The Albano passive UHF RFID tag antenna

Abstract

We present the novel “Albano” radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antenna design. Current two-dimensional tag antennas are orientation-sensitive, restricting RFID efficiency in warehouses and other RFID environments. The three-dimensional Albano tag however, radiates equally in all directions without complicating the tag labeling process. Designs of the Albano tag were simulated and optimized using Ansoft's High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). Physical prototypes of the Albano tag were attached to air-filled boxes and tested statically to measure maximum read ranges in multiple orientations. The performance of the novel tag was measured and compared to the performance of Alien Technology's planar “I” and “Squiggle” tags. Testing showed that while the Alien tags perform extremely well in some orientations and very poorly in others, the Albano tag has a consistent maximum read range, 2–3 meters, in every direction, eliminating the orientation sensitivity experienced by planar antenna designs.