Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An RFID-Based Self-Biased 40 nm Low Power LDO Regulator for IoT Applications

by Asghar Bahramali and Marisa Lopez-Vallejo

Micromachines 2021, 12(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12040396 - 03 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2891

There are emerging applications, like bridge structural health monitoring, continuous patient condition and outdoor aiding of the elderly and the disabled, where Internet of things (IoT) nodes are used with very limited accessibility and no connection to the main supply network. They may [...] Read more.

There are emerging applications, like bridge structural health monitoring, continuous patient condition and outdoor aiding of the elderly and the disabled, where Internet of things (IoT) nodes are used with very limited accessibility and no connection to the main supply network. They may also be exposed to harsh environmental conditions. These are applications where power and available area constraints are of great concern. In this paper, we design a 1.1 V low dropout (LDO) linear regulator in 40

n m

technology to be embedded in IoT nodes. To address these constraints, we used state-of-the-art, variability-aware resistor-less sub-threshold biased CMOS-only ultra low power consumption configurations having low active area. The proposed LDO is internally compensated with embedded 18

p F

Miller and 10

p F

load capacitances. It can supply 1

m A

maximum load current with 0.8 uA quiescent current. The dropout voltage of the regulator is 200

m V

with minimum input voltage of 1.3 V. The efficiency of the regulator is 84%, which is about 99% of the maximum achievable efficiency for a 200

m V

dropout voltage. The whole circuit, consisting of the embedded voltage reference and the Miller and load capacitances, takes less than 0.007

m m^{2}

of the die size with 1 μ

W

power consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Current Progress towards the Integration of Thermocouple and Chipless RFID Technologies and the Sensing of a Dynamic Stimulus

by Kevin Mc Gee, Prince Anandarajah and David Collins

Micromachines 2020, 11(11), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11111019 - 20 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

To date, no printable chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor-related publications in the current literature discuss the possibility of thermocouple integration, particularly for the use in extreme environments. Furthermore, the effects of a time-dependent stimulus on the scattering parameters of a chipless RFID [...] Read more.

To date, no printable chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor-related publications in the current literature discuss the possibility of thermocouple integration, particularly for the use in extreme environments. Furthermore, the effects of a time-dependent stimulus on the scattering parameters of a chipless RFID have never been discussed in the known literature. This work includes a review of possible methods to achieve this goal and the design and characterization of a Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) based VHF/UHF voltage sensing circuit. Proof-of-concept thermocouple integration was attempted, and subsequent testing was performed using a signal generator. These subsequent tests involved applying ramp and sinusoid voltage waveforms to the circuit and the characteristics of these signals are largely extracted from the scattering response. Overall conclusions of this paper are that thermocouple integration into chipless RFID technology is still a significant challenge and further work is needed to identify methods of thermocouple integration. With that being said, the developed circuit shows promise as being capable of being configured into a conventional chipless RFID DC voltage sensor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A 21 m Operation Range RFID Tag for “Pick to Light” Applications with a Photovoltaic Harvester

by Aingeru Astigarraga, Alberto Lopez-Gasso, Diego Golpe, Andoni Beriain, Hector Solar, David del Rio and Roc Berenguer

Micromachines 2020, 11(11), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11111013 - 18 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4533

Abstract

In this paper, a novel Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for “pick to light” applications is presented. The proposed tag architecture shows the implementation of a novel voltage limiter and a supply voltage (VDD) monitoring circuit to guarantee a correct operation between the tag [...] Read more.

In this paper, a novel Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for “pick to light” applications is presented. The proposed tag architecture shows the implementation of a novel voltage limiter and a supply voltage (VDD) monitoring circuit to guarantee a correct operation between the tag and the reader for the “pick to light” application. The feasibility to power the tag with different photovoltaic cells is also analyzed, showing the influence of the illuminance level (lx), type of source light (fluorescent, LED or halogen) and type of photovoltaic cell (photodiode or solar cell) on the amount of harvested energy. Measurements show that the photodiodes present a power per unit package area for low illuminance levels (500 lx) of around 0.08 μW/mm², which is slightly higher than the measured one for a solar cell of 0.06 μW/mm². However, solar cells present a more compact design for the same absolute harvested power due to the large number of required photodiodes in parallel. Finally, an RFID tag prototype for “pick to light” applications is implemented, showing an operation range of 3.7 m in fully passive mode. This operation range can be significantly increased to 21 m when the tag is powered by a solar cell with an illuminance level as low as 100 lx and a halogen bulb as source light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 10487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Power Management IC for a Dual-Input-Triple-Output Energy Harvester

by Kai-Meng Mui, Mei-Kum Khaw and Faisal Mohd-Yasin

Micromachines 2020, 11(10), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11100937 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

We present the design of a power management integrated circuit that processes harvested energy from radio frequency waves and piezoelectric vibrations. The rectification of piezoelectric and RF sources has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 87.73% and 74.70%, respectively. The asynchronous and microcontroller-less [...] Read more.

