Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Research Articles

Advancing the Ultra High Frequency RFID in Industrial Applications: A Review

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology transmits data wirelessly and falls under the broad classification of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). The advances in RFID technology continue to be accepted worldwide for various tracking and monitoring type applications. This paper reviews the principle of RFID system operation using an extensive search of relevant articles from technology management and related journals, over the past two decades. It explores 1) the RFID tags operating in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band, 2) analyses some of the major advancements of this technology in the field of sensor tagging solutions in the past two decades, and 3) discusses industry-based applications utilising UHF RFID sensor tagging solutions for process measurement data acquisition. The main challenges identified are privacy and security concerns on their applications in industry. The paper contributes to amalgamating a list of UHF RFID industry-based applications. It is expected that the findings from this review exercise would shed light on critical areas of the UHF RFID Technology.

Security system with RFID control using E-KTP and internet of things

Crimes against property without using violence, in this case, are theft and burglary is the type of crime that is most common every year. However, home security needs a security system that is more efficient and practical. To overcome this, an internet of things (IoT) is needed. This research evaluated the performance prototype by reading distance from the radio frequency identification (RFID) reader using E-KTP and quality of service performance (i.e throughput and delay) from application android. This research design smart door lock using RFID sensor, passive infrared sensor (PIR), solenoid as door locks, buzzer, led, E-KTP as RFID tags and also android application to controlling and monitoring made with android studio is connected to NodeMCU V3 ESP8266 as storage data and connect with firebase realtime database instead of conventional keys. This research focuses on performance prototype and quality of service from features application is work well. Related to previous works, our evaluation shows that the performance prototype can read identity card (E-KTP) with a maximum distance is 4 cm, and performance quality of service for an application show that throughput and delay with a perfect index according to standardization telecommunications and internet protocol harmonization over network (TIPHON) depending on what features are being evaluated.

Chipless RFID Multisensor for Temperature Sensing and Crack Monitoring in an IoT Environment

Nowadays, structural health monitoring and thermal contemplation of remote places are of serious significance. In this scenario, chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors are the vital enablers to monitor remote circumstances in the low-cost pervasive network. This letter presents a compact 7-bit chipless RFID multiparameter sensor designed on smart Rogers RT/Duroid <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">®</sup> 6010.2LM material. The material alters its dielectric properties concerning temperature fluctuations. Six inverted “U” and “L” shaped resonators are designed with specific length and width to resonate within the desired frequency band of 2-8 GHz. A circular microstrip patch antenna is used for the characterization of the crack. The measurements are performed outside the anechoic chamber in an electromagnetically quiet environment. The realized novel smart sensor can be attached to monitor any crack in the metal surface, where temperature monitoring is also crucial. The proposed state-of-the-art robust multisensor is suitable for long-term applications.

A Fast Self-Jamming Cancellation Architecture and Algorithm for Passive RFID Sensor System

In this letter, we propose a fast self-jamming cancellation (SJC) architecture for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio-frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. The core SJC architecture includes a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) as the RFID baseband processor, a radio frequency (RF) agile transceiver which has two transmitting ports as the RF front-end, and a combiner. By detecting the amplitude and phase of the interference carrier, the SJC algorithm transmits a suppression carrier through the second transmitting port of the agile RF transceiver. The suppression carrier could effectively suppress the self-jamming carrier without designing complex circuits. Our test results showed the isolation between the transmitting and receiving port achieves 100dB at UHF band, and the cancellation processes can be finished within 0.4ms.

Perancangan Alat Pencegah Kerumunan Otomatis di Masa COVID-19 Berbasis RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

AKB (New Habit Adaptation) requires people, especially in Indonesia to carry out their usual activities by complying with health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government continues to develop new policies to protect its citizens, including urging the public to avoid crowds wherever they are, including in-office areas. The purpose of this research is to make a system design that can monitor the gathering activities of office employees according to government regulations, namely not filling a room with more than 50% of the maximum capacity of the room. The result of this research is a design of hardware and software as an interface device that can automatically count the number of people in a room with the help of an RFID (Radio-frequency identification) sensor. Besides, this system design is also able to store data of employees who are active in a room and detect their temperature, if the room's capacity is full, the door will automatically be locked and will not accept other employees to enter the room. The hope is that this design can help office management to always supervise points of office space that are often filled with employees so that it also helps the government so that people always avoid crowds.

