In passive RFID technology, a ‘reader’ transmits a radio signal that is picked up by the RFID tag. The tag converts the AC of the radio signal into DC in order to power internal circuits, which control the signal that is bounced back to the reader.
“By eliminating the hardware that is used to convert the AC signal to DC for powering the circuit, we are able to make the RFID tag much smaller and less expensive,” said Professor Paul Franzon.
Prof Franzon’s team redesigned RFID circuits so they could operate directly from AC power by incorporating additional transistors into the circuits. The circuits share a few transistors that enable them to operate correctly using an AC power source.
While tags made using the new design – ‘RF-only logic’ tags –have less range than conventional, passive RFID tags, Prof Franzon plans to develop RF-only logic tags with a range similar to that of conventional tags.
“We’re currently looking for industry partners to help us bring this technology into the marketplace,” Prof Franzon concluded.
