WO2001067413A1

WO2001067413A1 - Electrostatic and electromagnetic communication systems and combinations thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2001067413A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/007389
Authority: WO
Inventors: James G. Quaderer; Victor Vega; John Hattick; James Richard Davidson
Original assignee: Motorola Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-08
Filing date: 2001-03-08
Publication date: 2001-09-13
Also published as: AU2001245521A1

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system (100) employs electrostatic technology (101), capacitive (105, 106) coupling of electric fields, electromagnetic technology (101), inductive (134, 144) coupling of magnetic fields, and combinations thereof, to communicate power and data signals to and from a source device (readers) (100) and a remotely located transceiver (tags). In the combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system (100) of the present invention a single electromagnetic and electrostatic reader is provided that combines electromagnetic technology (101) with electrostatic technology (101) such that a reader (100) is backward compatible and can support either electromagnetic radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or electrostatic RFID tags. A reader (100) is designed to include both electrostatic electrodes (105, 106) and electromagnetic induction coils (134, 144) and incorporates additional modifications including those to a receiver in order for the reader (100) to support both electromagnetic RFID transceivers (104) and electrostatic RFID transceivers (102) in the combination electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system (100).

Description

ELECTROSTATIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND COMBINATIONS THEREOF

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to United States patent application Serial No.

09/061,146, filed 16 April 1998 by inventors Ted Geiszler et al, titled "REMOTELY POWERED ELECTRONIC TAG WITH PLURAL ELECTROSTATIC ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED EXCITER/READER AND RELATED METHOD; RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG SYSTEM USING TAGS ARRANGED FOR COUPLING TO GROUND; RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG

ARRANGED FOR MAGNETICALLY STORING TAG STATE INFORMATION; AND RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG WITH A PROGRAMMABLE CIRCUIT STATE" and assigned to Motorola, Inc. the disclosure of which prior application is hereby incorporated by reference, verbatim and with the same effect as though it were fully and completely set forth herein.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to communication systems, and more particularly to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and RFID readers, writers, and programmers.

Background of the Invention

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows information and/or data to be transferred remotely which provides a significant advantage in identifying persons, articles, parcels, and others. In general, to access identification data stored in a remotely located RFLD transponder, transceiver, or tag, an RFID reader generates an energy field activate the RFID transponder to retrieve data stored in the transponder . The data retrieved from the RFID transponder is then processed by a host computer system to identify the person or article that is associated with the transponder. While a transponder that derives its power from the energy field is known as a passive transponder, a transponder that has its own power source is referred to as an active transponder. RFLD technology has found a wide range of applications including tracking, access control, theft prevention, security, etc. RFID technology is more preferable than magnetic strip technology, which also finds applications in a few ofthe areas above. The reason is systems employing RFID technology do not require physical contact with a reader. Magnetic strip technology requires being swiped over the magnetic heads in a reader. As a result, the magnetic strip reader requires maintenance when the magnetic heads become dirty or magnetized.

Additionally, magnetic strip technology is volatile in that it can be accidentally erased when expose to high magnetic fields. Consumers often experience this when the magnetic strip on the back of credit cards are no longer readable.

RFID technology should be distinguished from Radio ID technology which uses ordinary radio waves, or more precisely far field electromagnetic (EM) waves which are also known as radiation waves. Far field means the distance between the transceiver and transponder is great compared to the wavelength ofthe electromagnetic carrier signal used. An example of Radio ID technology is the Identify— Friend or Foe (IFF) systems used with military aircraft. Far field electromagnetic waves have a field strength that varies inversely with the distance involved.

In contrast, conventional RFLD technology is based upon inductive coupling utilizing magnetic field waves. Conventional RFID technology operates in the near field where the operating distance is far less than one wavelength ofthe EM field. Unlike far field radio waves, the magnetic field strength is approximately proportional to the inverse cube ofthe distance from the source. In inductance-based RFID technology, a magnetic field is generated for use both as a power source for the transponder and for transferring data and clock information between the reader and transponder. Magnetic fields are generated by causing alternating current to flow in coils that typically have multiple turns. Inductance coils for communication of electromagnetic signals are usually a wire wound or etched metal coil. Using inductance coils adversely impacts the costs, manufacturability, and packaging flexibility of inductance-based RFID technology particularly when used with high number of RFLD tags usually required in a system. Due to the prohibitive costs and high degree of manufacturing difficulty, electromagnetic RFID technology is not practical in high volume and low cost applications such as in disposable applications. The bulky packaging, which is typical for electromagnetic RFID, further limits its application to those where thickness in not of primary importance. One ofthe more popular applications of electromagnetic RFID systems is for access control. An example is where an electromagnetic RFID transponder, commonly referred to as a badge, controls an employee's access to company buildings.

Electromagnetic RFLD readers are at the controlled entry point to the company buildings which either allows or denies access to a building when an employee brings a badge (EM

RFLD transponder) near an RFTD reader. The electromagnetic RFID system often times has information about the employee to whom it was issued allowing more or less access to certain employees. Larger companies often times have many buildings with access control points that are spread out over the country or the world. Some employees are required to travel between these buildings and so often times the same system is employed at each building so that only one badge need be issued to an employee. Otherwise an employee is required to have multiple tags to enter buildings having the differing electromagnetic RFID systems.

In access controlled facilities such as buildings, visitors are often invited into the facility for business meetings or other reasons. Visitors to access controlled facilities often are issued paper visitor badges because they are often discarded at the end of a day. These paper visitor badges have no RFID technology and thus are unable to allow access to controlled buildings having an RFID reader. Furthermore it is difficult for an RFID system to trace the whereabouts or access of a visitor with a paper visitors badge. In using access control systems such as electromagnetic RFID, the electromagnetic tags or badges are usually only issued to employees requiring access and not visitors. This is due to the high cost ofthe electromagnetic RFID tags and the need for an inexpensive disposable badge for visitors.

Because there are many electromagnetic RFID systems in use today, as new RFID technologies, such as electric field/ capacitively-coupled systems, become available, they may have a difficult time in replacing the installed user base. Additionally, because the electromagnetic RFLD systems are widely in use as access control systems, introducing a new technology all at once is difficult to do because of all the reprogramming and system support that is required. This is particularly the case when the electromagnetic RFID system has numerous electromagnetic RFID tags that would require replacement.

Additionally the initial cost of replacing all electromagnetic RFID tags at once may be prohibitive. Furthermore, a company or other user with numerous electromagnetic readers at different places, such as different buildings, may want to phase in any new technology over a period of time to see if it properly meets a user's needs. Alternatively they may want to avoid losing the investment which was made in electromagnetic RFID technology.

Also, replacing an electromagnetic reader with a different RFID reader technology may cause the RFID tags to be incompatible. In which case two RFID tags may be required to enter different buildings having differing reader technology.

Thus, it is desirable to have an apparatus, system and method for providing electric field and/or magnetic field communication utilizing either capacitance-based technology and/or induction-based technology.

Brief Description ofthe Drawings Various embodiments ofthe invention are now described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG.l A is a system level diagram for a dipole exciter and receiver for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader illustrating a typical electrostatic and electromagnetic radio frequency system where the present invention may be employed;

FIG. IB is a system level diagram for a monopole exciter and receiver for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader illustrating a typical electrostatic and electromagnetic radio frequency system where the present invention may be employed; FIG. 1C is a system level diagram for a dipole exciter and a monopole receiver for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader illustrating a typical electrostatic and electromagnetic radio frequency system where the present invention may be employed;

FIG. ID is a system level diagram for the monopole combination receiver/transmitter for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader illustrating a typical electrostatic and electromagnetic radio frequency system where the present invention may be employed;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of electrostatic/electromagnetic reader ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional blocks for receiving ES or EM signals;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating details of a first receiver of FIG. 3; FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating details of a second receiver and filter of

FIG. 3;

FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating details of a third receiver and filter of FIG.

3; FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating details of a fourth receiver of FIG. 3 that first filters the incoming signal before amplifying it;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating a first implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a monopole implementation ofthe first implementation for the fourth receiver of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6C is a block diagram illustrating a second implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6D is a block diagram illustrating a third implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5; FIG. 6E is a block diagram illustrating a fourth implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6F is a block diagram illustrating a fifth implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the details ofthe preferred embodiment for the filter ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic reader ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the frequency characteristics ofthe receiver of FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the functions blocks for transmitting data as ES and EM signals;

FIG. 10A is a block diagram illustrating details of a first switched based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 OB is a block diagram illustrating details of a second switched based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. IOC is a block diagram illustrating details of a third switched based transmitter of FIG. 9; FIG. 10D is a block diagram illustrating details of a fourth switched based transmitter of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 A is a block diagram illustrating details of a first amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 IB is a block diagram illustrating details of a second amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9; FIG. 11C is a block diagram illustrating details of a third amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 ID is a block diagram illustrating details of a fourth amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 IE is a block diagram illustrating details of a fifth amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 1 IF is a block diagram illustrating details of a sixth amplifier based transmitter of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a frontal view ofthe electrostatic electrodes for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader having a monopole exciter and monopole receiver; FIG. 12B is a frontal view ofthe electrostatic electrodes for the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader having a dipole exciter and monopole receiver;

FIG. 13 A is a circuit block diagram illustrating a monopole configured electrostatic/electromagnetic reader having a single electrostatic electrode;

FIG. 13B is a circuit block diagram illustratinga second implementation of a monopole configured electrostatic/electromagnetic reader in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13C is a circuit block diagram illustrating a dipole configured electrostatic/electromagnetic reader in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the electrostatic transceiver ofthe present invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the electromagnetic transceiver ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the combination electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver ofthe present invention. Detailed Description ofthe Invention

The present invention includes a method, apparatus and system for providing electric field and/or magnetic field communication utilizing either capacitance-based technology and/or induction-based technology. An advantage ofthe present invention is to introduce a new RFID technology in a way that is backward compatible with electromagnetic RFLD systems, hence eliminating the need to have different tags for different RFID systems and/or replacing existing tags with new tags. A further advantage of he present invention is to introduce an RFID apparatus, system and method that is cost- effective, has high manufacturability, and can be easily packaged for a wide-range of applications.

In the preferred embodiment, electric field or electrostatic communication is accomplished through capacitive coupling which requires no physical contact or wires between a reader and a remotely located electric field or electrostatic transceiver. The term transceiver, as used herein, is a remote device, such as a tag or transponder, that receives and/or transmits energy (e.g., data, information, power, etc.) from/to a reader. The term reader, as used herein, is a device that transmits and/or receives energy to or from a transceiver. In addition, it will be appreciated from reading the following description that reader function may also include a writing device and/or a programmer for communicating with the transceiver. In an electrostatic communication system, the voltage applied to capacitively- coupled plates varies in order for a charge or signal to be transmitted between a reader and an electrostatic transceiver. In general, a signal for electrostatic communication comprises an alternating electric field created between two electrodes. The transceiver needs to be in range ofthe reader, typically anywhere from 0.2mm to 50m, in order to have sufficient capacitive coupling to receive electrostatic signals. In contrast, electromagnetic communication is accomplished through inductive coupling, and generally has an operating range of only 3m. During transmission in the electromagnetic communication system, a current is varied in a coil in order to generate and transmit an electromagnetic field (substantially a magnetic field). Upon reception, a varying electromagnetic field is received by another coil which induces a current to flow in the coil. The current flow is converted into the received signal. As a result ofthe inductive coupling, the electromagnetic system requires no physical contact or wires between a reader and an electromagnetic transceiver For purposes ofthe remaining discussion, the term electrostatic will be used to refer to capacitively-coupled electric fields, while the term electromagnetic will be used to refer to inductively-coupled magnetic fields. Electrostatic transceivers or readers may also be referred to as capacitively-coupled transceiver and reader devices that operate using electric field transmissions. Electromagnetic transceivers and readers may also be referred to as inductively-coupled transceiver or reader devices that operate using magnetic field transmissions. A combined electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver may also be referred to as an ES/EM transceiver. Electrostatic signals and electromagnetic signals may be referred to as capacitively-coupled signals and inductively coupled signals, respectively.

FIG. 1 A illustrates a dipole exciter and dipole receiver configuration for a preferred embodiment of a combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system 100. Dipole as used herein means the use of two electrodes that are not necessarily symmetrical in size or dimension. The communication system 100 includes an electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A, host computer system 103, and at least one of an electrostatic transceiver 102, electromagnetic transceiver 104, or an ES/EM transceiver 109.

FIG. IB illustrates a monopole exciter and monopole receiver configuration according to the preferred embodiment ofthe combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system 100. With reference to FIG. IB, the system 100 includes electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101B, electrostatic transceiver 102, host computer system 103, electromagnetic transceiver 104, and an ES/EM transceiver 109.

FIG. 1C illustrates a dipole exciter and a monopole receiver ofthe preferred electrostatic/electromagnetic reader lOlC. FIG. ID illustrates a system level diagram with functional sharing of an electrostatic electrode and an electromagnetic element 134, such as a coil, inductor, toroid, pot core, transformer, open magnetic structure, and the like. Dipole circuitry ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A of FIG. 1 A may be modified in accordance with FIG. ID to establish a monopole circuit by providing a return path, such as, for example, earth ground 150, common to both the reader and the electrostatic transceiver, which is lower in impedance than the coupling path of FIG. 1 A between the reader and the transceiver, thereby effectively eliminating electrostatic electrodes 106, 107 and 108. Because ofthe similarity and the ease of converting a dipole reader into a monopole reader, the dipole receiver and the dipole exciter reader will be described throughout except as where noted.

The reference designator 101 refers equally to 101 A, 101B, 101C, and 101D. Reference to a particular reference designator 101A-101D may relate to the others depending upon the context ofthe statement. Electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A includes electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and electromagnetic element 134 for transmission of an excitation signal and modulated data signals on a power carrier signal by means of electrostatic and electromagnetic energy. The signals are transmitted by the reader to either an electrostatic, electromagnetic, or combination ES/EM transceiver, such as electrostatic transceiver 102, electromagnetic transceiver 104, or combination ES/EM transceiver 109. Electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101A includes electrostatic electrodes 107 and 108 and electromagnetic element 144 for receiving data signals on a data carrier signal by means of electrostatic energy and electromagnetic energy. The data signals are transmitted by either an electrostatic, electromagnetic transceiver, or combination electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver such as electrostatic transceiver 102, electromagnetic transceiver 104, or combination electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109. Electrostatic transceiver 102 includes electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 in order to receive and transmit electrostatic energy and signals. The electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 may have differing shapes and be made of different materials. Some ofthe shapes for the electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 include flat rectangular plates and bow tie shaped plates. In accordance with the present invention, electrostatic electrodes are not required to be balanced or symmetrical, but rather may be designed to employ various shapes, sizes and symmetries each optimized for capacitive coupling within a given application. It is further noted that a wide variety of conductive materials and compositions may be used in the construction of each electrostatic electrode. Electromagnetic transceiver 104 includes the electromagnetic element 114 in order to receive and transmit electromagnetic energy and signals. Combination electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109 includes electrostatic electrodes 122 and 123 in order to receive and transmit electrostatic energy and signals the electromagnetic element 124 and capacitor 125 in order to receive and transmit electromagnetic energy and signals. The electrostatic electrodes may also be referred to as antenna, capacitor plates, contactless electrodes, wireless electrodes or isolation electrodes. These electrostatic electrodes provide the reader and/or transceiver the ability to communicate with one another in a remote fashion. The induction coil may also be referred to as an antenna or wire-wound coil, etched coil, coil or inductor, toroid, put core. The induction coils provide the reader and/or transceiver the ability to communicate with one another in a remote fashion. Electrostatic transceiver 102 can transmit and receive information to/from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 by means of electrostatic signals and capacitive coupling. Electromagnetic transceiver 104 can transmit and receive information to/from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A by means of electromagnetic signals and induction. Combination electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109 can transmit and receive information to/from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 by means of electrostatic signals and capacitive coupling or electromagnetic signals and induction. Transceivers 102, 104 and 109 may be passive or active devices in that they may include an internal power supply to provide additional functionality and increased read range to a reader. Host computer 103 is coupled to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 and may couple to other electrostatic/electromagnetic readers, electromagnetic readers or electrostatic readers (not shown in FIGS. 1 A- ID) in order to have other points of communication.

An electrostatic transceiver 102 and electromagnetic transceiver 104 could be combined to form an electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver by including the electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 ofthe electrostatic transceiver 104 without using a combined electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101. This is illustrated by electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109. While this would avoid the replacement of electromagnetic readers with electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101, this would require greater investment by requiring the replacement ofthe electromagnetic transceivers 104 within the combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system in order to be compatible with electromagnetic and electrostatic communications. It is better to combine the electromagnetic and electrostatic technology into a reader, replacing current electromagnetic only reader with the combined electrostatic/electromagnetic readers 101, in order to be compatible with both electrostatic and electromagnetic communication technology. In this manner, electromagnetic transceivers need not be replaced and new electrostatic transceivers can be introduced into the communication system having electrostatic/electromagnetic readers 101. It costs less to replace the electromagnetic readers with electrostatic/electromagnetic readers than it does to replace a large number of electromagnetic transceivers.

Thus, the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 includes an induction coil and electrostatic electrodes in order to provide the combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication. In order to combine the functionality ofthe induction coil and the electrostatic electrodes together into a single reader, the proper design is necessary to efficiently combine the functionality in a single electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101.

