When a Single Chip becomes the RFID Reader: An Ultra-low-cost 60 GHz Reader and mmID System for Ultra-accurate 2D Microlocalization

Abstract

In this work, a mmID tag and reader system operating in the 60 GHz ISM band is proposed. The sticker-form factor-mmID-tag has a total footprint of only 3.5 cm by 1.5 cm and is fabricated utilizing ultra-low cost inkjet-printed PCB technology and components. For the first time, a low-cost and ultra-compact antenna-on-package radar module is utilized for the reader system, to provide accurate microlocalization of the mmID tags in 2D space. One proof-of-concept tag was successfully localized at various steps of 5 cm from a range of 10 cm to 50 cm with a maximum deviation of 4.46 cm. The reader system also demonstrated the ability to detect the Angle-of-Arrival at a range of 15 cm in angular steps of 20° providing an angular coverage of ±40°. Lastly, the total power consumption of the mmID tag was measured at a mere 1.43 mW, allowing for long term usage of the tag in autonomous settings. This work potentially introduces a paradigm shift in the application of backscatter systems by introducing an affordable mmID-enabled real-time-microlocalization solution compatible with inconspicuous ubiquitous and wearable implementations.