Abstract: A passive, self-reconfigurable antenna device, components of a corresponding wireless network, and methods pertaining to operations and controls of the antenna device are provided. The antenna device can include at least one antenna element configured to receive a modulated or unmodulated wireless signal, a power harvester configured to obtain power from the modulated or unmodulated wireless signal, and a first switch coupled to the power harvester and powered by the obtained power from the power harvester. The first switch can be configured to operate automatically when receiving the obtained power without requiring the receipt of control information. Further, the first switch can be configured to automatically operate according to one or more predetermined operating patterns when receiving the obtained power to modulate the corresponding antenna element. This way, antenna operating frequency, or radiation pattern or polarization states can be reconfigured.

Abstract: A passive, self-steering antenna device is provided along with methods pertaining to operations and controls of the antenna device. The antenna device can include a main antenna for receiving an unmodulated wireless signal, a power harvester configured to obtain power from the unmodulated wireless signal, a main circuit disposed in a central region of the antenna device, and a plurality of peripheral distributed antenna elements configured to modify the radiation pattern of the antenna device. The antenna device can be configured to operate automatically device without needing control information in response to receiving a message from another antenna. Related methods include operations and controls for such an antenna device including automatically performing actions to enhance communications with another antenna device by selecting and activating a subset of the peripheral antenna elements to create a radiation pattern.

Abstract: A trickle-charged RFID device includes a main antenna receiving wireless interrogator signals from one or more RFID readers, a power harvester connected with the main antenna to obtain power from the wireless interrogator signals, and an intermediate storage device connected to the power harvester to collect trickle flows of unused power harvested from wireless interrogator signals received by the RFID device that lack an inquiry for the device. The RFID device further includes a primary storage device, into which the intermediate storage device discharges its collection of trickle flows of unused power when the collection reaches a predetermined threshold level, which recharges power lost from the main storage device. The intermediate storage device can include one or more capacitors including super-capacitors, and the main storage device can include a rechargeable battery, such that the effective life of the main storage device is extended from the collected trickle flows.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder may include a substrate and a device. The substrate may be in communication with a controller and an antenna, and the antenna is arranged to receive radio frequency signals. A first side surface of the substrate may include a capacitor. The device may be detachably coupled with the substrate via a conductive member positioned between the structure and the capacitor of the substrate, and the conductive member may be within a desired proximity of the capacitor. The structure may be attached to an attachment surface so that an attachment strength between the structure and the attachment surface may be greater than a force required to decouple the structure from the substrate. When the structure is decoupled from the substrate, the conductive member separates from the capacitor, disabling the transponder.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder may include a substrate and a device. The substrate may be in communication with a controller and an antenna, and the antenna is arranged to receive radio frequency signals. A first side surface of the substrate may include a capacitor. The device may be detachably coupled with the substrate via a conductive member positioned between the structure and the capacitor of the substrate, and the conductive member may be within a desired proximity of the capacitor. The structure may be attached to an attachment surface so that an attachment strength between the structure and the attachment surface may be greater than a force required to decouple the structure from the substrate. When the structure is decoupled from the substrate, the conductive member separates from the capacitor, disabling the transponder.

Abstract: A device includes a switch having multiple ports, an antenna coupled to each corresponding port, a tunable matching network coupled between each antenna and each port, and a controller to detune ports having antennas that are not transferring power when a selected antenna is transferring power.