Efficient Modeling of On-Body Passive UHF RFID Systems in the Radiative Near-Field

A novel method is presented to accurately determine the operational range of an on-body, passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) system operating in the radiative near field, based on its far-field radiation patterns. To this end, an efficient algorithm based on 3-D multipole expansion of the electromagnetic fields is formulated. By combining the new operator with the simulated or measured stand-alone far-field radiation patterns of the on-body RFID system, a comprehensive and accurate range determination is obtained. Compared with commercial software tools and measurements, we prove the accuracy and improved speed of the novel technique.

Automated summary

A novel method is proposed to accurately determine the operational range of an on-body, passive UHF RFID system operating in the radiative near field based on its far-field radiation patterns. By combining the new algorithm with the simulated or measured stand-alone far-field radiation patterns of the on-body RFID system, a comprehensive and accurate range determination is obtained. The accuracy and improved speed of the novel technique are demonstrated compared to commercial software tools and measurements.