Abstract: An RFID transponder programming device uses a strip transmission line to generate a constrained electromagnetic field for programming RFID transponders is featured. The programmer minimizes electromagnetic fields outside of the programming device, and keeps other blank transponders from being wrongly programmed or erased. The transmission line may either be terminated or unterminated. The characteristic impedance of the strip transmission line may be 50 ohms or any other impedance. Since the strip transmission line is terminated in its own characteristic impedance, the programmer is inherently wideband and able to work with frequencies from 433 MHz to 869 MHz, 902 to 928 MHz, and 2400 to 2485 MHz, all in the same unit.

Abstract: The present invention features an RFID smart shelf reader capable of working with a wide range of antenna types and numbers. The smart shelf reader readily accommodates and accurately reads a diverse range of package shapes, sizes, and contents. Multiple tags in close proximity to one another are accurately read by the smart shelf reader. The reader includes features for optimizing its own interface by periodically recalibrating itself to the current antenna load characteristics caused by varying external conditions, primarily in the type, number, and position of merchandise items on the shelf proximate at least one of the antennas. An external I/O interface is provided for communication with a remote controller.

Abstract: There is provided an RFID transceiver, typically in the form of a prox-wafer. The transceiver is suitable for lamination or encapsulation into newly manufactured identification (ID) badges and similar articles. These ID badges are suitable for identifying and/or authenticating a person or object when used in conjunction with an RFID identification system. The proximity badges formed using the RFID transceivers are superior to conventional magnetic stripe, bar code, or “smart chip” badges because no direct contact with a badge reader is required and the element containing the identification code is not easily corrupted.

Abstract: There is provided an RF-powered, RFID transponder operable in either a high frequency or low frequency band. The transponder utilizes an EEPROM which may be programmed. The high voltage required for writing (i.e., programming) the EEPROM is provided by a unique circuit which eliminates the need for voltage multiplying circuits which typically use large, high value capacitors which usually occupy large amounts of chip real estate. It is estimated that the write voltage circuit reduces chip real estate requirements by approximately 13%.

Abstract: The present invention features an improved radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader which operates with a low power consumption and which may tolerate a wide fluctuation in input voltages. The RFID reader is housed so that the influence of its physical surroundings, especially metallic objects, on system performance is minimized. A pre-compensation metal plate is used to stabilize the self-resonant frequency of the reader, even in the presence of large metal masses. The pre-compensation plate may be formed from aluminum or another non-ferrous material or, for long-range RFID readers, from ferrite or another similar, high magnetically permeable material. In addition, the RFID reader features improved sensitivity so that the effective operating distance is maximized. Also, the operating frequency is dynamically controlled in discrete steps of 10 Hz or less so that the effects of component parameter drift, temperature change, or other external factors are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention features an improved radio frequency identification (RFID) reader which operates with a low power consumption and which may tolerate a wide fluctuation in input voltages. The RFID reader is housed so that the influence of its physical surroundings, especially metallic objects, on system performance is minimized. A pre-compensation metal plate is used to stabilize the self-resonant frequency of the reader, even in the presence of large metal masses. The pre-compensation plate may be formed from aluminum or another non-ferrous material or, for long-range RFID readers, from ferrite or another similar, high magnetically permeable material. In addition, the RFID reader features improved sensitivity so that the effective operating distance is maximized. Also, the operating frequency is dynamically controlled in discrete steps of 10 Hz or less so that the effects of component parameter drift, temperature change, or other external factors are minimized.