Future RFID and Wireless Sensors for Ubiquitous Intelligence

Next generation RFID towards ubiquitous wireless sensing and identification requires high network throughput along with long operation range and ultra low energy consumption. In this paper, we review future RFID for ubiquitous intelligence and their technology needs from system to device perspectives. As a promising enabling technology, ultra wideband radio (UWB) and its use in various RFID implementations are investigated. A special focus on an UWB/UHF hybrid passive RFID and sensor system with asymmetric wireless links is studied as an example. Unlike conventional RFID systems relying on backscattering and narrowband radio, UWB is introduced as the uplink for tag to reader communication. It enables a high network throughput (2000 tag/sec), high data bandwidth (100 MHz pulse rate), under ultra low power and low cost constraint. The hardware implementation in silicon level is also presented. Finally, applications of the system in intelligent warehouse and fresh food tracker are introduced.