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Passive SAW Based RFID Systems Finding Their Way to Harsh Environment Applications

Authors:
Alfred Binder
Gudrun Bruckner
Jochen Bardong

Keywords: Passive SAW transponders, SAW RFID system, harsh environment, wireless sensor

Abstract:
While CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transponders clearly take the lead in the high volume markets, SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) transponders continuously develop in niche applications for special industrial needs. Based on a completely different physical principle, SAW transponders draw their potential for harsh environment applications from their inherent temperature stability, radiation hardness and their low energy consumption. Obviously, SAW transponders for harsh environment are no low cost solutions and are therefore used for tracking of high value industrial goods and additional sensor telemetry like temperature sensing. The present work explains aspects of SAW transponder design to meet harsh environment specifications for temperatures up to 400°C. This includes the improvement of interdigital transducer stability through an Al/Ti sandwich structure, packaging aspects and robust metal antenna designs. An overview of application examples is given for heavy industries like steel production, oil and gas exploitation and automotive varnishing lines. Finally, a research outlook for high temperature RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) solutions will be given targeting applications at 600°C and higher.

Pages: 57 to 62

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2013

Publication date: August 25, 2013

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4405

ISBN: 978-1-61208-296-7

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Dates: from August 25, 2013 to August 31, 2013