Design of Printed Chipless-RFID Tags With QR-Code Appearance Based on Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, the design of the chipless-Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags based on genetic algorithm (GA) optimization techniques is introduced. The GA is applied for the first time to create a family of frequency-domain chipless tags with a quick responselike appearance. The resultant tags have an area of 30 mm × 30 mm and consist of a grid of small metallic elements arranged arbitrarily over a 60 × 60 element array creating a variety of new structures. The frequency signature of the GA-based tags is optimized to fit with a frequency-shift keying-based coding methodology and a capacity of 8 b is achieved. The performance of the resultant tags is experimentally verified. Optimal tag samples are fabricated using silver-ink, low-cost flexible substrates, and by screen printing, which is a mass-compatible production technique. The feasibility of this optimization technique for the design of chipless-RFID tags is corroborated.