Passive RF tag with power cycling

摘要

A passive tag embedded in a package includes multiple conductive coils. A first coil receives radio frequency (RF) energy used to power the tag. Additional coils receive and/or transmit data signals, clock signals, and carrier signals. The RF energy and other signals may be at different frequencies. An RF probe includes a first coil to emit the RF energy to power the tag. The RF probe includes additional coils corresponding to the additional coils in the tag. The RF probe may turn off the RF signal used for power during communication. The RF energy may be rectified to provide DC power to circuits in the tag, or may be used directly for adiabatic circuits. The RF probe and the package may have complementary shapes to facilitate alignment of the coils.

主权项

1. A method of operating a passive integrated circuit when the passive integrated circuit is in communication with a radio frequency (RF) probe, the passive integrated circuit being housed in a package that includes a surface feature matching a feature of the RF probe to facilitate alignment of first and second conductive coils on the passive integrated circuit with corresponding coils on the RF probe, the method comprising:
receiving radio frequency (RF) energy at a first frequency from the first conductive coil having a plurality of turns affixed to the integrated circuit when the first conductive coil is aligned with a corresponding first conductive coil on the RF probe; conditioning the radio frequency energy to power digital circuitry in the passive integrated circuit; and transmitting data using the second conductive coil having a plurality of turns affixed to the integrated circuit when reception of radio frequency energy at the first frequency using the first conductive coil has stopped, and when the second conductive coil is aligned with a corresponding second conductive coil on the RF probe.