Placement-insensitive flexible RFID antenna for 'peel-and-stick' applications

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems with 'peel-and-stick' labels are currently limited to tracking items with nearly electromagnetically transparent material properties. This limitation stems from the antenna choice for these labels - a dipole variant. A ground plane edge treatment along with a feed slot with unique tuning capabilities is investigated as an alternative RFID antenna option. Ease of fabrication was maintained as a priority in all design decisions. The measured antenna displays true placement insensitivity with a constant impedance when attached to metal, lossy dielectric, or electromagnetically-transparent objects.