RFID tag circuits operable at different speeds
AssigneeImpinj, Inc.
InventorsRonald Lee Koepp, Alberto Pesavento, William T. Colleran
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of RFID tag circuits and methods are described, which include a chip having a clock circuit operable to generate a clock signal having different frequencies, and one or more components operable to work at the different frequencies. In addition to a regular frequency, at least one higher frequency is possible, which is enabled in situations where a reader is known to be close to the chip. The proximity ensures that the chip generates reliably more power, which enables its operation at the higher speed.
Claims45
A circuit for use in constructing an RFID tag having an antenna, the circuit comprising at least two antenna connections for coupling to the antenna;
- a demodulator coupled to the antenna connections;
- a main clock circuit operable to generate a clock signal having at least one of a regular frequency and a fast frequency that is at least 50% faster than the regular frequency;
- a first component coupled to receive the clock signal, the first component operable at either one of the regular frequency and the fast frequency responsive to the clock signal a duration mechanism to determine a duration of how long the first component has operated at the fast frequency;
- and
- in which a limit mechanism is set if the duration exceeds a threshold, and
- the first component is no longer operable at the fast frequency if the limit mechanism is set.
A method for a circuit intended for use in constructing an RFID tag having an antenna, the circuit having at least two antennas connection for coupling to the antenna, a demodulator coupled to the antenna connections, and a first component, the method, comprising:
- operating the first component at a regular frequency;
- operating the first component at a fast frequency, the fast frequency being at least 50% higher than the regular frequency determining a duration of how long the first component has operated at the fast frequency;
- setting a limit mechanism of the duration exceeds a duration threshold;
- and
- no longer operating the first component at the fast frequency if the limit mechanism has been set.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.