Abstract:
In this paper, a real-time RFID system
capable of tracking laboratory animals for behavior
analysis purposes was designed and implemented. Four
passive RFID tags based on low frequency (LF) were
designed and implemented from first principles. The tags
can be read by any RFID reader that operates on the low
frequency range 125-134 kHz. The tags were designed
through the investigation of various antenna, encoding,
modulation, and energy harvesting techniques. The tag
receives the electromagnetic signal via the antenna, and
converts it to a DC signal that the microcontroller can use
to manipulate the electromagnetic signal with the data
such that the reader can decode the unique tag identifier.
RFID sensors were designed and implemented to collect
data from various monitored areas of a semi natural
environment. The data is sent to a central data coordinator
for pre-processing and middleware for data error
checking, display and storage. The data is stored in an
online database which is used to produce statistical
information about the area within which the RFID system
is deployed. The RFID system can successfully detect and
store movement data in real time. A read range of 14.5cm
was achieved.
