Radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna development

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification technology can be used for items tracking and inventory management. Such a system will enable the exact number of items in specific storage locations (such as bookshelves, cabinets, drawers etc.) to be detected without the need for physical counting. As a result, it can help to reduce the man-made errors and increase the degree of inventory accuracy.

In this report, a brief introduction into RFID technology will be given. On top of that, the main components that build up a RFID system will be listed and elaborated. After that it will be followed by a discussion of basic principle behind an RFID operation.

The project is mainly comprised of three parts. The first part of the report discussed about the High Frequency (HF) RFID Wafer Rack Application. The antenna used in this application is operating in the frequency of 13.56 MHz. A loop antenna design is created. The equipments used in this project are also listed and studied. In the end of this report, a new loop antenna for the wafer rack application is constructed and proposed.

In the second part, ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID Smart Book Shelf application is presented. The RFID system used in this application is operating in the frequency of around 915 MHz. A design of loop antenna is used in this project. Finally testing result and simulation result are presented.

In the last part, ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID Smart Drawer application is presented. The system also uses the frequency of around 915 MHz. Some designs of antenna are proposed in this project. Two main designs which are net antenna and multi loop antenna are analyzed in detail. Finally testing result and simulation result are presented.