Abstract
An ultra-low profile and high-performance UHF RFID reader antenna is
proposed in this letter, which can be switched between far-field (FF)
and near-field (NF) operative mode. This antenna is composed of four
dipoles and a reconfigurable feed network. The four dipoles form a
square, and the feed network is located in the center. The feed network
is a four-way power divider, and the phase of the output signal can be
controlled by switching diodes. As a balanced structure, double-sided
parallel-strip lines (DSPSLs) are used to feed four dipoles. Compared to
the balun structure, the application of DSPSLs can reduce the area of
the feed network, thereby reducing the influence of the feed network on
the central magnetic field. Experimental results show that the proposed
antenna can provide a NF reading area of 180×180 mm2, and the
identification rate can reach 100% within 30-60 mm height. The FF gain
of the antenna is 4.7 dBic, and the overlapping range of 3 dB AR
bandwidth and -10 dB impedance bandwidth is 800-960 MHz. The good FF and
NF performance of this antenna is conducive to its application in RFID
systems.