| 摘要 |
A system, apparatus, and method are provided for using a PCB component as an antenna to allow for RFID communication in the UHF band. The present invention enables supply chain management of a PCB and products containing the PCB by enabling tracking of a PCB at the assembly level such that at each production stage of the board production it is known exactly where the product is and what is its present state of test. One embodiment uses an existing ground plane of a PCB, splitting the ground plane of all the layers of the PCB, allowing for a dipole structure that provides an adequate received energy level to power the circuit to the “on” state thereby allowing RFID/Electronic Product Code transactions. In alternative embodiments, existing or added traces are used in place of the split ground plane as an antenna for the RFID IC. The supply chain management can employ a dedicated RFID interrogator that is connected to an IT network and allows for bill of materials to be fulfilled in an automated fashion throughout the assembly of the PCB. The manufacturer of the end product can also use the RFID IC in an own end product item level supply management system that includes inventory, shipments, and returns.
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