Abstract: The circuitry introduced in this invention selectively slows down the functioning of an electronic circuit maintaining a particular state for a prolonged period of time. This circuitry is used not only to achieve the desired effect in maintaining security from electronic thieves trying to circumvent codes but also in other applications such as enabling a circuit to continue to function in the event of a brief loss of power. For example, in an RFID system, if a reader is frequency hopping, a tag loses power for as long as about 400 milliseconds when the reader changes to other frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed circuitry is used in conjunction with a destruct sequence.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device. The RFID device comprises an antenna assembly and a resonator assembly. The antenna assembly comprises a first substrate and an antenna element. The resonator assembly comprises a second substrate having an integrated circuit connected to a resonator loop. The first substrate and the second substrate are attached to one another. The integrated circuit electrically couples to the antenna element without a direct mechanical contact.

Abstract: A method for assembling a device. The method comprises placing a functional element in a first opening formed in a template substrate and transferring the functional element to a device substrate having a second opening formed therein wherein the functional element is held within the second opening and against an adhesive film coupled to the device substrate.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag comprises a flexible substrate and an integrated circuit embedded within the flexible substrate. The top surface of the integrated circuit is coplanar with the flexible substrate. At least one conductive element is formed on the flexible substrate. The conductive element is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The conductive element serves as an antenna for the RFID tag.

Abstract: The circuitry introduced in this invention selectively slows down the functioning of an electronic circuit by maintaining a particular state for a prolonged period of time. This circuitry is used not only to achieve the desired effect in maintaining security from electronic thieves trying to circumvent codes but also in other applications such as enabling a circuit to continue to function in the event of a brief loss of power. For example, in an RFD system, if a reader is frequency hopping, a tag loses power for as long as about 400 milliseconds when the reader changes to other frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed circuitry is used in conjunction with a destruct sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems with Readers and Tags in which a Reader queries the Tags with a parameter that includes a level of probability of reply according to which the Tags individually and randomly decide whether or not to reply. In one embodiment, the Tags can switch between two states: A and B. The query command also specifies a state (A or B) so that only the Tags in the specified state can reply. After successfully sending the Tag identification data from a Tag to the Reader, the Tag switches to the other state from the specified state. In one embodiment, the operations about the two states are symmetric. In one embodiment, the Tags can remember the parameters used in a query so that a short form of query command can be used to repeat the query with the same query parameters.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for RFID handshaking are provided. A first number is received by a reader from a tag. The first number is a random number. In response, a handshake command and a second number is transmitted to the tag by the reader. If the first number matches the second number, then handshaking is successful and tag data is received.

Abstract: An RFID device. The device comprises a conductive layer formed on a first substrate. An opening line (or two or more opening lines) is formed in the conductive layer to make the conductive layer a part of an antenna structure. An integrated circuit chip is placed over at least a portion the opening line and coupled to the conductive layer. The integrated circuit chip is electrically connected to the conductive layer.

Abstract: According to several embodiments of the invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator utilizing a circuit to remove unwanted distortion from a received signal is described. The interrogator transmits a transmitted signal continuously, while receiving a received signal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The circuit samples the transmitted signal, and removes the unwanted distortion created by the transmitted signal from the received signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps.

Abstract: Techniques for a radio frequency identification (RFID) device are provided. The device includes a slot antenna having at least one slot disposed in a first substrate. A strap is disposed across the slot. The strap includes a second substrate and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the slot antenna. In a specific embodiment, a thickness of a metal slot antenna is at least ¼th an inch. The RFID device can also be associated with a location, and be attached to a pallet rack.

Abstract: An electronic assembly. The assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of recessed regions, and a plurality of functional blocks. Each functional block is deposited in one of the recessed regions. A substantial amount of the plurality of functional blocks is recessed below a top surface of the substrate. Substantial amount is defined by any one of less than 10% of said functional blocks protrudes above the top surface of the substrate; less than 1% of the functional blocks protrudes above the top surface of the substrate; more than 90% of the functional blocks are recessed below the top surface of the substrate; or more than 99% of the functional blocks are recessed below the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for an RFID device with improved multi-axis performance are provided. The device includes a flexible substrate with an antenna pattern formed thereon. A fold in the flexible substrate results in the antenna pattern crossing over itself and disposes a distal region of the antenna pattern away from a proximal region at about a predetermined angle. An integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the antenna pattern. In a specific embodiment, the antenna pattern is slit along a major axis to allow folding a segment of an antenna pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for locating an RF transponder based on phase differences between signals received from the RF transponder. The method includes receiving a signal from the transponder and calculating distance, relative movement, and position by comparing I-Q phase angle vectors of the signals. Global scroll commands can be used following receipt of signals at first and second frequencies to quickly determine distance.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for high speed bonding for an RFID device are provided. A first substrate includes an antenna and is coupled to a strap assembly by an adhesive material. The adhesive material is substantially inert thermally for a predetermined temperature range, or it otherwise lacks a heat flow variation greater than 0.05 W/g for the predetermined temperature range. Such an adhesive material provides a reliable bond. In a specific embodiment, the predetermined temperature range is about 30° Celsius to about 85° Celsius. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive material can be exposed to water or steam to reduce its heat flow variation to less than 0.05 W/g for the temperature range.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for forming displays are claimed. One embodiment of the invention relates to forming a flexible active matrix display along a length of flexible substrate. Another embodiment of the invention relates to forming multiple flexible displays along a continuous flexible substrate. Another embodiment of the invention relates to forming a flexible display along a flexible reflective substrate. Another embodiment of the invention relates to using FSA generally with a flexible web process material. Another embodiment of the invention relates to using FSA and a deterministic method such as “pick and place” to place objects onto a rigid substrate or onto a web process material. Another embodiment of the invention relates to using web processing to deposit and/or pattern display material through an in-line process.

Abstract: Methods of making a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A flexible strap is provided by disposing a plurality of RFID chips on a first web of flexible material and removing the flexible strap from the first web and attaching the flexible strap to an antenna on a flexible substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for forming wireless RF labels are claimed. In one embodiment, a flexible layer may be made to receive an array of integrated circuit chips The integrated circuit chips may be powered by a signal from a transmitter which beams the information to the wireless RF labels. The method includes coupling a plurality of integrated circuit chips to a flexible web material and advancing the flexible web material through a web processing apparatus. A metallization material is patterned on the flexible web material. The flexible web material can be coupled to a second web material.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatuses for RFID with Huffman encoded commands are provided. Each command of a plurality of commands is Huffman encoded. A rarely used command of the plurality of commands has more command bits than another command of the plurality of commands. The plurality of commands includes QueryA, QueryB, QueryRep, ACK, and NAK.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for configuring antennae of radio frequency identification reader systems. In one aspect of an embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader system, includes: a receiver; a radio frequency (RF) source for signal transmission; and a switch matrix coupled with the receiver and the radio frequency sources to selectively couple the receiver and the radio frequency source to a plurality of non-collocated antennae. When in a first mode, the switch matrix connects the radio frequency source to a first one of the antennae for signal transmission and the receiver to a second one of the antennae for signal reception; and when in a second mode, the switch matrix connects the first one of the antennae for signal reception and, in one example, the second one or another one of the antennae to the RF source for signal transmission.