Inductive reader device and method with integrated antenna and signal coupler

A radio frequency communications system comprising:

• a transponder;
• and
• a reader device, the reader device comprising:
• a transmitter;
• a receiver;
• a first coil element connected to the transmitter;
• wherein the first coil element emits and receives radio frequency signals via inductive coupling to the transponder, the radio frequency signals including a data signal from the transponder;
• and
• a second coil element connected to the receiver and inductively coupled to the first coil element such that the receiver receives from the second coil element via the first coil element the data signal from the transponder.

An inductive reader device comprising:

• a transmitter;
• a receiver;
• a first coil element connected to the transmitter;
• wherein the first coil element emits and receives radio frequency signals via inductive coupling to a transponder, the radio frequency signals including a data signal from the transponder;
• and
• a second coil element connected to the receiver and inductively coupled to the first coil element such that the second coil element receives a coupled signal from the first coil element and the receiver receives the coupled signal from the second coil element, the coupled signal including the data signal from the transponder.

A method for communicating between an inductive reader device and a transponder, the method comprising the steps of:

• A) coupling a first coil element connected to a transmitter of the inductive reader device with the transponder via inductive coupling;
• B) receiving a radio frequency signal produced by the transponder in response to inductive coupling between the transponder and the first coil element, the radio frequency signal including a data signal;
• and
• C) inductively coupling a second coil element connected to a receiver of the inductive reader device with the first coil element such that the second coil element receives a coupled signal from the first coil element and the receiver receives the coupled signal from the second coil element, the coupled signal including the data signal from the transponder.