention. In order to curb this upward trend, the public heath sector in Canada is subject to strict budget constraints. Among the different alternatives for reducing expenditures, the improvement of asset management within the different health institutions appears to be worthwhile. RFID technology seems to be a viable alternative to help hospitals effectively manage and locate medical equipment and other assets, track files, capture charges, detect and deter counterfeit products, and maintain and manage materials. In other words, health care organizations would benefit particularly from RFID applications. The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential for RFID technology within one specific supply chain in the health care sector.B ased on a field study conducted in a large nonprofit hospital, this article tests some scenarios for integrating RFID technology in the context of two warehousing activities. We will first introduce the context of the health care sector and the current applications of RFID technology in that sector. The next section presents the methodological approach that was used in the study. The research findings and their implications are then discussed. Finally, some closing remarks are made.

An 8-bit chipless radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag with a compact structure is proposed in this paper. Designing a RFID tag with a compact size is highly demanded in RFID technology. The original RFID tag is composed of 8 octagonal rings. In order to minimize its dimensions, the tag is divided in two equal parts. One part is completely omitted with its substrate. A grounded wall is placed in front of the remaining part to compensate the effects of the removed part and generate an image of it. Comparing a radar cross-section (RCS) of the compact and normal structure implies that by minimizing the tag, the RCS response of the structure is approximately similar with that of the normal tag. An equivalent circuit model for the RFID tag is presented, which shows a reasonable agreement with its full-wave result. The presented tag exhibits an RCS of σ = −26 dBsm from 2 to 7 GHz with an overall size of 15 × 30 mm2. Through using the aforementioned method, a 50% reduction in the overall area of the structure is observed.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is used to identify RFID-tagged objects automatically. An RFID system generally consists of three components: an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and a backend system. An RFID tag is a small device for identification, which is attached to or embedded in an object. It has an unique identifier and may optionally hold additional product information for the object. An RFID reader is a device used to interrogate RFID tags. It can be fixed or portable. It passes communication messages between an RFID tag and a backend system. A backend system stores and manages the online data which are associates with RFID tags. Since the communication between an RFID tag and an RFID reader occurs without optical line of sight, RFID tags can be read much longer and much faster than other automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies such as Bar-codes and smartcards. Thanks to these advantages, RFID technology has various applications.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in library management system and services in Bangladesh. This study followed survey and interview methods of data collection through a structured questionnaire. The population of study was all nine libraries in Bangladesh where RFID technology has been installed. The study reveals that all nine libraries are using RFID technology, namely, anti-theft detection Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) gate, staff-work station and RFID tag. In addition to these, some of them are using kiosk, converter, level printer, book drop station, digital library assistance (DLA) and RFID smart card for entrance. The significance numbers of library users employ the RFID system and services and it is increasing gradually, but some of the RFID machines like level printer, book drop station and DLA are under-utilized because of lack of trained staff, patron’s doubt on new technology and less demand on using them in house-keeping library operation.

The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the costs and process of implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to manage and control the rotation of returnable transport items. Owing to the novelty of using RFID in logistics and supply chain management, in-depth case studies were conducted at two global firms in the retail industry to investigate how and why organisations implement and assess RFID technology. These case studies provide insights into how RFID benefits have been attainable in practice, and indicate that the cost of introducing RFID technology is not generally a barrier. As a result, this paper proposes an inductively derived stage model of the RFID implementation process. In this, implications for management are identified and discussed to guide managers in the process of implementing RFID technology.

Hospitals represent a significant part of healthcare systems and account for no less than 60% of the entire healthcare service in most of developed countries. Therefore, improving service in hospitals is an important element to the process of healthcare reform. Better use of resources, more consistent quality, and a higher service level are the keys to rationalise the huge expenditure in healthcare systems due to higher growth in demand. Even though massive spending has been directed towards hospital improvement in Ireland, services provided in Irish hospitals are ranked relatively low comparing to the other European countries. Growth of population, aging, European Union regulations, and demanding patients place more pressure on healthcare researchers to provide innovation solutions for Irish hospitals. In the last two decades, the use of technology had a significant impact on hospital performance in terms of responsiveness, quality, and management practices. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been successfully implemented in a number of hospital systems in many developed countries. It is an emerging technology for applications such as managing and tracking patients, equipment, and drugs. Integrating RFID technology into hospital systems allows a dramatic enhancement in hospital efficiency and effectiveness measures to happen. This paper gives a comprehensive review on the up-to-date applications of RFID technology in hospital systems. It includes a classification of RFID applications at different areas of hospitals. Inclusive analysis of the impact of RFID implementation on the overall performance of the hospitals is presented. As new technology, this paper looks into the challenges and problems facing the management in employing the technology. Recommendations on potential impact of using RFID in Irish hospitals are discussed.

Chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) has emerged as an advanced, wireless, non-line-of-sight, data capturing and tracking radio communication technology. Now tagging technology is getting more efficient than optical barcodes. RFID technology has appeared as a promising alternative to replace optical barcodes. Based on the presence of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), it is classified as chipped and chipless-RFID. Till now chipless RFID systems cannot compete with chipped RFID in terms of information storage capability, size, and tracking distances. One of the most valid reason that hinders the mass production of RFID tag is its cost which is due to the semiconductor unit present in the tag. Therefore, research has been focused on developing low-cost chipless RFID tags. Here circular split-ring resonator (SRR) based 3-bit chipless RFID tag is proposed, fabricated and analyzed. The performance characteristics are obtained through design and simulation using CST Microwave Studio and validated through measurements. Based on measurement results, the tag can provide a maintenance-free environment for wireless applications, viz. goods tracking, identity detection, and health applications.

