Systems and methods for breakaway RFID tags
View Patent ↗A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it comprises part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device.
1. A printed circuit board (PCB) comprising:
a main circuit area;
a breakaway radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; and
a breakaway connection configured to:
allow the breakaway RFID tag to be detached from the main circuit area to which it is initially attached; and
allow the breakaway RFID tag to be attached to an exterior of an assembly comprising the PCB after the breakaway RFID tag is detached from the main circuit area;
wherein the breakaway RFID tag is configured to store tracking information associated with the assembly comprising the PCB.
2. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the tracking information associated with the assembly includes information of at least one repair operation performed on the assembly.
3. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the breakaway RFID tag is further configured to store information of at least one repair operation performed on the main circuit area.
4. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the breakaway RFID tag comprises:
a printed antenna; and
an integrated circuit (IC) pad configured to receive an RFID transponder IC.
5. The PCB of claim 4 , wherein the printed antenna and IC pad are disposed on a breakaway portion of the PCB.
6. The PCB of claim 4 , wherein the breakaway RFID tag further comprises an RFID transponder disposed on the IC pad.
7. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the breakaway connection comprises a narrow portion of the PCB disposed between the main circuit area and the breakaway RFID tag.
8. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the breakaway RFID tag comprises a passive RFID tag.
9. The PCB of claim 1 , wherein the breakaway RFID tag comprises an active RFID tag.