A problem with combining the functionality is that the desired input impedance may be different for receiving electrostatic signals than it is for electromagnetic signals. The desired input impedance for a receiver receiving electromagnetic signals from a coil is usually a low impedance. The desired input impedance for a receiver receiving electrostatic signals from an electrostatic electrode is usually a high impedance. Another problem is that the desired operation ofthe transmitters is different. In order to transmit signals through a coil, it is desirable to have large AC current flows through the coil. In order to transmit signals through an electrostatic electrode or electrodes, it is desirable to have large AC voltage swings on the electrostatic electrode or electrodes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 ofthe present invention in a dipole electrostatic configuration. The electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A may be configured in a monopole electrostatic configuration, as illustrated by FIG. IB, by connecting one ofthe electrostatic electrodes to earth ground 150 effectively eliminating it as an electrode, as later shown in association with FIG. 13A and 13B. Circuitry within the reader that connects to the electrostatic electrode that is grounded may be simplified or eliminated when not used. In a monopole configuration, earth ground 150 is part ofthe return path. Accordingly, exciter 201 and receiver 202 in reader 101B have a connection to earth ground 150 in the monopole configuration. In the dipole configuration neither electrostatic electrode has a connection to earth ground 150. The dipole configuration lends itself to a more portable system but one could easily connect an electrode to a ground reference of some sort thereby having a portable monopole system. The electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 A includes circuits such as an exciter

201, a receiver 202, a demodulator 203, a processor 204, the electrostatic electrodes 105- 108, and the electromagnetic induction coils 134 and 144. Additional circuitry may include, without limitation, a memory, a modulator, a filter, a digital signal processor, a signal source, a gain stage, a gain control stage(s), power supply regulation, circuit protection, electromagnetic interference suppression, and logic. The processor 204 couples to the host computer 103 over a host interface to bi-directionally transfer information, couples to the exciter 201 to supply a clock and transfer information, and couples to the demodulator 203 to receive information. In accordance with the present invention, processor 204 may be a microprocessor or microcomputer as is known in the art. In addition, processor 204 may comprise memory and/or associated logic circuitry.

The demodulator 203 is a signal demodulator and may simply be a detector such as a comparator or a simple CMOS inverter with the desired threshold characteristics. Exciter 201 couples to the processor 204 to receive information and couples to the electrostatic electrodes 105-106 and the electromagnetic elementl34 to transmit signals (and information) as electrostatic or electromagnetic signals respectively. Receiver 202 couples to the electrostatic electrodes 107-108 and the electromagnetic element 144 to receive electrostatic and electromagnetic signals and information respectively and couples to the demodulator 203 to transfer signals and information. Demodulator 203 couples to the receiver 202 to receive signals and information and couples to the processor 204 for transferring information. Electrostatic electrodes 105-108 may take on various forms including flat conductive plates, conductive fringe, conductive wires, or conductive strips. Induction coils 134 and 144 may have various forms including a wire loop or loops, wire wound coils, or looped etched metal strips. Transmit block 211 includes the essential elements for combining the transmitting of electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. Receive block 212 includes the essential elements for combining the receiving of electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. In general, electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 generates an electrostatic

(electric) field for use both as a power source for the electrostatic transceiver 102 and the ES/EM transceiver 109 for transferring information between reader 101 and transceivers 102 or 109 by using electrostatic signals. As such, electrostatic reader 101 electrostatically generates and transmits an excitation signal through the nearbyair, gas, liquid, or atmosphere via the reader's electrostatic electrodes, except for the return path in a monopole system. The electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 generates an electromagnetic field for use both as a power source for the electromagnetic transceiver 104 and the ES/EM transceiver 109 for transferring information between reader 101 and transceivers 104 or 109 by using electromagnetic signals. The excitation signal is an AC signal which activates electrostatic transceiver 102 or transceiver 109 when they come within the capacitance coupling range of reader 101. The excitation signal may also activate electromagnetic transceiver 104 or transceiver 109 when they come within the inductive coupling range of reader 101. Upon being sufficiently energized, the transceivers 102, 104, or 109 may respond by transmitting a read data signal carrying the information stored in their memory. In accordance to the present invention, reader 101 may also provide a write signal to communicate and write information to the transceivers 102, 104 or 109 as part of a write operation. It is to be appreciated that the excitation signal must be generated and transmitted by reader 101 to energize a passive transceiver (i.e. without an internal energy source). The excitation signal is an AC energy source and can be a continuous waveform or a varying waveform (i.e. amplitude, frequency, time, etc. ofthe waveform may vary). The reader 101 usually has available a larger power source than the transceivers. Thus, the reader 101 has very sensitive receiving and high energy transmission when compared with the transceivers.

FIG. 3 is the receive block 212 illustrating the functions blocks for receiving ES and EM signals. The receive block 212 includes the receive/amplify block 302, the filtering block 304, the detection block 306, and the demodulation block 308. The receive/amplify block 302 basically provides for the interface to the electrostatic electrodes 107-108 and the electromagnetic elementl44. It further provides the initial amplification and in some cases may perform preliminary filtering as well in order to avoid amplifying a wide frequency band of signals when only a narrow band is desired. The filtering block 304 provides for removing unwanted signals in certain rejection frequency bands and emphasizing the desired signals in a certain pass band or bands. The filtering block 304 may be implemented in many ways including as analog filters or as digital filters. The detection block 306 is provided for the analog filter types ofthe filtering block 304. The detection block 306 detects the desired data signal from the carrier frequency signal and generates a serial data stream, demodulating the data from the carrier. The detector block 306 may be a comparator that compares the input signal to a threshold or it may simply be an inverter or buffer, preferably a CMOS inverter or buffer, that detects the signal at certain threshold levels. For digital filter types, the detection block 306 is not needed as its function may be replaced with sample and hold elements in conjunction with analog to digital converters. The demodulation block 308 is for receiving the data stream in whatever form and decoding or demodulating the actual information from the received data stream. The demodulation block 308 is performed by the processor 204 in the ES/EM reader 101. There are various ways of combining these functional blocks and implementing the functional blocks in order to provide the capability of receiving both electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. Following is a description of various implementations ofthe receive block 212.

FIG. 4 A illustrates details of a summing receiver/amplifier 302 A within the receive block 212. The summing receiver/amplifier 302A includes an electrostatic signal amplifier 322, an electromagnetic signal amplifier 324, and an analog summer 326. The ES signal amplifier 322 is preferably a high input impedance amplifier for receiving electrostatic signals. Resistors 327 and 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. The EM signal amplifier 324 is preferably a low input impedance amplifier for receiving electromagnetic signals. The outputs from the respective amplifiers 322 and 324 on nodes 323 and 325 respectively, are input into the analog summer 326. The analog summer 326 combines the analog signals on nodes 323 and 325 accordingly generating one signal output 311. The output 311 of the summing receiver/amplifier 302 A is then coupled to the filtering block 304 for further processing.

In an alternative to FIG. 4A, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the electrostatic and electromagnetic antennas and their associated terminations could be combined through a switch (not shown). In this circumstance, amplifier 324 and analog summer 326 may be eliminated, thereby simplifying the circuit of FIG. 4A. The switch (not shown) may be multiplexed between the electrostatic antennas 107, 108 and the electromagnetic element 144 and their respective terminations, at a fixed duty cycle. In this alternative, the duty cycle may be controlled via logic (not shown) or a microprocessor (not shown). In this alternative embodiment, the input amplifier 322 may include a detection device (not shown), such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). When a tag is brought into the field (electric or magnetic), the RSSI will rise due to the presence ofthe data carrier. As the signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the switch commutation will stop and the tag data will be received by the reader 101. The switch will then resume commutation. The relative frequency of tag types presented to the reader may be analyzed by the microprocessor. The duty cycle may then be adjusted to favor the tag type that predominates in the environment. FIG. 4B illustrates the details of a first digital filtering method for combining electromagnetic and electrostatic signals. The dual digital receiver/amplifier 302B includes an electrostatic signal amplifier 322, an electromagnetic signal amplifier 324, and a first sample and hold 332, a second sample and hold 334, a first analog to digital converter 336, and a second analog to digital converter 338. The ES signal amplifier 322 is preferably a high input impedance amplifier for receiving electrostatic signals.

Resistors 327 and 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. The EM signal amplifier 324 is preferably a low input impedance amplifier for receiving electromagnetic signals. The outputs from the respective amplifiers 322 and 324 on nodes 323 and 325 respectively, are input into the sample and hold 332 and the sample and hold 334. The sample and holds 332 and 334 are sample and hold circuits that sample the analog signals at their respective inputs and hold the samples for conversion by analog to digital converters. The clock frequencies ofthe sample and hold circuits is at least twice the rate ofthe frequency expected on the input signals to comply with the Nyquist sampling theory. The analog to digital converters 336 and 338 convert the analog signals that are respectively input into digital signals that may be sent to the digital signal processor (DSP) that implements the digital filter 304A. The digital filter 304A performs the desired filtering function but in the digital domain. The output 317 from the digital filter 304A is provided to the demodulation block 308.