Novel use of radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a valid measure of indoor stair-based physical activity

This study sought to test the validity of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to measure indoor stair walking. RFID and Bluetooth sensors (accelerometers with the proximity function) were placed at landings across three floors within a stairwell. Participants (n = 29) were randomized to stair walking or sedentary control and concomitantly wore RFID tags at the hip, chest and neck. An accelerometer worn at the hip captured criterion physical activity data. RFID devices detected sedentary control and stair walking participants (mean RFID detections: 15.50, 47.33 respectively). Neck lanyard RFID tags were detected most frequently. RFID correctly classified all participants in both groups. RFID-based energy expenditure estimates were strongly correlated with accelerometer estimates (r = 0.78–0.94). Percent agreement for floor detection between the Bluetooth and RFID readers (38.6%) was consistent with known limitations of Bluetooth proximity sensing. It is concluded that, during self-paced stair walking in young adults, RFID devices provide valid data on participant movement and estimated energy expenditure.

Development of radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors suitable for smart-monitoring applications in sewer systems

Sanitary and stormwater sewers are buried assets that play important roles in the prevention of diseases and the reduction of health risks for our societies. Due to their hidden nature, these assets are not frequently assessed and maintained to optimal conditions. The lack of maintenance can cause sewer blockages and overflows that result in the release of pathogens into the environment. For cities, monitoring sewer conditions on a large-scale can be costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive if using current low-throughput technologies, such as dye testing or closed-circuit television. Alternatively, smart sensor systems can provide low-cost, high-throughput, and automatic data-driven features for real-time monitoring applications. In this study, we developed ultrahigh-frequency radio-frequency identification (UHF RFID)-based sensors that are flushable and suitable for sanitary and stormwater pipes quick surveys. 3D printed RFID sensors were designed to float at the water-air interface and minimize the water interference to RF signal communications. The optimal detection range was also determined to support the design and installation of the reader in various utility holes. Field trials demonstrated that the UHF RFID system is a low-cost, high-throughput, and robust solution for monitoring blockage, illicit-connection, and water flow in sewer networks.

Development of an Embedded UHF-RFID Corrosion Sensor for Monitoring Corrosion of Steel in Concrete

Corrosion of reinforcing steel is the leading cause of deterioration in concrete and impacts strongly the safety and durability of civil infrastructures. It occurs in marine environment with the presence of chloride which breaks the thin oxide film passivation layer leading to dissolution. This research proposes an innovative embedded sensor in concrete for the detection of corrosion of steel. The autonomous UHF RFID (Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency Identification) sensor is based on the coupling between the antenna of a dipolar RFID tag and a layer of steel exposed to chloride in concrete. Variation of the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) measured by the reader localized in air has two origins, namely the degree of moisture of concrete and the presence of the steel layer. By minimizing the impact of seawater ingress on the antenna property, the presence of metallic films of few micrometers thickness can be detected. This authorizes the development of the proposed method for monitoring mass loss of steel in concrete.

Radio Frequency Identification and Sensing: Integration of Wireless Powering, Sensing, and Communication for IIoT Innovations

Novel sensing and communication techniques have accelerated the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the manufacturing industry. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) today requires more agile and unobtrusive sensing and communication to observe the underlying industrial resources and physical operations. Information-driven decision making in the cyber space may result in collaborative automation and intelligent optimization in the physical space. Therefore, a convenient information interface that could seamlessly bridge the physical world with its corresponding information system has been a critical building block for manufacturing intelligence. In this article, we advocate the integration of wireless powering, sensing, and communication, and propose radio frequency identification (RFID) and sensing (RFID&S) techniques to enhance the efficiency and convenience of data collection and integration for IIoT innovations. We first provide the fundamentals of RFID&S including radio frequency energy harvesting and communication interface. Then we present a novel UHF-HF dual-mode RFID sensor scheme with implementations using commercial off-the-shelf components for the first time, and also illustrate the establishment of RFID&S-based industrial monitoring and data integration systems. Finally, the advantages of RFID&S in unobtrusive online sensing, and its capability of extending the information link for IIoT applications are elaborated. An exemplary use case of the proposed RFID&S techniques is provided to suggest its potential applications and show its adaptation to industrial process control and integration.

Recent Advances in Passive UHF-RFID Tag Antenna Design for Improved Read Range in Product Packaging Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a rapidly developing technology, and RFID sensors have become important components in many common technology applications. The passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) tags used in RFID sensors have a higher data transfer rate and longer read range and usually come in unique small and portable application designs. However, these tags suffer from significant frequency interference when mounted on metallic materials or placed near liquid surfaces. This paper presents the recent advancements made in passive UHF-RFID tag designs proposed to resolve the interference problems. We focus on those designs that are intended to improve antenna read range as well as scalability designs for miniaturized applications.

