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Published on: May 1, 2018
Simple Millimeter Wave Identification System Based on 60 GHz Van Atta Arrays
Kamil Trzebiatowski1, Mateusz Rzymowski1, Lukasz Kulas1
1Department of Microwave and Antenna Engineering, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland.
This study introduces a millimeter-wave identification system using Van Atta array tags operating at 60 GHz. The system demonstrates effective identification of chipless RFID tags based on their unique frequency responses, even in challenging reflective environments.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetics
- Radio Frequency Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems are crucial for automated identification and tracking.
- Millimeter-wave frequencies offer advantages for high-resolution sensing and communication.
- Chipless RFID tags provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional RFID tags with integrated circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a proof-of-concept for a millimeter-wave identification system.
- To investigate the use of Van Atta array tags for chipless RFID applications.
- To evaluate the performance of these tags in various environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of co- and cross-polarized Van Atta arrays operating in the 60 GHz band.
- Utilizing a vector network analyzer and a measurement transceiver for tag interrogation.
- Testing tag performance in an anechoic chamber and a reflective environment.
Main Results:
- Successfully designed and fabricated Van Atta array tags with distinct resonance frequencies for identification.
- Demonstrated high radar cross-section (RCS) levels (-16 dBsm and -21 dBsm) maintained over a broad range of incidence angles due to retrodirective properties.
- Validated clear spectral response differentiation in an anechoic chamber and successful identification of cross-polarized tags in a reflective environment.
Conclusions:
- Van Atta array tags offer a viable solution for chipless RFID systems in the millimeter-wave spectrum.
- The retrodirective nature of Van Atta arrays ensures robust performance across varying angles.
- Cross-polarized tags show superior detection capabilities in cluttered and reflective environments, crucial for real-world applications.
