An ISM-Band RFID Module for Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer with High Gain Antenna in Multi-Layer Configuration

This paper presents an implementation of an ISM RFID module capable of simultaneous wireless information and power transfer, that is implemented in a three-layer configuration. The top two layers of the RFID module are used for the low profile, high gain (8 dBi), circular polarization antenna implementation. The proposed antenna consists of four radiating L-shaped patches on the top layer, which are fed from a circular power divider. The energy harvesting (EH) system and the communication module are implemented on the bottom third layer. A four-port coupler is used to direct 85-90% of the received power from the antenna to the EH system and the remaining to the communication module. TI CC2530 IC is used, and it is powered from the PMU of the EH system. With -13 dBm input power, at the coupler’s port 3, the communication module can support TX/RX communication cycle lasting up to 3.5 ms.