Enhancement of electromagnetic propagation through complex media for Radio Frequency Identification

Abstract

In this thesis, I present and examine the fundamental limitations involved in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as well as provide a means to improve reader-tag communication in ultra high frequency RFID systems. The ultimate goal in an RFID system is to maximize the communication link between the reader and the tags while, at the same time, minimizing the effect of product material, geometry and orientation. Reader-tag communication has improved significantly over the past five years, however, tag operations continue to be extremely sensitive to their environment. Ultra high frequencies present unique problems in transmission, generation and circuit design that; are not encountered at lower frequencies. Based on the fundamental constraints on these passive RFID systems, such as electromagnetics, power limitations and government regulations, I analyzed electromagnetic propagation through materials as applied to RFID tagged cases and pallets. Applying the electromagnetic concept of conductive parallel plates to enhance electromagnetic power to RFID tagged cases and pallets, I suggest an alternative to the current pallet structure.