We present the design of a power management integrated circuit that processes harvested energy from radio frequency waves and piezoelectric vibrations. The rectification of piezoelectric and RF sources has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 87.73% and 74.70%, respectively. The asynchronous and microcontroller-less integrated circuit (IC) is designed to be low power, so the bulk of the harvested energy goes to three loads. The output peak powers of 111 μW, 156 μW, and 128 μW will be sufficient to run small devices for RF communication systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

L-Shaped Slot-Loaded Stepped-Impedance Microstrip Structure UWB Antenna

by Zhong Hua Ma and Yan Feng Jiang

Micromachines 2020, 11(9), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11090828 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2923

Abstract

A stepped planar microstrip structure is proposed and demonstrated as a candidate of the ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna in the paper. In the structure, two L-shaped slots are introduced into the rectangular microstrip patch to broaden the current path at both edges of the [...] Read more.

A stepped planar microstrip structure is proposed and demonstrated as a candidate of the ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna in the paper. In the structure, two L-shaped slots are introduced into the rectangular microstrip patch to broaden the current path at both edges of the radiating patch. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna can be extended by using the stepped impedance resonator (SIR) structure at one end of the radiation patch and connecting with the feed line. The symmetrical two I-shaped slots are loaded on the SIR microstrip to improve in-band performance and further widen the operating band. The proposed new structure can have an improvement in the in-band characteristics while extending the operating bandwidth. A broadband impedance bandwidth of 2.39 GHz to 13.78 GHz at S11 < −10 dB is demonstrated based on the proposed novel structure. The reflection coefficient and radiation characteristics are characterized in the paper. The tiny antenna, with the benefit of small area 36 mm × 23 mm, shows potential applications in ultra-wideband communication systems, wireless energy harvesting systems, and other wireless systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Mobility Aware Binary Tree Algorithm to Resolve RFID Jam and Bottleneck Problems in a Next Generation Specimen Management System

by Yen-Hung Chen, Yen-An Chen and Shu-Rong Huang

Micromachines 2020, 11(8), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11080755 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2316

Abstract

Hospitals are continuously working to reduce delayed analysis and specimen errors during transfers from testing stations to clinical laboratories. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, which provide automated specimen labeling and tracking, have been proposed as a solution to specimen management that reduces human resource [...] Read more.

Hospitals are continuously working to reduce delayed analysis and specimen errors during transfers from testing stations to clinical laboratories. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, which provide automated specimen labeling and tracking, have been proposed as a solution to specimen management that reduces human resource costs and analytic delays. Conventional RFID solutions, however, confront the problem of traffic jams and bottlenecks on the conveyor belts that connect testing stations with clinical laboratories. This mainly results from methods which assume that the arrival rate of specimens to laboratory RFID readers is fixed/stable, which is unsuitable and impractical in the real world. Previous RFID algorithms have attempted to minimize the time required for tag identification without taking the dynamic arrival rates of specimens into account. Therefore, we propose a novel RFID anti-collision algorithm called the Mobility Aware Binary Tree Algorithm (MABT), which can be used to improve the identification of dynamic tags within the reader’s coverage area and limited dwell time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2275 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A 5-nV/√Hz Chopper Negative-R Stabilization Preamplifier for Audio Applications

by Jamel Nebhen, Khaled Alnowaiser and Stephane Meillere

Micromachines 2020, 11(5), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11050478 - 02 May 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2937

Abstract

This paper presents a low-noise and low-power audio preamplifier. The proposed low-noise preamplifier employs a delay-time chopper stabilization (CHS) technique and a negative-R circuit, both in the auxiliary amplifier to cancel the non-idealities of the main amplifier. The proposed technique makes it possible [...] Read more.

