System and method for ultra-high-resolution ranging using RFID

Patent · Tue Dec 06 04:00:00 EST 2022

OSTI ID:1986911

Hui, Xiaonan; Kan, Edwin C.

A radio-frequency method for range finding includes modulating a reference signal having an intermediate frequency to a downlink signal having a carrier frequency using a clock signal. The downlink signal is transmitted to a tag using a transceiver. An uplink signal backscattered from the tag is received and demodulated using the clock signal. The uplink signal has a frequency that is a harmonic of the carrier frequency. A distance between the tag and the transceiver is calculated based on a phase of the demodulated uplink signal. A system for range finding includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver modulates a reference signal to a downlink signal and transmits the downlink signal. The transceiver receives and demodulates an uplink signal. The processor is configured to receive the demodulated uplink signal and calculate a distance between the tag and the transceiver using a phase of the demodulated uplink signal.

• Research Organization: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AR0000528; AR0000946
• Assignee: Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
• Patent Number(s): 11,519,996
• Application Number: 17/289,702
• OSTI ID: 1986911
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English