Harmonic radar identification tag for insect tracking

Abstract

Design considerations and simulations are presented for an identification tag to be used in tracking insects through the use of harmonic radar. Radar is used instead of a radio transmitter in order to minimize the loading of the insect which for the Colorado potato beetle under study will require a tag of less than 5 mg mass. Frequency selection, antenna radiation pattern and impedance, as well as the SPICE model are discussed. The tag consists of a thin wire dipole antenna with a low-barrier Schottky diode and tuning inductor located at the feed point. The tag design procedure with limitations is presented.