Antenna-less RFID Tags Enable Use on Metal and Liquid-Filled Containers

NDSU Research Foundation
posted on 07/18/2011

The invention is a low-profile, high-permeability antenna-less RFID tag for use on large metal objects and other objects for which traditional RFID technologies will not work. The approach is to incorporate high-permeability materials in the tag to create an impedance across a metal surface, such as a metal container, diverting current into the tag’s integrated circuit (IC). This type of tag is essentially ‘antenna-less’ as it uses the ground plane (the metal surface on which it is mounted) to excite currents through the IC. Tags using high-permeability materials in this manner are significantly thinner than those developed using other methods.

Suggested Uses

Asset tracking, especially for metal objects and liquid-filled containers, for which traditional RFID solutions do not work

Advantages

• RFID tag design performs well on metal and liquid-filled objects. • Novel design approach eliminates the need for mechanical stand-offs and bulky packaging. • Significantly reduced production cost over existing on-metal RFID solutions. • Believed to be compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes with optimization.

Innovation Details

File Number: RFT-375

Other Information: This technology is patent pending and immediately available for licensing/partnering opportunities. This invention was made with Government support under Grant Number N00189-10-C-Z055 awarded by the Department of Energy Office of Naval Research.

IP Protection

License Online

This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Jonathan Tolstedt at NDSU Research Foundation for more information.

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