This paper presents a low-noise and low-power audio preamplifier. The proposed low-noise preamplifier employs a delay-time chopper stabilization (CHS) technique and a negative-R circuit, both in the auxiliary amplifier to cancel the non-idealities of the main amplifier. The proposed technique makes it possible to mitigate the preamplifier 1/f noise and thermal noise and improve its linearity. The low-noise preamplifier is implemented in 65 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The supply voltage is 1.2 V, while the power consumption is 159 µW, and the core area is 192 µm². The proposed circuit of the preamplifier was fabricated and measured. From the measurement results over a signal bandwidth of 20 kHz, it achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 80 dB, an equivalent-input referred noise of 5 nV/√Hz and a noise efficiency factor (NEF) of 1.9 within the frequency range from 1 Hz to 20 kHz. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Antennas for RFID Sensors in Monitoring Parameters of Photovoltaic Panels

by Mariusz Węglarski, Piotr Jankowski-Mihułowicz, Mateusz Chamera, Justyna Dziedzic and Paweł Kwaśnicki

Micromachines 2020, 11(4), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11040420 - 17 Apr 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3214

Abstract

The importance of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and photovoltaic (PV) systems has been growing systematically in the modern world full of intelligent products connected to the Internet. Monitoring parameters of green energy plants is a crucial issue for efficient conversion of solar [...] Read more.

The importance of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology and photovoltaic (PV) systems has been growing systematically in the modern world full of intelligent products connected to the Internet. Monitoring parameters of green energy plants is a crucial issue for efficient conversion of solar radiation, and cheap RFID transponders/sensors can be involved in this process to provide better performance of module supervision in scattered installations. Since many components of PV panels disturb the radio-wave propagation, research in the antenna scope has to be carried out to reach the proposed fusion. The problem with RFID transponders being detuned in close proximity to glass or metal surfaces can be solved on the basis of solutions known from the scientific literature. The authors went further, revealing a new antenna construction that can be fabricated straight on a cover glass of the PV panels. To achieve the established task, they incorporated advantages from the latest advancements in materials technology and low-power electronics and from the progress in understanding radio-wave propagation phenomena. The numerical model of the antenna was elaborated in the Hyper Lynx 3D EM software environment, and test samples were fabricated on the technology line of ML System Company. The convergence of calculated and measured antenna parameters confirms the design correctness. Thus, the studied antenna can be used to elaborate the cheap semipassive RFID transponders/sensors in the PV panel production lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 5999 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Survey on Battery-Less RFID-Based Wireless Sensors

by Nabil Khalid, Rashid Mirzavand and Ashwin K. Iyer

Micromachines 2021, 12(7), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12070819 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4970

Abstract

We present a survey on battery-less Radio Frequency Identification (RFID-based wireless sensors that have emerged in the past several years. We discuss the evolution of RFID turning into wireless sensors. Moreover, we talk about different components of these battery-less RFID-based wireless sensors, five [...] Read more.

We present a survey on battery-less Radio Frequency Identification (RFID-based wireless sensors that have emerged in the past several years. We discuss the evolution of RFID turning into wireless sensors. Moreover, we talk about different components of these battery-less RFID-based wireless sensors, five main topologies that transform a simple RFID chip into a battery-less wireless sensor, and state-of-the-art implementations of these topologies. In battery-less wireless sensors, the read range is of key importance. Hence, we discuss how each component of the sensor plays its role in determining the read range and how each topology exploits these components to optimize read range, complexity, and/or cost. Additionally, we discuss potential future directions that can help provide improvements in RFID-based wireless sensor technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4973 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances and Applications of Passive Harmonic RFID Systems: A Review

by Saikat Mondal, Deepak Kumar and Premjeet Chahal

Micromachines 2021, 12(4), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12040420 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3621

Abstract

Harmonic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have attracted significant interest over the last decade as it provides many benefits over the conventional RFID systems. Harmonic RFID is desired over conventional RFID systems due to reduced self-jamming, location accuracy from dual frequency, and higher [...] Read more.

Harmonic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have attracted significant interest over the last decade as it provides many benefits over the conventional RFID systems. Harmonic RFID is desired over conventional RFID systems due to reduced self-jamming, location accuracy from dual frequency, and higher phase noise immunity. In a harmonic RFID system, the tag receives instructions from the reader at an RF carrier frequency and replies back at the harmonic of the RF frequency. A nonlinear element consuming very low power at the tag is required to generate the harmonic carrier for the battery-less system. In this review article, a detailed contrast between conventional and harmonic RFID systems is presented. This is followed by different circuit design techniques to generate harmonics and integration techniques to form a fully operable passive harmonic RFID tag. Also, a wide range of applications, especially sensor integration with harmonic RFID’s, along with the future trends are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next Generation RFID Transponders)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Next Generation RFID Transponders

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI