Systems, methods and associated RFID antennas for processing a plurality of transponders
An RFID system for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is provided. The RFID system may include a transponder conveyance system adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder encoding area along a feeding direction and an antenna having a resonant inductor and a ferrite material, wherein the ferrite material at least partially covers the resonant inductor and defines an exposed portion of the resonant inductor. In one antenna-transponder alignment, the exposed portion extends substantially parallel to the feeding direction.
1. A printer having a radio frequency identification encoding system for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among adjacent transponders, the printer comprising:
an antenna mounted within the printer, the antenna comprising a coil coiled around a coil axis, wherein the coil axis is perpendicular to a plane of the coil;
a media feed path, wherein the antenna is positioned adjacent to the media feed path;
a printhead extending across the media feed path, wherein:
a length of the printhead extends in a length direction perpendicular to the media feed path, the length of the printhead corresponding to a longest edge of the printhead; and
the length direction is parallel with the coil axis.
2. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the antenna includes a shielding element.
3. The printer of claim 2 , wherein the shielding element extends around the antenna leaving an exposed area to direct magnetic flux generated by the antenna.
4. The printer of claim 1 , wherein magnetic flux generated by the antenna extends from a side of the targeted transponder toward a center of the targeted transponder.
5. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is positioned at a point between a center of the media feed path and an outside edge of the media feed path.
6. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the antenna emits magnetic flux to encode the targeted transponder moving along the media feed path.
7. The printer of claim 1 , wherein:
the targeted transponder is disposed between an upstream transponder and a downstream transponder; and
the upstream transponder, the targeted transponder, and the downstream transponder are movable along the media feed path through a communication area along a feed direction.
8. The printer of claim 7 , wherein the feed direction is perpendicular to the coil axis and the direction.
9. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is disposed on a printed circuit board.
10. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the antenna is coupled to a power source of the printer.