Turn-on circuits based on standard CMOS technology for active RFID labels

Abstract

The evolution of RFID Systems has lead to the development of a class hierarchy in which the battery powered labels are a set of higher class labels referred to as active labels. The battery powering active transponders must last for an acceptable time, so the electronics of the label must have very low current consumption in order to prolong the life of the battery. However due to circuit complexity or the desired operating range the electronics may drain the battery more rapidly than desired but use of a turn-on circuit allows the battery to be connected only when communication is needed, thus lengthening the life of the battery. Two solutions available for the development of a turn on circuit use resonance in a label rectification circuit to provide a high sensitivity result. This paper presents the results of experiments conducted to evaluate resonance in a label rectification circuit and the designs of fully integrable turn-on circuits. We have also presented test results showing a successful practical implementation of one of the turn on circuit designs.