Glove-Integrated Slotted Patch Antenna for Wearable UHF RFID Reader

Abstract

We present a glove-integrated slotted patch antenna for a wearable Ultra High Frequency Radio Identification Technology (UHF RFID) reader operating at 866 MHz. We tested the prototype antenna made of copper foil adhered on low-permittivity Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) foam material having the thickness of 4 mm. To characterize the antenna, we tested it wirelessly in communication with a common dipole type RFID tag to estimate its realized gain, radiation pattern and maximum tag read range it provides. We also analyzed the effects of variable separation between the antenna and the body to confirm stable operation required by the application. The results showed that the antenna feasible for the work glove applications providing the read range up to 360 cm with the reader’s output power of 28.4 dBm.