Design and implementation of a security-enhanced baseband system for UHF RFID tag

This paper presents a security-enhanced baseband system for UHF RFID tag, which is based on ISO18000-6B protocol. The proposed baseband system consists of the following modules: Receiver, Controller, Power Management (PM), Transmitter, Advanced Encryption Standard with 128 bits cryptographic key (AES-128), and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). AES-128 is the encryption engine, which is designed and implemented properly for low cost requirement. Tag uses AES-128 to protect sensitive data in memory and realize mutual authentication with reader. As the actual length of data transacted between reader and tag is less than 128 bits, a novel data flow is given to enhance security strength. The chip was designed using 0.18 ¿m CMOS process. Total area of the baseband system is 685 ¿m × 360 ¿m excluding pads. Power analysis shows that it consumes 6.9 ¿w@1 V. The chip is under fabrication.