An analysis of the fundamental constraints on low cost passive radio-frequency identification system design

Abstract

Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems provide an automatic means to inexpensively, accurately, and flexibly capture information. In combination with the Internet, which allows immediate accessibility and delivery of information, passive RFID systems will allow for increased productivities and efficiencies in every segment of the global supply chain. However, the necessary widespread adoption can only be achieved through improvements in performance - including range, speed, integrity, and compatibility - and in particular, decreases in cost. Designers of systems and standards must fully understand and optimize based on the fundamental constraints on passive RFID systems, which include electromagnetics, communications, regulations, and the limits of physical implementation. In this thesis, I present and analyze these fundamental constraints and their associated trade-offs in view of the important application and configuration dependant specifications.