Optimized near-field antenna for UHF RFID smart shelf applications

This paper presents the design of UHF RFID read/write (R/W) antenna for the variety of smart shelf retail applications. Antenna operation is based on the EM coupling between the open-ended or shorted MS feed line and periodic planar metal strips of certain layout. The proposed antenna can be easily customized for the required volume of smart shelf RFID interrogation. Several antenna prototypes have been designed, produced and measured. The antenna performance has been evaluated in UHF RFID system for the simultaneous detection of arbitrary oriented tagged apparel items placed on the antenna surface. The proposed antenna demonstrates excellent ability to provide strong and uniform E-field distribution at the distances up to 50 cm form the antenna surface.