Demonstration of a chipless harmonic tag working as crack sensor for electronic sealing applications

Abstract

This work proposes a chipless radio frequency identification approach based on the working principle of the harmonic radar. A frequency multiplication stage is performed by a non-linearity (i.e. a Shottky diode) on the tag in order for the tag answer to be insulated from the interrogation signal, thus avoiding the need for clutter cancellation techniques. Firstly, the performance of a simple one-bit harmonic tag relying on a low-power frequency doubler is analyzed and then a novel crack sensor, implemented by adding a disposable band-stop filter, is presented. Both solutions demonstrate tag-to-reader operational distances beyond 1 m. The characterizing blocks (namely the frequency doubler and the filter) are fabricated on cellulose substrates (i.e. regular photographic paper), thus being conformal to their implementation for applications in the new paradigm of Internet of Things.

Biodegradation of polyhydroxybutyrate and hollow glass microspheres composite films

“…However, until this date, a completely passive, printable, low cost, mass deployable, environmentally friendly chipless RFID tag has not been reported . The chip removal has enabled the diffusion of new circuit fabrication techniques, which have paved the fabrication of circuit on unconventional substrates, such as polymers, textiles, and plenty of materials never adopted for electronics before …”

“…In addition, both materials, PHB and HGM have low dielectric constant and dielectric loss, two requirements that must be taken into account when proposing a material as a RFID substrate. Since materials with low dielectric constant and dielectric loss increase the velocity of signal propagation and decrease the loss of signal intensity …”

“…3 The chip removal has enabled the diffusion of new circuit fabrication techniques, which have paved the fabrication of circuit on unconventional substrates, such as polymers, textiles, and plenty of materials never adopted for electronics before. 4 Conventional polymers are one of the most used materials, and their use has increased over the years, resulting in the production of large amounts of waste, which is because of improper disposal, is creating environmental issues. 5 Biodegradable polymers offer an alternative, which, due to their technical and economic viability, present great potential for expansion.…”

“…Since materials with low dielectric constant and dielectric loss increase the velocity of signal propagation and decrease the loss of signal intensity. 4,14 The HGM is an inorganic material consisting of a rigid glass shell and an inert gas in the interior, with diameters between 10 and 100 μm. Because of its characteristics such as a well-defined morphology, uniform size, low density, high surface area, and fracture strength, HGM has been of great scientific and industrial interest.…”

Crack Sensoring Devices Construction by Means of Microwave Resonant Circuit Design

“…Another structure of relevance is the microwave filter, that is a two-port network capable of transmitting or attenuating a signal at a given frequency. These components are widely used in applications such as radars, test and measurement systems [3]. They are structures of simple construction, lightweight, inexpensive and compact.…”