As the expanding of the production scale, the efficiency and the stability of the manufacturing line begin to dominate the key role in manufacturing industry accompany the material monitor. It is learned that effective and correct operation will save a lot of producing cost. Therefore, in this paper, a monitor and control system framework architecture based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is presented according to specific manufacturing requirement of discrete product line in China. In this system, the RFID technology is supposed to be combined with real time database and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) etc. It is applied to enhance the automation of the manufacturing with RFID technology. A case in point is the application of the framework in one clothing factory. The feedback indicates that with the help of the RFID technology based system the productivity of cloth producing has been increased. It not only provides a stable manufacturing process and an accuracy management method for producing timely, but also increases the automation level of the manufacturing line. It can be reconfigured to determine the production facility's positions automatically.

PurposeThis paper aims to explore and describe the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology on inventory accuracy within a production and assembly plant, and to propose a model for assessing the impact of the technology on inventory accuracy.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation, based on case study research, focuses on an RFID implementation at a supplier of injection‐moulded, surface‐treated plastic to the automotive industry. This implementation is one of the few item‐level, open‐loop RFID implementations in the automotive industry.FindingsThe empirical paper provides insights into, how inventory accuracy has been improved and made attainable in practice by implementing RFID, and indicates that the technology ensures inventory inaccuracy will be kept at a minimum. As a result, an analytical model is presented which identifies the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study and context need to be considered when generalising upon the findings. Furthermore, it is hoped future research could further develop the model presented and test it against implementation practice.Practical implicationsRFID technology provides practitioners with the opportunity to eliminate waste, and improve production and assembly performance. The research provides practitioners with experience of, and insights into how a production and assembly plant has improved inventory accuracy by implementing RFID technology. In particular, practitioners are provided with a model which enables them to assess the impact of RFID on inventory accuracy.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the RFID community by providing empirical insights into the impact of RFID technology on inventory accuracy, but also more broadly into logistics and operations management research.

Even invented and applied initially during the World War II, RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technologies [1] have attracted much attention recently. Precisely speaking, RFID technologies have been applied very widely in some proprietary or closed systems, for example, animal control [2], portal control (access badges), etc. in last decades. The main advantages of RFID application are, storing item data in an electronic way even for further update, data access by electromagnetic wave in a wireless manner, and allowing quick multiple accesses to RFID tags. Based on the diverse applications, different spectrum bands are allocated, for example, LF (125 134.2 kHz and 140 148.5 kHz) for animal control, HF (13.56MHz) for electronic ticket, and UHF (868 MHz-928 MHz) for logistics, etc. Most of the frequencies are located in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) bands [1]. However, RFID was emphasized again mainly because of the need of supply chain [3]. By proposing a standard for the format of electronic data used for goods items, of which EPC (Electronic Product Code) [4] is an example, the products can be registered at once when they are shipped out from the factories in one country, and be released when they are checked out at the counter of a supermarket in the other country in the world. These products might have been transferred through Customs of many countries and carried by different traffic means. When being through these check points, the related data stored in the tags are updated. This is called “product tracking” and is to be carried out in an “Internet of Thing (IOT)” [5]. This Chapter is to have a review on the technology theme – how to provide low-cost RFID Tags, when RFID technology is to be applied into the logistics area where the RFID tags are supposed to be not re-usable and to be as “zero-cost” as possible. Generally speaking, there are three major parts composing a RFID Tag’s total cost, namely, antenna, chip and assembly for them. The cost of antenna, in addition to the design phase, is mainly dependent on the manufacturing process. Therefore, manufacturing process should be focused if antenna’s cost, then the tag, is concerned. This is the theme of this Chapter. Not like the other antenna applications, for example, wireless LAN or mobile phone, in which antennas need to be compliant to the end products’ appearance by following the market trend. In the tag antenna industry, on the contrary, it does not need to design or modify the tag antenna often. The tag antenna just needs to electrically match the chip used in the beginning of design. It is not necessary for tag providers to prepare a wide product spectrum in the market. Again, not like the mobile phone industry, RFID tag’s players just

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID stands for Radiofrequency Identification. The acronym refers to small electronic devices that consist of a small chip and an antenna. RFID technology, initially explored in the 1980s, became more accessible and widely implemented by the early 2000s.Libraries Libraries have long served as essential institutions for knowledge preservation and dissemination, traditionally relying on physical resources like books and journals. RFID systems consist of tags, readers, and integrated software. The integration of RFID technology represents a significant advancement in library services, enhancing efficiency and user experience. A notable development in this area is RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, which has significantly enhanced library management and user experience. RFID technology utilizes radio waves to identify and track objects, such as library materials, automatically. The advent of digital technology has revolutionized libraries, transforming them into dynamic hubs of information and community engagement. RFID technology provides several benefits, including improved user experience, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and optimized resource utilization. The evolution of library technology began with mechanical cataloguing systems, progressing to automated systems and Integrated Library Systems (ILS). In a library setting, RFID technology improves inventory control, self-checkout systems, and security. While challenges exist, the benefits of RFID technology in improving library operations and services are substantial. RFID technology in libraries offers significant enhancements across various operational aspects. The adoption of RFID in libraries has led to benefits such as faster inventory checks, reduced checkout times, and enhanced security against theft. This technological evolution encompasses digital cataloguing systems, online databases, e-books, and automated circulation systems, among other advancements. Self-checkout systems improve user convenience by allowing patrons to borrow materials independently. RFID also enhances security through anti-theft measures and enables real-time data collection for operational insights and personalized services.

RFID technology and its diverse applications: A brief exposition with a proposed Machine Learning approach