Multi-system, multi-band RFID antenna: bridging the gap between HF- and UHF-based RFID applications

In this paper a multi-system, multi-band antenna structure for RFID applications is presented. The antenna covers two UHF bands allocated for RFID use in Europe (866-868 MHz) and N. America (902-928 MHz) with a dual-band PIFA element as well as HF 13.56 MHz band with a near-field coil. Both systems in the antenna are shown to perform well on free space and on metal, allowing a wide use of the same tag antenna on different environments and systems.