FIG. 4C illustrates the details of a second digital filtering method for combining electromagnetic and electrostatic signals. The single digital receiver/amplifier 302C includes an electrostatic signal amplifier 322, an electromagnetic signal amplifier 324, an analog multiplexor or a summer 342, a sample and hold 344, an analog to digital converter 346. The ES signal amplifier 322 is preferably a high input impedance amplifier for receiving electrostatic signals. Resistors 327 and 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. The EM signal amplifier 324 is preferably a low input impedance amplifier for receiving electromagnetic signals. The outputs from the respective amplifiers 322 and 324 on nodes 323 and 325 respectively, are input into the analog multiplexor 342. The output from the analog multiplexor 342 is coupled to the sample and hold 344. The sample and hold 344 is a sample and hold circuit that samples the analog signals at its input and holds the samples for conversion by an analog to digital converter. The clock frequencies ofthe sample and hold circuit is at least twice the rate of the frequency expected on the input signals to comply with the Nyquist sampling theory. The analog to digital converter 346 converts the analog signals that are at its input on node 345 into digital signals that may be sent to the digital signal processor (DSP) that implements the digital filter 304B. The digital filter 304B performs the desired filtering function but in the digital domain. The output 317 from the digital filter 304B is provided to the demodulation block 308. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating details of the pre-filtered receiver/amplifier

302D. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302D first filters the incoming signal before amplifying it. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302D includes the filtering block 502 and the high impedance amplifier 322 previously used for only receiving ES signals. At first glance it seems that the EM coil 144 for receiving EM signals is absent. However, this is not the case because coils in a filter can receive the electromagnetic signals. In filtering block 502 coil inductors and capacitors are used, whereby one or more ofthe coil inductors may receive the EM signals. Various implementations ofthe filtering block 502 are more fully described with reference to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6D.

FIG. 6 A is a block diagram illustrating a dipole version ofthe pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302E. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302E includes the filtering block 502A and the high input impedance amplifier 322. Filtering block 502A includes two parallel LC circuits 602A and 602B each coupled respectively to an electrostatic electrode 107 and 108 on nodes 621 and 622 at one end and to ground at another end to provide bandpass filtering. The resonant circuit ofthe inductive coil 614 in parallel with the capacitor 612, provides a high impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through to the amplifier while for receiving electromagnetic signals, the coils 614 act as antennas and resonate with the capacitors 612 to generate opposing voltages at nodes 621 and 622. Resistors 327 and 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs 621 and

622 ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. Note that for a dipole receiver, the coils 614 in the parallel LC circuits need to be physically oriented one-hundred-eighty degrees from each other so that the voltages at nodes 621 and 622 are opposite. This holds true for other dipole receivers with similar circuitry. In the monopole case one ofthe inputs into the amplifier are connected to an earth ground reference or another reference voltage source.

The pass frequency is preferably the data carrier frequency. Coil 614 may be further enhanced to increase the efficiency of receiving electromagnetic signals by providing a portion of it external to any shielding that might otherwise be present.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating a monopole version ofthe pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302F. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302F includes the filtering block 502B and the high input impedance amplifier 322 previously used for only receiving ES signals. Filtering block 502B includes the parallel LC circuit 602C coupled respectively to electrostatic electrode 108 at one end and ground at another end to provide band-pass filtering. Resistor 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega- ohm, is coupled between input 622 ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. The resonant circuit ofthe inductive coil 614 in parallel with the capacitor 612, provides a high impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through to the amplifier. Coil 614 acts as an antenna and resonates with the capacitor 612 to amplify the data carrier frequency. This exemplifies the monopole case where one ofthe inputs into the amplifier are connected to an earth ground reference or another reference voltage source. The pass frequency is preferably the data carrier frequency. Coil 614 may be further enhanced to increase the efficiency of receiving electromagnetic signals by providing a portion of it external to any shielding that might otherwise be present.

FIG. 6C is a block diagram illustrating a dipole version ofthe pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302G. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302G includes the filtering block 502C and the high input impedance amplifier 322 previously used for only receiving ES signals. Filtering block 502C includes two band-pass filters at each electrostatic electrode 107 and 108. Parallel LC circuits 602D and 602E are each coupled respectively to an electrostatic electrode 107 and 108 on nodes 633 and 634 at one end and ground at another end to provide band-pass filtering. Series LC circuits 604A and 604B are respectively coupled in series between the amplifier 322 and the electrostatic electrodes

107 and 108 to further provide band-pass filtering. Resistors 627 and 628, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs 631 and 632 ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the input into the amplifier from floating. The resonant circuit in parallel LC circuit 602D and 602E, provides a high impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through to the series LC circuits 604A and 604B the coils 614 act as antennas and resonate with the capacitors 612 to generate opposing voltages at nodes 631 and 632. Note that for a dipole receiver, the coils 614 in the parallel LC circuits or coils 618 in the series resonant circuits need to be physically oriented one-hundred-eighty degrees from each other so that the voltages at nodes 631 and 632 are opposite. This holds true for other dipole receivers with similar circuitry. In the monopole case one ofthe inputs into the amplifier are connected to an earth ground reference or another reference voltage source. The pass frequency is preferably the data carrier frequency. The resonant circuit in series LC circuit 604A and 604B, provides a low impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through the series LC circuits 604A and 604B and into the amplifier 322. The pass frequency ofthe series LC circuits 604A and 604B is preferably the data carrier frequency.

FIG. 6D is a block diagram illustrating a dipole version ofthe pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302H for a third implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 302H includes the filtering block 502D and the high input impedance amplifier 322 previously used for only receiving ES signals. Filtering block 502D includes two band-pass filters at each electrostatic electrode 107 and 108. Series LC circuits 604C and 604D are respectively coupled in series between the electrostatic electrodes 107 and 108 and the amplifier 322 to provide band-pass filtering. The resonant circuit, in series LC circuit 604C and 604D, provides a low impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through the series LC circuits 604C and 604D and into the amplifier 322. Parallel LC circuits 602F and 602G are each coupled respectively to nodes 641 and 642 at one end and ground at another end to provide bandpass filtering. The resonant circuit, in parallel LC circuit 602F and 602G, provides a high impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through to the amplifier 322. The pass frequency in each case ofthe series LC circuits and parallel LC circuits is preferably the data carrier frequency. For receiving electromagnetic signals the coils 614 act as antennas and resonate with the capacitors 612 to generate opposing voltages at nodes 641 and 642. Note that for a dipole receiver, the coils 614 in the parallel LC circuits or coils 618 in the series resonant circuits need to be physically oriented one- hundred-eighty degrees from each other so that the voltages at nodes 641 and 642 are opposite. This holds true for other dipole receivers with similar circuitry. In the monopole case one ofthe inputs into the amplifier are connected to an earth ground reference or another reference voltage source. The pass frequency ofthe series LC circuits 604A and 604B is preferably the data carrier frequency.

FIG. 6E is a block diagram illustrating a dipole version ofthe pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 3021 for a fourth implementation ofthe fourth receiver of FIG. 5. The pre-filtered receiver/amplifier 3021 includes the filtering block 502E and the high impedance amplifier 322. Filtering block 502E includes two band-pass filters and two notch filters between each electrostatic electrode 107 and 108 and the amplifier 322. Resistors 327 and 328, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs 633 and 634 ofthe notch filters (parallel LC circuits 602H and 602J) and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the inputs from floating. Resistors 627 and 628, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm each, are coupled between the two respective inputs 631 and 632 ofthe amplifier 322 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the inputs into the amplifier from floating so as to reduce noise. Parallel LC circuits 602H and 602J are each coupled respectively to the electrostatic electrode 107 and 108 on nodes 633 and 634 at one end and the series LC circuits 604E and 604F at nodes 653 and 654 to provide notch filtering. The resonant circuit in parallel LC circuit 602H and 602J, provides a high impedance path for signals at the desired notch frequency such that they are greatly attenuated before reaching the series LC circuits 604E and 604F. The preferred notch frequency is at the power carrier frequency or exciter frequency which is preferably 125 kHz. Series LC circuits 604E and 604F are respectively coupled in series between the amplifier 322 and the parallel LC circuits 602H and 602J to provide band-pass filtering. The resonant circuit in series LC circuit 604E and 604F, provides a low impedance path for signals at the desired pass frequency such that they pass through the series LC circuits

604E and 604F and into the amplifier 322. Note that for a dipole receiver, the coils 614 in the parallel LC circuit or coils 618 in series need to be physically oriented one-hundred- eighty degrees from each other so that the voltages at nodes 631 and 632 are opposite. This holds true for other dipole receivers with similar circuitry. In the monopole case one ofthe inputs into the amplifier are connected to an earth ground reference or another reference voltage source. The pass frequency ofthe series LC circuits 604E and 604F is preferably the data carrier frequency.

