Chipless RFID Sensors for the Internet of Things: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors are one of the fundamental components of the internet of things that aims at connecting every physical object to the cloud for the exchange of information. In this framework, chipless RFIDs are a breakthrough technology because they remove the cost associated with the chip, being at the same time printable, passive, low-power and suitable for harsh environments. After the important results achieved with multibit chipless tags, there is a clear motivation and interest to extend the chipless sensing functionality to physical, chemical, structural and environmental parameters. These potentialities triggered a strong interest in the scientific and industrial community towards this type of application. Temperature and humidity sensors, as well as localization, proximity, and structural health prototypes, have already been demonstrated, and many other sensing applications are foreseen soon. In this review, both the different architectural approaches available for this technology and the requirements related to the materials employed for sensing are summarized. Then, the state-of-the-art of categories of sensors and their applications are reported and discussed. Finally, an analysis of the current limitations and possible solution strategies for this technology are given, together with an overview of expected future developments.

Towards Supply Chain Visibility Using Internet of Things: A Dyadic Analysis Review

“…Increased use of IoT sensors in SCs, such as RFID, makes tracking assets easier, provides more accurate inventories, and enhances a company’s ability to monitor everchanging variables [ 56 ]. RFID is an emerging information tracking technology that is highly used in supply chain management [ 69 ]. It can disclose information about the product at a low level with an autonomous, instantaneous, and touchless method [ 7 , 47 ].…”

On the Seamless Integration and Co-Existence of Chipless RFID in Broad IoT Framework

“…The chipless RFID tags do not require any microchip to store data in transponders, and this aids in reducing the cost substantially when compared to the chip-based RFIDs [49]. Due to the absence of microchips, the chipless RFIDs are free from any delay, which existed in the conventional chip-based RFIDs.…”

Advances in Wearable Sensors: Signalling the Provenance of Garments Using Radio Frequency Watermarks

“…The proposed RF watermark is essentially a chipless RFID that is woven into the fabric or integrated into the packaging material. The single-sided chipless RFID tag that has been developed can be easily printed on paper or plastic packets based on a low cost printable slot-loaded dual-polarized tag with four near- and far-field reading techniques [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In another study, the authors study the effect of deformation of a tag on clothing (bending) [ 12 ], which may lead to false detection, and it is concluded to place the tag on a flat region of the body [ 13 ].…”

“…To overcome these issues, the antennas should be directly incorporated in or onto garments. Consequently, textiles antennas enable the flexibility and porosity of fabrics that would provide desirable requirements for the ideal garments; such garments would be soft, deformable, breathable, and protective for the skin [ 11 , 15 ]. In addition, the antennas can be concealed, which improves the user experience.…”