Abstract: Power consumption management for a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for a radio frequency (RF) transponder system. The RF system includes an RFID device and a host. The RFID reader includes an RFID controller, an excitation signal transmitter, a response signal receiver, an optional RFID device detector, a host interface input/output, and a user interface. The method includes establishing a first power consumption level for the RFID reader, establishing a second power consumption level that is different from the first, and changing between the first level and the second level. The difference between the first level and the second level is derived from at least one technique for power consumption management. A plurality of techniques are presented. Among the potential benefits to reduced power consumption are increased energy efficiency and reduced radiated emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to detect the proximity of an RFID device based on observing a change in effective inductance. The RFID reader includes an excitation signal generator and a resonant filter that combined are capable of generating and transmitting a detection signal, an RFID device detector for measuring a detector parameter indicative of the change in effective inductance, and a detection signal receiver for determining whether an RFID device is present. The method includes awakening from a detection sleep state at a preselected time, generating and transmitting a detection signal, measuring at least one detector parameter indicative of the change in effective inductance, and determining whether the RFID device is present. When the RFID device is not present, the method returns to the detection sleep state and, when the RFID device is present, the method exits the detection sleep state.