volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

The use of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology in a large array of contexts is a matter of fact. In many cases, such as in robotic applications, the RFID tags should satisfy specific requisites so that read range, platform robustness, radiation properties, cost, and size must be properly taken into account during the design phase. In this work, the specific requirements of tags for RFID-assisted localization and navigation of mobile robots are highlighted and discussed. On such basis, an ad-hoc platform-robust RFID tag is designed, realized and exhaustively tested through both simulations and measurements. The achieved results are impressive and demonstrate the appropriateness of the proposed tag to operate in application scenarios where performance stability is mandatory.

1. Landt, J., "The history of RFID," IEEE Potentials, Vol. 24, No. 4, 8-11, 2005.
doi:10.1109/MP.2005.1549751 Google Scholar

2. EPC Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID, Protocol for Communications at 860-960 MHz, , Version 1.2.0. Google Scholar

3. Finkenzeller, K., RFID Handbook, 2nd Ed., Wiley, New York, 2003.
doi:10.1002/0470868023

4. Cho, C., D. Kim, H. Choo, and I. Park, "Effect of the substrate, metal-line and surface material on the performance of RFID tag antenna," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, 2007. Google Scholar

5. Catarinucci , L., R. Colella, M. De Blasi, L. Patrono, and L. Tarricone, "Experimental performance evaluation of passive UHF RFID tags in electromagnetically critical supply chains," Journal of Communications Software and Systems, Vol. 7, No. 2, 59-70, 2011. Google Scholar

6. Hahnel, D., W. Burgard, D. Fox, K. Fishkin, and M. Philipose, "Mapping and localization with RFID technology," IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, 2004. Google Scholar

7. Joho, D., C. Plagemann, and W. Burgard, "Modeling RFID signal strength and tag detection for localization and mapping," IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, 2009. Google Scholar

8. Catarinucci, L., D. De Donno, M. Guadalupi, F. Ricciato, L. Tarricone, "Performance analysis of passive UHF RFID tags with GNU-radio," IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation, 541-544, Spokane, USA, 2011. Google Scholar

9. De Donno, D., L. Catarinucci, R. Colella, F. Ricciato, and L. Tarricone, "Differential RCS and sensitivity calculation of RFID tags with software-defined radio," Proceedings of the IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium, Santa Clara, USA, 2012. Google Scholar

10. Catarinucci, L., D. De Donno, R. Colella, F. Ricciato, and L. Tar-ricone, "A cost-effective SDR platform for performance characterization of RFID tags," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 61, No. 4, 2012.
doi:10.1109/TIM.2011.2174899 Google Scholar

11. Hoenshel, A. S. and R. Mittra, "A parametric study of platform tolerance of RFID tag antennas and their performance enhancement with artificial magnetic conductors," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, June 2007. Google Scholar

12. Kim, D. and J. Yeo, "Low-profile RFID tag antenna using compact AMC substrate for metallic objects," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 7, 718-720, 2008. Google Scholar

13. Liu, Y., K. M. Luk, and H. C. Yin, "A RFID tag metal antenna on a compact HIS substrate," Progress In Electromagnetic Research Letters, Vol. 18, 51-59, 2010.
doi:10.2528/PIERL10070601 Google Scholar

14. Hirvonen, M., K. Jaakkola, P. Pursula, and J. Saily, "Dual-band platform tolerant antennas for radio-frequency identi¯cation," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 54, No. 9, 2632-2637, 2006.
doi:10.1109/TAP.2006.880726 Google Scholar

15. Huynh, M. C. and W. Stutzman, "Ground plane effects on planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) performance," Proc. Inst. Elect. Eng. Microw. Antennas Propag., Vol. 150, No. 4, 209-213, 2003.
doi:10.1049/ip-map:20030551 Google Scholar

16. Sten, , J. C. E. and M. Hirvonen, "Decay of ground plane currents of small antenna elements," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 4, 82-84, 2005.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2005.844649 Google Scholar

17. Antoszkiewicz, K. and L. Shafai, "Impedance characteristics of circular microstrip patches," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 38, 942-946, 1990.
doi:10.1109/8.55597 Google Scholar

18. Catarinucci, L., S. Tedesco, and L. Tarricone, "On the use of UHF RFID antenna systems customized for robotic applications," IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation, Chicago, USA, 2012. Google Scholar

19. Genovesi, S. and A. Monorchio, "Low-Profile three-arm folded dipole antenna for UHF Band RFID tags mountable on metallic objects," IEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, Vol. 9, 1225-1228, 2010.
doi:10.1109/LAWP.2010.2103295 Google Scholar

20., http://www.impinj.com/Monza 3 RFID Tag Chips.aspx. Google Scholar

21., http://www.cst.com/. Google Scholar

22. Bourdi, T., J. E. Rhazi, F. Boone, and G. Ballivy, "Application of jonscher model for the characterization of the dielectric permittivity of concrete," Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, Vol. 41, No. 20, 1-9, 2008.
doi:10.1088/0022-3727/41/20/205410 Google Scholar

Dr. Luca Catarinucci

Dr. Salvatore Tedesco

Dr. Danilo De Donno

Dr. Luciano Tarricone