IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,651,130
Granted Patent B2
US 12,651,130 · App. 18/317,821 · Granted Jun 9, 2026

Systems and methods to selectively connect antennas to communicate via radio frequency signals

Inventor: John R. Tuttle (Longmont, CO)
Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
G06K7/10316G06K7/10G06K19/0725G06K19/07773
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,651,130
App. No.
18/317,821
Granted
Jun 9, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods to selectively attach and control antennas via diodes. In one embodiment, a system includes: a reader having a plurality of reader antennas of different polarizations to transmit radio frequency signals; and at least one radio frequency device. The radio frequency device includes: a plurality of tag antennas of different polarizations; a plurality of diodes coupled to the plurality of tag antennas respectively; a receiver coupled to the plurality of diodes to receive the radio frequency signals from the tag antennas when the diodes are forward biased; and a set of one or more current controllers coupled to the plurality of diodes. In a receiving mode the controllers selectively forward bias the diodes to receive the signals from the reader. In a transmitting mode the controllers selectively change the state of the tag antennas to transmit data via backscattering the radio frequency signals.

Claims (36)

1 . A device, comprising:

a receiver;

a diode coupled between the receiver and an antenna configured to receive radio frequency signals; and

circuitry operable in a first mode to provide the radio frequency signals with a path through the diode to reach the receiver and in a second mode to block the radio frequency signals from reaching the receiver;

wherein the circuitry is operable to change between the first mode and the second mode via adjustment of a bias of the diode.

2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry is configured to provide the path without short circuiting between the receiver and the antenna.

3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry includes a capacitor coupled between the diode and the antenna to prevent a direct current from the antenna from passing through the diode.

4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the circuitry includes:

a current source coupled between ground and the diode; and

an inductor coupled between the diode and a voltage higher than the ground.

5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein when the current source is on, the diode is forward biased to provide the path to an alternating current from the antenna to reach the receiver; and when the current source is off, the diode isolates the alternating current from the receiver.

6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein when the current source is off, the antenna is placed in a reflective state; and when the current source is on, the antenna is placed in an absorptive state.

7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the current source includes a transistor.

8 . A method, comprising:

coupling, in a device, a diode between a receiver and an antenna configured to receive radio frequency signals;

providing, in a first mode of the device, the radio frequency signals with a path through the diode to reach the receiver;

isolating, in a second mode of the device, the radio frequency signals from the receiver;

changing between the first mode and the second mode via adjustment of a bias of the diode.

9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the path is provided without short circuiting between the receiver and the antenna.

10 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

coupling, in the device, a capacitor between the diode and the antenna to prevent a direct current from the antenna from passing through the diode.

11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising:

coupling, in the device, a current source between a first voltage and the diode; and

coupling, in the device, an inductor between the diode and a second voltage.

12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein when the current source is on, the diode is forward biased to provide the path to an alternating current from the antenna to reach the receiver; and when the current source is off, the diode isolates the alternating current from the receiver.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein when the current source is off, the antenna is placed in a reflective state; and when the current source is on, the antenna is placed in an absorptive state.

14 . A device, comprising:

a receiver;

a diode;

a capacitor, wherein the capacitor, the diode, the receiver, and an antenna are connected in series; and

a transistor connected between a first voltage and the diode to forward bias the diode when the transistor is in an on state, wherein the diode is not forward biased when the transistor is in an off state.

15 . The device of claim 14 , further comprising:

an inductor connected between a second voltage and the diode.

16 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the first voltage is ground; and the second voltage is higher than the first voltage.

17 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the inductor is connected between a first node connected to both the diode and the receiver; and the transistor is connected between a second node connected to both the capacitor and the diode.

18 . The device of claim 15 , wherein the transistor is connected between a first node connected to both the diode and the receiver; and the inductor is connected between a second node connected to both the capacitor and the diode.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2023
From: TUTTLE, JOHN R.
To: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Reel/Frame 063660/0553 →
Continuity (9)
Continuation 17382264 · Jul 21, 2021
Continuation 16846666 · Apr 13, 2020
Continuation 16391161 · Apr 22, 2019
Continuation 15583883 · May 1, 2017
Continuation 14618709 · Feb 10, 2015
Continuation 13780533 · Feb 28, 2013
Continuation 13301565 · Nov 21, 2011
Continuation 12132594 · Jun 3, 2008
Related Publication 20230281404A1 · Sep 7, 2023
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