FIG. 6F illustrates details of a high impedance receiver/amplifier 302J. The high impedance receiver/amplifier 302 J includes a high input impedance amplifier 322 and a high input impedance filtering block 502F. The amplifier 322 is preferably a high input impedance amplifier for receiving electrostatic signals. The outputs from the amplifier 322 on node 661 is input into the detector 306. The output 317 ofthe detector 306 is then coupled to the demodulation block 308 for further processing. The high impedance filtering block pre-filters the data signals before reaching the amplifier and includes all necessary filtering otherwise provided by filtering block 304. It is believed that the extra filtering on the front end ofthe receiver improves the sensitivity and enhances the ability to receive electromagnetic signals. Electromagnetic signals are typically composed of a substantial magnetic field signal with a small electric field component. Electrostatic signals are typically composed of a substantial electric field signal with a small magnetic field component while in other cases there may be no magnetic field component. If the high impedance receiver/amplifier 302J is operating in a combined system and the transceiver 104 is communicating using electromagnetic signals, there is an electric field component to the electromagnetic signal which is possible to detect by a sensitive high input impedance receiver such as 302 J. The electrostatic electrodes 107 and 108 may receive the electric component ofthe electromagnetic signals from an electromagnetic transceiver.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram ofthe preferred embodiment ofthe filter 304C within the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 ofthe present invention. A gain amplifier 700 initially amplifies a signal received from the receive/amplify block 700 on node 311. A first notch filter 701 or band rejection filter having a first notch frequency receives signals from the output ofthe gain amplifier 700. The first notch frequency is 125 kHz in the preferred embodiment. A first band-pass filter 704 having a first pass frequency is coupled to the first notch filter 701 to receive signals. The first pass frequency is 62.5 kHz in the preferred embodiment. The first band-pass filter 704 is preferably an active filter and provides gain to the input signal. A second notch filter 702 or band rejection filter having a second notch frequency is coupled to the first band-pass filter 704 to receive signals. The second notch frequency is 125 kHz in the preferred embodiment. A second band-pass filter 704 having a second pass frequency is coupled to the second notch filter

702 to receive signals. The second pass frequency is 62.5 kHz in the preferred embodiment. The second band-pass filter 705 is an active filter and provides gain to the input signal. A third notch filter 703 or band rejection filter having a third notch frequency is coupled to the second band-pass filter 705 to receive signals. The third notch frequency is 250 kHz in the preferred embodiment. The third notch filter provides the final output 317 ofthe filtering block 304 ofthe preferred embodiment to the detection block 306. Notch filters 701-703 and band-pass filters 704-705 may be implemented using passive RLC components or active components with the passive components such as operational amplifiers or transistor amplifiers. Filtering stages are implemented as required.

FIG. 8 is a filter response diagram illustrating the desired frequency characteristics 800 ofthe filter 304C where amplitude 802 is plotted logarithmically against frequency 801 which is plotted logarithmically. The amplitude ofthe receiver response is zero decibels at reference designator 805.. At the preferred carrier frequency 810 (i.e., 62.5 kHz) for transmission by the transceivers 102, 104, and 109 the receiver response 803 has a gain in amplitude to amplitude 804. At the transmission frequencies 811 and second harmonic 812 ofthe reader (i.e., 125 kHz, 250 kHz), receiver response 803 has losses in amplitude to amplitudes 806 and 807 respectively. In this manner the receiver accepts signals at the carrier frequency and amplifies them while rejecting signals at the transmission frequencies ofthe reader 101 by providing losses so that the signals at the carrier frequency are enhanced for demodulation by the demodulator 203.

Receiver sensitivity (i.e., gain at the carrier frequency ofthe transceivers 102, 104 and 109 with loss or no gain at others) ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 is important in the combined electrostatic and electromagnetic communication system because signals transmitted by the electrostatic transceiver 102, the electromagnetic transceiver 104 and the combined electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109 are relatively low in energy when compared with the signals transmitted by the reader 101.

The reader 101 can usually provide the higher energy transmission because it has available a larger power source than the transceivers 102, 104 and 109 and electrostatic signals tend to require a high voltage amplitude signal. Furthermore the circuit area available to the reader 101 is significantly greater than that ofthe tag or transceiver 102, 104, or 109. The power available to the reader also provides flexibility in the design ofthe receiver and the selection of gain stages.

FIG. 9 illustrates the functionality ofthe transmit block 211 for transmitting data as ES and EM signals. The transmit block 211 includes the modulation block 902 and the transmit/amplify block 904. The modulation block 902 generates a periodic signal which it then modifies in amplitude, frequency, and/or phase to carry information which can be understood by transceiver 102, 104 or 109. The modulation or encoding ofthe data prior to transmission is usually performed by the processor 204. The transmit/amplify block 904 accepts the data stream on node 913 and provides for the amplification and transmission of ES and EM signals. The transmit/amplify block 904 in an active shunt option also provides for the combining of circuitry to support both the electromagnetic element 134 and the electrostatic electrodes 105-106. There are various ways of combining circuitry and implementing the functional blocks in order to provide the capability of transmitting both electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. Following is a description of various implementations ofthe transmit block 211. FIG. 10A through FIG. 10D illustrate a switch implementation while FIG. 11 A through FIG. 1 IE illustrate an active driver implementation ofthe transmit block 211. In order to transmit EM signals, the EM coil is preferably provided with a changing current. In order to transmit ES signals, ES electrodes are preferably provided with large AC voltage swings.

FIG. 10 A is a block diagram illustrating details of a switched parallel resonant dipole transmitter 904 A. Data from a source such as the host 103 is provided to the processor 204 for modulation block 902. The output ofthe modulation is provided on signal line 913 and is input into the transmitter 904A. Transmitter 904 A includes the switch 1010A, a transformer 1001, and capacitor 1014. Transformer 1001 has two windings, coil 1012 being the primary winding and EM coil 134 being the secondary winding. The transmitter 904A is in a dipole configuration with the two electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106. The EM coil 134 ofthe transformer 1001 is for transmitting EM signals and is in a parallel resonant circuit with capacitor 1014. Coil 1012 is coupled to the high level supply voltage (VDD) at one end and the switch 1010A at the other. As switch 1010 A opens and closes in accordance with the clock and data stream on node 913 from the modulation block 902, current is caused to flow through coil 1012 which is inductively coupled to the EM coil 134 causing EM signals to be transmitted. Across the transformer there is a step up in voltage such that increased voltage levels over and above the high level supply voltage is provided to the ES electrodes 105-106 causing ES signals to be transmitted. In order to improve modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between nodes 1005 and 1006 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134. Switch 1010A includes a flyback diode 1013 for protecting it from damage from excessive voltage applied across its terminals in an open condition. Flyback diode 1013 has anode coupled to the ground side ofthe switch 1010A and a cathode coupled to the switch terminal that couples to the coil 1012 at node 1011. Alternatively, a flyback diode could have been coupled across coil 1012 as illustrated in FIG. 10B. Resistor 1017, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, is coupled between the node 1006 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 107 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106. Switch 1010A may be alternatively implemented by semiconductor devices such as field effect transistors 1010B or bipolar transistors lOlOC. If noise emission is not a problem, capacitor 1014 may be eliminated in which case the switching harmonics may be transmitted through the electrostatic electrodes. FIG. 10B is a block diagram illustrating a switched parallel resonant monopole transmitter 904B ofthe preferred embodiment. The monopole transmitter 904B has the same components as the dipole transmitter 904A but has one leg ofthe parallel resonant circuit, coil 1012 and capacitor 1014, attached to earth ground 150 thereby eliminating the electrostatic electrode 106 of FIG 10A. In order to improve modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between node 1005 and ground to selectively short node 1005 to ground in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrode 105 and EM coil 134. Coil 1012 includes a flyback diode 1023 across its two terminals with an anode coupled to node 1021 and a cathode coupled to the high level supply voltage. The flyback diode 1023 across coil 1012 is to protect the switch 1020A from excessive voltage levels when open. Alternatively, a flyback diode

1013 could have been incorporated into the switch 1020A as is illustrated in FIG. 10A. Switch 1020A can be alternatively implemented by field effect transistor 1020B or bipolar transistor 1020C. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrode 105.

FIG. 10C is a block diagram illustrating a switched series resonant transmitter

904C. EM coil 134 and capacitor 1034 are a series resonant circuit. ES electrode 105 couples to the midpoint ofthe series resonant circuit at node 1032 so that it may experience the larger voltage swings. Switch 1010A causes current to flow through the series resonant circuit when it opens and closes so that an EM signal may emanate from the EM coil 134 and an ES signal can emanate from the ES electrode 105 with ES electrode 106 being a reference to ground. In order to improved modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between node 1005 and ground to selectively short node

1005 to ground in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrode 105 and EM coil 134. Switch 1010A can be alternatively implemented by field effect transistor 1010B or bipolar transistor 1010C.