Innovative RFID Sensors for Internet of Things Applications

Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) devices and sensors are among the main innovations of the last years, with an enormous impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) physical communication layer as well as on logistics and robotics. The aim of the present paper is to review the main technologies available for RFID sensors, and to identify the corresponding state-of-the-art when these technologies are applied to realistic IoT scenarios. Firstly, the concepts of radio backscattering and harmonic backscattering are analyzed, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. Then, state-of-the-art solutions are reported, and the performance of each of them are discussed, to provide an overview of the potential of RFID-based sensing in different scenarios.

Tracking clast mobility using RFID sensors on a boulder beach in Galicia, NW Spain

Previous studies using unmanned aerial vehicles and remote sensing techniques have provided data on group sediment dynamics and overall mobility of a boulder beach at Oia in Galicia, northwestern Spain. They recorded changes in the location and disposition of hundreds of clasts but were unable to trace the intermittent movement of individual boulders. Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) sensors were used in the present study to identify and record the long-term trajectories of boulders in this area. Sensors were installed in 80 boulders (mean intermediate axes approximately 55 cm) in September 2016 and were used to locate and record their displacement on five occasions, terminating in December 2019. Although burial and other factors prevented data being collected from every tagged boulder during these periods, recovery rates ranged from approximately 50%–75% of the original population. There was considerable variability in the displacement of the boulders, with maxima of >20 m and mean values >5 m. The distance of travel tended to decrease during the course of this study, despite a corresponding increase in storm frequency and intensity. Patterns of movement, including transport distance and direction were essentially chaotic in nature, reflecting the complex interaction and compound effect of a multitude of controls related to such factors as the location of boulders on the beach, their relationship to surrounding boulders, including the effects of sheltering, interlocking, and burial, and their size, shape, and other physical characteristics. The unpredictable behaviour and high transport thresholds of boulder beaches are in contrast to sand and gravel beaches that are characterized by more uniform and predictable patterns of sediment transport and morphological change.

Experimental Assessment of Wireless Monitoring of Axilla Temperature by Means of Epidermal Battery-Less RFID Sensors.

Wireless epidermal devices (WEDs), based on UHF radio frequency identification (RFID), enable a contactless and noninvasive human body monitoring through sampling of health parameters directly on the skin. With reference to body temperature, this letter reports an experimental campaign aimed at assessing the degree of agreement of a battery-less plaster-like WED, placed in the armpit region, with a standard axilla thermocouple thermometer. A measurement campaign over 10 volunteers, for overall 120 temperature outcomes, revealed a good correlation among the instruments (Person's coefficient p = 0.78) and a difference of less than 0.6 °C in the 95% of the measured cases, provided that a user-calibration is applied. RFID-WED enables a noncontacting reading up to 20 cm and direct connectivity with a cloud architecture. Envisaged applications are the periodic monitoring in clinical and domestic scenarios, as well as the screening of restricted communities related to COVID-19 control and recovery.

Power-Saving Design of Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Networks in Bus Seatbelt Monitoring Systems.

Seatbelt state monitoring is important in intercity buses for passenger safety. This paper discusses the issues and challenges in power-saving design of radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor networks in bus seatbelt monitoring. A new design approach is proposed in this work for low-power layout and parameter setting in RFID sensor nodes in hardware and software design. A one-to-many pairing registration method is suggested between the concentrator and the seat nodes. Unlike using extra computer software to write seat identification (ID) into an integrated circuit (IC) card, the node ID in this project can be stored into the concentrator directly, which can reduce intermediate operations and reduce development costs. The effectiveness of the proposed low-power design approach is verified by some experimental tests.

Printed, flexible, compact UHF-RFID sensor tags enabled by hybrid electronics

Sensor data can be wirelessly transmitted from simple, battery-less tags using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID sensor tags consist of an antenna, a radio frequency integrated circuit chip (RFIC), and at least one sensor. An ideal tag can communicate over a long distance and be seamlessly integrated onto everyday objects. However, miniaturized antenna designs often have lower performance. Here we demonstrate compact, flexible sensor tags with read range comparable to that of conventional rigid tags. We compare fabrication techniques for flexible antennas and demonstrate that screen and stencil printing are both suitable for fabricating antennas; these different techniques are most useful at different points in the design cycle. We characterize two versions of flexible, screen printed folded dipoles and a meandered monopole operating in the 915 MHz band. Finally, we use these antennas to create passive sensor tags and demonstrate over the air communication of sensor data. These tags could be used to form a network of printed, flexible, passive, interactive sensor tags.

