RFID Sensing System Based on UHF Platform-Tolerant Antenna for Harsh Industrial Environments

In this paper, a UHF RFID sensor tag suitable for cold-chain applications is presented. The purpose of this RFID tag, developed in the framework of a TETRAMAX technology transfer project, is to provide both tracking and temperature monitoring of fresh and frozen fish. The device is a semi-passive tag that includes an antenna matched with the EM4325 RFID chip impedance, a MCU, LEDs, and GPIO ports. A continuous temperature monitoring is performed through the RFID chip with embedded temperature sensor, and alerts are generated when specific pre-set thresholds are overcome. In order to operate also with the presence of ice, a platform-tolerant PIFA tag antenna has been specifically designed and simulated through CST Microwave Studio software. Obtained results demonstrate the tag robustness to the background material even in case of ice and metal.