Performance Improvement in Passive Backscatter Based RFID System with Low DCR Modulations

Abstract

This paper presents application of the low Duty Cycle Ratio (DCR) modulations: isochronous Digital Pulse Position Modulation (DPPM) and anisochronous Digital Pulse Interval Modulation (DPIM) in backscatter based passive RFID communication system. The proposed modulations are compared to commonly used Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) modulation. Low DCR modulations are customized for data transmission through inductively coupled link between reader and the tag operating at frequency of 13.56 MHz. The RFID system is mathematically formulated and the performances of the tag are evaluated for each modulation. Observed parameters are modulation depth of backscattered signal, voltage-current characteristics of tag rectifier circuit and ripple of rectifier output voltage. The application of proposed low DCR modulation techniques improves the performance of the RFID system by up to 250%.