A Flipping UHF RFID Sensor-Tag for Metallic Environment Compliant With ETSI/FCC Bands

A novel dual-band ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor tag, designed to operate on metallic surfaces, is proposed. This particular UHF RFID sensor tag is capable of operating in both the main RFID frequency bands of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The dual-band operation of the UHF RFID sensor tag is based on a very simple concept; by flipping the UHF RFID sensor tag on a metallic surface, it can operate either in the ETSI or FCC RFID frequency bands. The impedance and radiation characteristics of the UHF RFID sensor tag are presented with an extensive analysis of the effects of the metallic surface on the UHF RFID sensor tag. In addition, an equivalent model of the UHF RFID sensor tag, which includes the effects of the metallic surface on the sensor tag, is proposed. The UHF RFID sensor tag has a small form factor and presents a satisfying read range of around 3 m for both the operating frequency bands in a metallic environment as well as a read range of 1.4 m when operating in free space.

Potential Chipless RFID Sensors for Food Packaging Applications: A Review

Recently, there is an increasing demand for food safety and quality monitoring in the agrifood sector, needing active and smart packaging. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has the potential to become one of the most promising technology for the food industry since it can satisfy all the requirements of a sensor and identification in food safety monitoring, packages tracking, inventory control, early warning, and easy check-out. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the recent advancement of the chipless RFID humidity, temperature, gas, pH, and bio-sensors, as these types of sensors are required for evaluating the quality of the food in the food industry. Additionally, the paper explains the requirements of the food industry for quality monitoring of the food products, covers the existing challenges of chipless RFID sensor technology, and highlights the future direction of the research.

Microwave Characterization of Chitosan Hydrogel and Its Use as a Wireless pH Sensor in Smart Packaging Applications

pH is an important parameter in cold chain applications, identified as a key food freshness indicator, especially in perishables. In view of this, in recent years the traction of low-cost RFID tags has increased, especially in the domain of physical parameter sensing. In this paper, we present the electromagnetic characterization of the chitosan-based hydrogel in ultra-wideband (UWB) frequencies, and its use as a pH sensor with chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) resonators. This paper also shows the complete preparation process of hydrogel, and how chitosan hydrogel changes its physical responses to different pH levels. Moreover, we show the changing hydrogel’s physical properties and its correlation with changes in frequency response, enabling low-cost pH sensing in UWB. Chipless RFID sensors are relatively low-cost, but they offer enormous design flexibility in diversified applications such as cold chain, smart packaging, and digital agriculture.

The Potential Implementation of Radio-Frequency Identification Technology for Personal Health Examination and Monitoring

This paper presents several possible applications of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for personal health examination and monitoring. One application involves using RFID sensors external to the human body, while another one uses both internal and external RFID sensors. Another application involves simultaneous assessment and monitoring of many patients in a hospital setting using networks of RFID sensors. All the assessment and monitoring are done wirelessly, either continuously or periodically in any interval, in which the sensors collect information on human parts such as the lungs or heart and transmit this information to a router, PC or PDA device connected to the internet, from which patient's condition can be diagnosed and viewed by authorized medical professionals in remote locations. Instantaneous information allows medical professionals to intervene properly and in a timely fashion to prevent possible catastrophic effects to patients. The continuously assessed and monitored information provides medical professionals with more complete and long-term studies of patients. The proposed ideas promise to result in not only enhancement of the health treatment quality but also in significant reduction of medical expenditure.

Wireless Passive Sensors for Food Quality Monitoring: Improving the Safety of Food Products

Food waste amounts to roughly one-third of its total production every year. There is an unprecedented demand to improve long-term storage of food products while preserving quality and safety in every stage of its processing, from postharvesting to preconsumption. Different technologies, such as total viable count (TVC), metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors, fluorescence spectroscopy, dye and polymer-based colorimetric sensors as well as radio-frequency identification (RFID), are currently applied for monitoring food products. This article provides an overview of current developments in near-field and ultrahigh frequency (UHF) wireless passive sensors for monitoring of food quality indices and food spoilage indicators. Solutions based on coupled-coil resonator and UHF chipless RFID sensors with application to bacterial-count detection, volatile gas concentration, humidity, and pH monitoring are highlighted.