High memory passive RFID tags with multimodal sensor design and application to asset monitoring in-transit

In this paper, new passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags with multimodal sensors and a high on-tag memory is proposed. First, the features preferred on the new passive RFID tags are motivated followed by a detailed description on the design and fabrication of the tags. Next, the performance of the tags in terms of read range is evaluated. The experiments results show that proposed tags have a range of 5.8 meters when all sensors are disabled while the range reduces when sensors are enabled. However, it is demonstrated that the range can be enhanced to 8 meters by using energy harvesting methods like connecting a photovoltaic cell. Finally, two application examples are introduced. In the first example, the proposed tag is used to detect the abuse experienced by an asset in transit. In the second example, the tag is used to monitor asset degradation due to corrosion thus conforming the acceptable performance of the passive tag with multimodal sensors.