FIG. 10D is a block diagram illustrating a simpler implementation of FIG. 10 A. In comparison with FIG. 1 A, the transmitter 904L has capacitor 1014 eliminated in comparison with transmitter 904A. Transmitter 904L is a non-resonant transmitter in that sufficient voltage levels are provided across coil 1012 without the need of a resonant tank circuit when switch 1020A is open and closed. The transformer ratio or step up (1 :N) across the transformer 1001 from coil 1012 to coil 134 is appropriately selected to provide sufficient voltage levels across transformer coil 134 for radiating electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. In this case, modulation block 902 provides a sinusoidal modulation si nal on node 913 to the driver 1121. To improve modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between nodes 1005 and 1006 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134. Resistor 1017, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, is coupled between the node

1006 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 1017 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106. One advantage to a non-resonant transmitter is that multiple carrier frequencies can be used not just certain carrier frequencies where resonance occurs to create large voltage amplitudes across the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134. Thus, a non-resonant transmitter, such as transmitter 904L, can support frequency hopping from one carrier frequency to another.

FIG. 11 A is a block diagram illustrating an active drive parallel resonant dipole transmitter 904D. The transmitter 904D includes the active driver 1101, the transformer 1001 having a first winding 134 and a second winding 1012, and a capacitor 1014. The parallel resonant circuit consists ofthe coil 1012 and the capacitor 1014. Transmitter 904D is analogous to the transmitter 904A of FIG. 10 A. Driver 1101 actively drives node 1103 in response to data signals on node 913. Because the coil 134 wants to avoid sudden current changes, when the driver starts supplying a drive signal it increases the voltage across the transformer 1001. Active drivers, analog or digital, may be preferable over a switch for several reasons. If standard CMOS digital logic gates are used as the active drivers, they are easy to implement and may be inexpensive in that spare gates may be available for such use. Additionally, the complementary output associated with a CMOS driver provides faster switching speeds and thus may operate over a wider bandwidth than a switch implementation. An analog driver may be preferable over a switch implementation because it can generate purer sine waves at its output and therefore generate less RFI/EMI emissions. Although an analog driver may require a heat sink, it may not require any ferrite elements at its output to lower emissions where another type of driver might. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106. Transmitter 904D includes resistor 1117, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, coupled between the node 1106 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 1117 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106. In order to improved modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between nodes 1105 and 1106 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134. FIG. 1 IB is a block diagram illustrating a push-pull driver transmitter 904E. The push-pull driver transmitter 904E includes a first driver 1111, an inverter 1112, a second driver 1113, transformer 1001 having a first coil 134 and a second coil 1012, an optional capacitor 1014. The coil 1012 and the capacitor 1014 create a parallel resonant circuit. Data signals from the modulation block on node 913 are coupled to the driver 1111 and the inverter 1112. The output ofthe inverter 1112 is coupled to the input ofthe second driver 1113. In this manner the first driver 1111 and the second driver 1111 are nearly one-hundred eighty degrees out of phase. When the out of phase signals are applied to the coil 134, nearly twice the voltage is generated across coil 134. The voltage generated across the coil 134 is stepped up by the step up transformer 1001 and supplied to the ES electrodes 105 and 106. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106. Transmitter 904E includes resistor 1117, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, coupled between the node 1106 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 1117 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106. In order to improve modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between nodes 1105 and 1106 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134.

FIG. 11C is a block diagram illustrating an active series resonant transformer dipole transmitter 904F. Transmitter 904F includes the driver 1121, the transformer 1001 having a first winding consisting of coil 134 and a second winding made of coil 1012, and a capacitor 1104. Capacitor 1104 and coil 1012, in series with one another, make up a series resonant circuit preferably designed to be resonant at the exciter or power carrier frequency. Voltage across the coil 1012 is stepped up by the transformer 1001 to coil 134 so that relatively large voltage swings may be applied to the electrostatic electrodes 105- 106. Driver 1121 actively drives signals into the series resonant circuit. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106. Transmitter 904F includes resistor 1117, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, coupled between the node 1106 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 1117 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106. In order to improve modulation control, a switch

1015 may be connected between nodes 1105 and 1106 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134.

FIG. 1 ID is a block diagram illustrating an active series resonant transformer monopole transmitter 904G. Transmitter 904G is very similar to transmitter 904F except having one ofthe electrostatic electrodes coupled to the midpoint ofthe series resonant circuit. Transmitter 904G includes the driver 1121, the transformer 1001 having a first winding consisting of coil 1012 and a second winding made of coil 134, and a capacitor 1104 coupled in series to ground at one end and terminals of coil 134 and the coil 1012 at an opposite end. Capacitor 1114 and coil 1012, in series with one another, make up a series resonant circuit preferably designed to be resonant at the exciter or power carrier frequency. Voltage across the coil 134 is stepped up by the transformer 1001 and also the voltage on node 1124 generated by the series resonant coil 1012 and capacitor 1114 is summed with the voltage induced across the secondary coil 134 to generate a higher voltage at the electrostatic electrode 105. Driver 1121 actively drives signals into the series resonant circuit. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrode 105. In order to improved modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between node 1123 and ground to selectively short node 1123 to ground in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrode 105 and EM coil 134.

FIG. 1 IE is a block diagram illustrating a simpler implementation of FIG. 1 ID. Transmitter 904H is very similar to transmitter 904G except that the connection on the coil 134 is now at ground, when it was previously connected at node 1124 adding the resonant voltage to node 1123. Transmitter 904H includes the driver 1121, the transformer 1001 having a first winding consisting of coil 1012 and a second winding made of coil 134, and a capacitor 1114 in series to ground with the coil 1012. Coil 134 is coupled to ES electrode 105 at node 1123 at one end and ground at the opposite end. Capacitor 1114 and coil 1012, in series with one another, make up a series resonant circuit preferably designed to be resonant at the exciter or power carrier frequency. Voltage across the coil 134 is stepped up by the transformer 1001 so that relatively large voltage swings may be applied to the electrostatic electrode 105. Driver 1121 actively drives signals into the series resonant circuit. EM signals emanate from the coil 134 while ES signals emanate from the electrostatic electrode 105. In order to improved modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between node 1123 and ground to selectively short node 1123 to ground in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrode 105 and EM coil 134.

FIG. 1 IF is a block diagram illustrating a simpler implementation of FIG. 1 lC. In comparison with FIG. 11C, the transmitter 9041 has capacitor 1114 eliminated in comparison with transmitter 904F. Transmitter 9041 is a non-resonant transmitter in that the driver 1121 is sufficient enough to drive appropriate voltage levels across coil 1012 without the need of a resonant tank circuit. The transformer ratio or step up (1 :N) across the transformer 1001 from coil 1012 to coil 134 is appropriately selected to provide sufficient voltage levels across transformer coil 134 for radiating electrostatic and electromagnetic signals. In this case, modulation block 902 provides a sinusoidal modulation signal on node 913 to the driver 1121. Transmitter 9041 includes resistor 1107, having a high resistance value on the order of one mega-ohm, coupled between the node 1106 and ground in order to provide a ground reference and keep the output from the electrostatic electrode 106 from floating. Resistor 1107 may alternatively be connected at a center tap of coil 134 for a balanced voltage across electrodes 105 and 106 In order to improved modulation control, a switch 1015 may be connected between nodes 1105 and 1106 to selectively short them together in response to a host modulation control signal 1016 and terminate signal radiation from the electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 and EM coil 134.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate a typical frontal view ofthe electrostatic electrodes for a monopole exciter and a dipole exciter respectively for reader 101B of FIG. IB and reader 101C of FIG. lC. In FIG. 12A the electrostatic electrodes 1201 include the exciter electrode 105 and the receiver electrode 108. The exciter electrode 105 is separated from the receiver electrode 108 by a dielectric 1202. In FIG. 12B, the electrostatic electrodes 1211 include the exciter electrodes 105 and 106 and the receiver electrode 108. The exciter electrodes 105 and 106 are separated from the receiver electrode 108 by a dielectric 1212. The electrodes are preferably constructed of a conductor such as copper but may be made of other conductive materials such as gold, carbon, or aluminum including high impedance materials. In the case where the electrodes are in close proximity to an electromagnetic element for electromagnetic communication, high impedance material is preferred so as to avoid shorting out the electromagnetic field.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13A through FIG. 13C illustrating various circuit block diagrams for both monopole and dipole, electrostatic or electromagnetic readers 101 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 A illustrates a circuit block diagram for a monopole configured electrostatic/electromagnetic reader having a single electrostatic electrode. In accordance therewith, a switched resonant transmitter circuit904I, including a resonant tank comprised of electromagnetic elementl34 and capacitor 1034, and a switch 1010A is shown coupled between Vcc and ground. The switched resonant transmitter circuit 9041 is coupled to the electrostatic electrode 105 for transmission of electrostatic and/or electromagnetic signals. By shielding coil 134 or employing a pot core or toroid device, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the electromagnetic field produced by coil 134 will be greatly suppressed, such that the reader 101 will operate primarily as an electric field reader, only. Receiver 302J is coupled to the ES electrode 105 and the EM coil 134 at node 1312 for receiving electrostatic signals and/or electromagnetic signals as described above. In this manner, the transmit and receive coil 134 is combined with the transmit and receive ES electrode 105. This design of an ES EM reader 101 reduces the number of antennas (EM coils and ES electrodes). However, because the transmit energy and signals are fed directly into the receiver 302J a greater amount of filtration is required around the expected data carrier for receiving signals in an RFID system. Receiver 302J includes filter 1310 to provide the necessary filtration and amplifier 324 is provided to amplify the signal after filtering. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternate circuit diagrams and topologies are available to generate the required voltage signals ranging from 2 volts to 5000 volts peak-to-peak, as may be required for use by the present invention. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the switch 1010A may be located between the power source Vcc and the coil 134 in order to derive a sufficiently large voltage for delivery to electrode 105. Alternatively, the switch 1010A may comprise two switches, such as complementary transistors, in order to increase the efficiency of circuit 9041, all without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention. FIG. 13B illustrates a circuit block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a monopole configured electrostatic/electromagnetic reader in accordance with the present invention. Driver 1121 drives signals into the coil 1012 of the transformer 1001. While driver 1121 is depicted as a switch, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several other circuit topologies are available, such as, for example, full and/or half-bridge drivers, differential drivers, balanced and/or unbalanced bridge drivers, class A-D amplifiers, and the like. Coil 134 receives the stepped up signal across the transformer and provides it to the electrostatic electrode 105. Assuming transformer 1001 is a core transformer or is otherwise magnetically shielded such that an emanating magnetic field is suppressed, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device 101 Fig. 13B will operate substantially as an electric field reader. Receiver 302k can alternatively tap off from node 1324 or node 1325 in order to receive signals and reduce the number of antenna. If receiver taps off from node 1325 the voltage levels may need to be reduced by a circuit such as a resistor divider within the front end ofthe filter 1320. FIG. 13C illustrates a dipole active transmitter 904K combined with receiver 302L.

