Optimal Receiver Processing for Passive UHF RFID in Pulsed-Wave Mode

Abstract

It is well established that replacing the traditional continuous-wave signals with pulsed-wave signals improves the performance of passive UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems in terms of wireless power transfer. However, the impact of this change on the performance of these systems in terms of information transmission has been little analyzed. Based on the maximum ratio combining principle, this paper describes the optimal multi-carrier receiver processing that maximizes the information performance of passive UHF RFID systems in pulsed-wave mode. In addition to the theoretical description of the processing, numerical simulations are performed to test the estimators required for the proposed combination process. Finally, experimental measurements are performed to confirm the feasibility of the proposed processing with real data and verify the performance stated in the theory.