Exploitation of passive RFID technology for wireless read-out of temperature sensors

Abstract

In this paper we introduce for the first time the concept of exploiting the rectifier part of passive RFID systems not only for sensor powering but also for remotely performing the sensor reading. This solution is proposed for harsh industrial environments where remote machineries parts need be simultaneously powered and monitored wirelessly. We demonstrate the co-existence of high wireless power transfer and NFC communication for temperature sensor read-out, with no need for extra electronics at the RFID tag side to control the sensor readout. In particular, we show that the behavior of the RF-to-DC rectifier of a passive RFID, loaded by the sensor, can be exploited for powering the sensor operations as well as for reading its activities.