Transmitter 904K includes the driver 1101 and the transformer 1001 having EM coil 134 and coil 1012. Capacitor 1014 is provided for resonance and electrostatic electrodes 105 and 106 are respectively coupled to nodes 1333 and 1334. Receiver 302L taps off the transmitter at node 1334 although it could tap off of node 1333 in the alternative. Because the voltage levels are high on nodes 1333 and 1334 it is expected that a voltage reduction circuit, such as a resistor divider, may be part ofthe front end filtering at filter 1330.

The designs for an ES/EM reader 101 previously described with reference with FIG. 13 A through FIG. 13B reduces the number of antennas (EM coils and ES electrodes). However, because the transmit energy and signals are fed directly into the receiver 302J- 302L, a greater amount of filtration is required around the expected data carrier for receiving signals in an RFID system having a data carrier of 62.5 kHz and a power carrier of 125 kHz. Accordingly the filters 1310, 1320, and 1330 in receivers 302J-302L provide the added necessary filtration to further reduce the signals around the power carrier. Amplifier 324 is provided to amplify the signal after filtering. However, if the transmit (power carrier) and the receive carrier (data carrier) frequencies are further spread out on the frequency domain from one another, such as in contactless smart card systems, the filtration requirements become less difficult to achieve for the combined transmit and receive blocks previously described.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14 illustrating in greater detail the components of the electrostatic transceiver 102. As shown in FIG. 14, transceiver 102 may include a circuit 1410 having an analog interface module 1411, a bit-rate generator 1403, a write decoder 1404, an optional charge pump 1405, an input register 1406, a controller 1407, a mode register 1408, a modulator 1409, a memory 1410, and electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113. As previously discussed, electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 receive electrostatic signals from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 and modulate or transmit electrostatic signals back to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101. Electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113 are coupled to the analog interface module 1411 over the bidirectional signal lines 1422 and 1423 respectively. The analog interface module 1411 couples to the bit-rate generator 1403 through the clock signal line 1425. Analog interface module 1411 couples to the controller 1407 through the control signal lines 1426 and to the write decoder 1404 through the data in signal line 1424. The modulator 1409 couples to the electrostatic electrode 112 and electrostatic electrode 113 by signal lines 1422 and 1423 respectively. For optimum electrostatic performance, it is desirable to keep the parasitic capacitance measured between signal lines 1422 and 1423 as small as possible. Controller 1407 controls the functionality ofthe transceiver 102 in conjunction with the analog interface module 1411. Controller 1407 couples to nearly all components ofthe electrostatic transceiver 102 except for the electrostatic electrodes 112 and 113. Memory 1410 maybe a volatile memory requiring a constant supply of energy or a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM memory or ferro-electric memory that retains its information when power is no longer supplied. In the case of EEPROM memory, the optional charge pump 1405 may be required in order to boost the voltage ofthe transceiver power supply in order to write data into the EEPROM memory. Input register 1406 temporarily stores information that is to be written into memory 1410. It may need to store the information due to a delay in the write cycle caused by the charge pump 1405 pumping up or other reasons. In any case, storing data into the input register 1406 allows the controller 1407 to process other information for the transceiver 102. Mode register 1408 reads configuration information for the electrostatic transceiver 102 from memory 1410 and provides this to the controller 1407. Write decoder 1404 analyzes a data sequence being received by the electrostatic transceiver 102 and determines whether the transceiver can go into a write mode or whether it needs to remain in a receive mode.

Modulator 1409 prepares data read from memory 1410 for transmission by the electrostatic transceiver 102. Modulator 1409 can encode and modulate data read from memory 1410 in a number of ways for communication with the reader 101.

When in proximity of a reader 101, the transceiver first detects the excitation signal being emitted by the ES/EM reader 101. The excitation signal is generated by reader 101 at a carrier frequency, commonly referred to as a power carrier frequency or exciter frequency. The power carrier frequency, which may be modulated with data, is preferably 125 kHz. After detecting the excitation signal, the electrostatic transceiver 102 goes through a power management sequence and powers up in order to derive a square wave based on the excitation signal at the carrier frequency which is used as a clock signal for the transceiver. In this manner of generating a clock signal, information received by the electrostatic transceiver 102 is synchronized with the clock signal. This alleviates generating a clock with a clock oscillator and synchronizing the data and clock using phase-locked loop techniques.

The analog interface module 1411 performs multiple functions when receiving and modulating electrostatic signals and charges in an analog signal form. The analog interface module 1411 generally performs the electrostatic communication and power management functions for the electrostatic transceiver 102. Additionally, it performs clock extraction in order to provide a clock to the other components ofthe electrostatic transceiver 102 including the bit-rate generator 1403 such that the clock is synchronized with received data. The analog interface module 1411 also demodulates the received signal to generate a received data stream. A gap detector (not shown) within the analog interface module 1411 analyzes the data stream and determines if a write operation may be involved. If so, it forwards the data sequence signal to the write decoder 1404. Write decoder 1404 then decodes the data sequence signal to retrieve instruction, data, and address information related to the write operation. If it recognizes the codes as a write command, write decoder 1404 signals to so notify controller 1407. Write decoder 1404 also verifies the validity ofthe data stream. The decoded instructions and information about the validity ofthe data stream are provided to controller 1407. Bit-rate generator 1403 receives as input the clock signal having a carrier frequency (preferably 125 kHz) from a clock extraction circuit (not shown). Bit-rate generator 1403 generates the data transfer rate at which data is transferred from/to memory

1410 during a read or write mode, respectively. Bit-rate generator 1403 generates the data transfer rate by dividing the carrier frequency (preferably 125kHz) by a predetermined factor. The data transfer rate is provided to controller 1407. In the preferred embodiment, bit-rate generator 1403 divides by either sixteen or thirty-two such that the data transfer rate can be programmed to be either 125 kHz/16 (7812.5 bits/second) or 125 kHz/32

(3906.25 bits/second). FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram ofthe electromagnetic transceiver 104. As shown in FIG. 15, transceiver 104 includes circuit 1510 having an analog interface module 1511, a bit-rate generator 1403, a write decoder 1404, a charge pump 1405, an input register 1406, a controller 1407, a mode register 1408, a modulator 1509, a memory 1410, and the electromagnetic elementl 14 and the resonant capacitor 115. Electromagnetic elementl 14 receives electromagnetic signals from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 and sends electromagnetic signals back to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101. The functionality ofthe electromagnetic transceiver 104 is similar to the functionality ofthe electrostatic transceiver 102 that was previously described. The main difference between the electromagnetic transceiver 104 and electrostatic transceiver 102 is in the respective analog interface modules 1511 and 1411. While the basic function ofthe analog interface modules 1511 and 1411 are similar, the initial processing ofthe received signals and the final processing of modulated signals are different. That is, the electrodes and coils with supporting components will differ. The other components ofthe electromagnetic transceiver 104 consisting ofthe bit-rate generator 1403, the write decoder 1404, the optional charge pump 1405, the input register 1406, the controller 1407, the mode register 1408, and the memory 1410 have the same reference designators as in the electrostatic transceiver 102 and function similarly as described above.

