Flexible Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Antenna for Sensor Applications.

Mohammad Islam,Touhidul Alam,Iskandar Yahya,Mengu Cho

doi:10.3390/s18124212

Mohammad Islam, Touhidul Alam + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/s18124212

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Abstract

In this paper, an inkjet-printed flexible Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag antenna is proposed for an ultra-high frequency (UHF) sensor application. The proposed tag antenna facilitates a system-level solution for low-cost and faster mass production of RFID passive tag antenna. The tag antenna consists of a modified meander line radiator with a semi-circular shaped feed network. The structure is printed on photo paper using silver nanoparticle conductive ink. The generic design outline, as well as tag antenna performances for several practical application aspects are investigated. The simulated and measured results verify the coverage of universal UHF RFID band with an omnidirectional radiation pattern and a long-read range of 15 ft. In addition, the read range for different bending angles and lifetimes of the tag antenna are also demonstrated.

Highlights

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is playing a promising role for new generation non-invasive RFID sensor applications
A flexible tag antenna with an omnidirectional radiation pattern is essential for smooth RFID sensor application in various fields, like child tracking in childcare centers, patient tracking in hospital management systems, internet of things (IoT) RFID sensors, epidermal sensors, etc. [1,2,3,4,5]
This paper presents a paper-based flexible ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tag antenna for sensor applications

Summary

Introduction

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is playing a promising role for new generation non-invasive RFID sensor applications. A flexible tag antenna with an omnidirectional radiation pattern is essential for smooth RFID sensor application in various fields, like child tracking in childcare centers, patient tracking in hospital management systems, internet of things (IoT) RFID sensors, epidermal sensors, etc. [10,11,12,13] using engineered conductive inks made from silver nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, or organometallic particles [14] At the beginning this technology required thermal sintering at a high temperature, but due to developments in material science, new types of conductive ink have been developed which dry instantly at room temperature [11]

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