An electromagnetic measurement tool for UHS RFID diagnostics

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and analysis of a radio frequency identification (RFID) passive UHF emulation tag designed to be used as an environment evaluation tool. The tag implements the Auto-ID Center/EPCglobal Generation 1 RFID passive UHF tag protocol, and it implements a power detector on the received UHF signals. The power detector enables the tag to operate as a Field Probe providing instantaneous power level feedback at its location. Power level feedback is provided visually through on-probe LEDs (light emitting diodes), audibly through an on-probe speaker, and electronically as part of the communication protocol between the Field Probe and the reader. Experimental results presented here as well as the use of the Field Probe in real-world installations by the project sponsors have already shown that the Field Probe is a valuable tool in the design and analysis of RFID system installations and gross product packaging design.