The analog interface module 1511 performs multiple functions when receiving and modulating electromagnetic signals in an analog signal form. The analog interface module 1511 performs the charge receiving and power supply management function for the electromagnetic transceiver 104. Additionally, it performs clock extraction in order to provide a clock to the other components ofthe electromagnetic transceiver 104 including the bit-rate generator 1403 such that the clock is synchronized with received data. The analog interface module 1511 also demodulates the received signal to generate a received data stream. A gap detector (not shown) within the analog interface module 1511 analyzes the data stream and determines if a write operation may be involved. If so, it forwards the data sequence signal to the write decoder 1404. Write decoder 1404 then decodes the data sequence signal to retrieve instruction, data, and address information related to the write operation. If it recognizes the codes as a write command, write decoder 1404 signals to so notify controller 1407. Write decoder 1404 also verifies the validity ofthe data stream.

The decoded instructions and information about the validity ofthe data stream are provided to controller 1407.

The modulator 1509 has similar functionality to the modulator 1409, but may have the final drive or load modulation circuitry tailored to drive or modulate signals onto the electromagnetic elementl 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a block diagram ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109. As shown in FIG. 16, transceiver 109 includes circuit 1610 having an analog interface module 1611, a bit-rate generator 1403, a write decoder 1404, an optional charge pump 1405, an input register 1406, a controller 1407, a mode register 1408, a modulator 1609, a memory 1410, an electromagnetic element 124, a resonant capacitor 125 and electrostatic electrodes 122 and 123. Electromagnetic elementl24 receives electromagnetic signals from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 and modulates electromagnetic signals back to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101. Electrostatic electrodes 122 and 123 receive electrostatic signals from the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 and modulate electrostatic signals back to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101. The capacitor 125 is provided to create a resonant circuit for receiving electromagnetic signals.

The functionality ofthe electrostatic/electromagnetic transceiver 109 is similar to the functionality ofthe electrostatic transceiver 102 that was previously described. The main difference between the electromagnetic transceiver 104 and ES/EM transceiver 109 is in the respective analog interface modules 1611 and 1411. While the basic function of the analog interface modules 1611 and 1411 are similar, the initial processing of received signals and the final processing of modulated signals may be slightly different. The other components ofthe ES/EM transceiver 109 consisting ofthe bit-rate generator 1403, the write decoder 1404, the charge pump 1405, the input register 1406, the optional controller

1407, the mode register 1408, and the memory 1410, have the same reference designators as in the electrostatic transceiver 102 and function similarly as described above.

The analog interface module 1611 performs multiple functions when receiving and modulating electromagnetic or electrostatic signals in an analog signal form. Analog interface module 1611 may be used for combined electromagnetic/electrostatic communication, electromagnetic communication only, and electrostatic communication only. The analog interface module 1611 performs the charge receiving and power supply management function for the ES/EM transceiver 109. Additionally, it performs clock extraction in order to provide a clock to the other components ofthe ES/EM transceiver 109 including the bit-rate generator 1403 such that the clock is synchronized with received data. A gap detector (not shown) within the analog interface module 1611 analyzes the data stream and determines if a write operation may be involved. If so, it forwards the data sequence signal to the write decoder 1404. Write decoder 1404 then decodes the data sequence signal to retrieve instruction, data, and address information related to the write operation. If it recognizes the codes as a write command, write decoder 1404 signals to so notify controller 1407. Write decoder 1404 also verifies the validity ofthe data stream. The decoded instructions and information about the validity ofthe data stream are provided to controller 1407. The modulator 1609 has similar functionality to the modulator 1409 but may have the final drive or load modulation circuitry tailored to drive or modulate signals onto the electromagnetic element 124 and electrostatic electrodes 122 and 123.

While the preferred embodiments of he electrostatic/electromagnetic reader 101 have been described with reference to RFID technology, the embodiments may be applied to other near field technology including smart card technology where the power carrier frequency and the data carrier frequency are further separated. Additionally, it can be appreciated that other electromagnetic RFID transceivers or electrostatic transceivers may be encompassed by the present invention.

The present invention has many advantages over the prior art. The present invention allows a user to introduce electrostatic technology into an electromagnetic technology based communication system such that there is backward compatibility. Additionally, the present invention provides that one need not suffer the total loss in investment in prior electromagnetic based communication technology, the readers need only be replaced. The present invention provides for low cost RFLD transceivers such that disposable applications are possible such as with visitor badges in an access controlled facility. The present invention provides that minimal system support need be changed in order to introduce new electrostatic technology.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention, in its broader aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Various alterations, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light ofthe foregoing description. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the foregoing description, but embraces all such alterations, modifications and variations in accordance with the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A combined electrostatic and electromagnetic reader, comprising: a transmitter, coupled to an electrostatic electrode and an electromagnetic element, for transmitting an excitation signal via the electrostatic electrode and the electromagnetic element; a receiver, coupled to the electrostatic electrode and the electromagnetic element , for receiving electrostatic signals and electromagnetic signals from at least one of an electromagnetic device and an electrostatic device; a circuit, coupled to at least one of the transmitter and the receiver, for processing at least one ofthe electrostatic signals and the electromagnetic signals.

2. The reader of claim 1, wherein the receiver couples to the electrostatic electrode to receive electrostatic signals when the electrostatic device is communicating and otherwise couples to the electromagnetic element to receive electromagnetic signals when the electromagnetic device is communicating.

3. The reader of claim 1 wherein the receiver is switchably coupled to one ofthe electrostatic electrode and the electromagnetic element.

4. A reader, comprising: an electrostatic electrode; a transmitter, coupled to the electrostatic electrode, for transmitting an excitation signal via the electrostatic electrode; a receiver, coupled to the electrostatic electrode, for receiving electrostatic signals from an electrostatic device; and a circuit, coupled to at least one of the transmitter and the receiver, for processing the electrostatic signals.

5. A combined electrostatic and electromagnetic receiver for receiving electrostatic and electromagnetic signals, the receiver comprising: an electrostatic electrode for receiving the electrostatic signals; a prefilter, coupled to the electrostatic electrode for receiving electrostatic signals, having at least one electromagnetic element for receiving the electromagnetic signals, for filtering the electromagnetic signals and the electrostatic signals and attenuating electromagnetic signals and the electrostatic signals in an undesired range of frequencies; and an amplifer, coupled to the prefilter, for amplifying the electrostatic signals and the electromagnetic signals.

6. A combined electrostatic and electromagnetic reader, comprising: an exciter coupled to a first electrostatic electrode and a first electromagnetic coil, generating an excitation signal and modulating the excitation signal to transmit signals electrostatically through the first electrostatic electrode and electromagnetically through the first electromagnetic coil; a receiver coupled to a second electrostatic electrode, a second electromagnetic elementand a processor, receiving electrostatic signals transmitted by an electrostatic transceiver from the second electrostatic electrode and receiving electromagnetic signals transmitted by an electromagnetic transceiver from the second electromagnetic induction coil and causing the processor to process the electrostatic signals and the electromagnetic signals; the first electrostatic electrode coupled to the exciter, for electrostatically transmitting the electrostatic signals to the electrostatic transceiver; the first electromagnetic element coupled to the first electrostatic electrode and the exciter, for electromagnetically transmitting electromagnetic signals to the electromagnetic transceiver; the second electrostatic electrode coupled to the receiver, for electrostatically receiving electrostatic signals transmitted by the electrostatic transceiver; the second electromagnetic element coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and the receiver, for electromagnetically receiving electromagnetic signals transmitted by the electromagnetic transceiver; and the processor coupled to the exciter and having an interface for coupling to a computer, for transmitting information to and receiving information from the computer and for transmitting information to the exciter.

7. The combined electrostatic and electromagnetic reader of claim 22, wherein the receiver comprises: a bandpass filter coupled to the second electrostatic electrode and the second electromagnetic coil, having a pass frequency to avoid filtering the electrostatic signals and the electromagnetic signals over a range of frequency around the pass frequency which are received; and an amplifier coupled to the bandpass filter, having a gain for amplifying a signal received from the bandpass filter.

8. A method for electrostatic communication between an electrostatic/electromagnetic reader and an electrostatic transceiver and electromagnetic communication between an the - electrostatic/electromagnetic reader and an electromagnetic transceiver, comprising the steps of:

(a) generating an excitation signal;

(b) transmitting a first electrostatic signal and a first electromagnetic signal responsive to the excitation signal;

(c) receiving the electrostatic signal to energize the electrostatic transceiver and process the received electrostatic signal; and

(d) receiving the electromagnetic signal to energize the electromagnetic transceiver and process the received electromagnetic signal.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of:

(e) communicating a second electrostatic signal to the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader; and

(f) receiving the second electrostatic signal for processing by the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the electrostatic/electromagnetic reader comprises: a bandpass filter having a pass frequency to avoid filtering the electrostatic signals and the electromagnetic signals over a range of frequency around the pass frequency which are received; and an amplifier coupled to the bandpass filter, having a gain for amplifying a signal received from the bandpass filter.