Theory and measurement of backscattering from RFID tags

TLDR

The paper proposes a method to measure RFID tag backscattering and compute its radar cross section. The authors derive a theoretical RCS formula, then measure backscattering with a network analyzer in anechoic chamber, compute RCS from return loss, and validate with UHF RFID tag experiments and EM simulation. The theoretical RCS predictions closely matched the experimental measurements.

Abstract

This paper presents a method for measuring signal backscattering from RFID tags, and for calculating a tag's radar cross section (RCS). We derive a theoretical formula for the RCS of an RFID tag with a minimum-scattering antenna. We describe an experimental measurement technique, which involves using a network analyzer connected to an anechoic chamber with and without the tag. The return loss measured in this way allows us to calculate the backscattered power and to find the tag's RCS. Measurements were performed using an RFID tag operating in the UHF band. To determine whether the tag was turned on, we used an RFID tag tester. The tag's RCS was also calculated theoretically, using electromagnetic simulation software. The theoretical results were found to be in good agreement with experimental data.