This paper discusses the evolution towards the first integrated radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled wireless sensor network infrastructure using ultra-high frequency/radio frequency (UHF/RF) RFID-enabled sensor nodes and inkjet-printed electronics technologies on flexible and paper substrates for the first time ever. The first sections highlight the unique capabilities of inkjet printed electronics as well as the benefits of using paper as the ultra-low-cost, conformal and environmentally friendly substrate for the mass-scale ubiquitous implementation of the first RFID-enabled wireless sensing applications. Various inkjet-printed antenna configurations are presented for enhanced-range compact RFID-enabled sensing platforms in “rugged” environments up to 7 GHz, followed by the discussion of their 2-D integration with integrated circuit (IC) and sensors on paper. This integration is extended to a power-scavenging “smart-shoe” batteryless integrated RFID module on paper that could be used for autonomous wearable sensing applications with enhanced range. The paper concludes discussing the details for establishing for the first time an asynchronous wireless link between the aforementioned RFID-tags and a widely used commercial wireless sensor network (WSN) mote using a simplified protocol; a paramount step that could potentially create ubiquitous ultra-low-cost sensor networks and large-scale RFID implementations eliminating the need of expensive RFID reader infrastructure and linking RFIDs to the mature level of WSNs.

In this paper, an overview of novel design and integration approaches for improved performance UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with embedded power source and sensing capability is presented. Ultra-low-cost organic substrates, such as paper, with inkjet-printing capability are investigated for the UHF frequency band. The proposed technology could potentially revolutionize sensor nodes and RFID tags for various applications such as security, logistics, automotive and pharmaceutical.

In this paper, design requirements and advanced approaches for improved performance UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are presented. Organic substrates are examined as highly potential candidates for RFID fabrications. An inkjet-printed tag on paper substrate is realized for ultra-low- cost mass production. RFID with sensor integration is also demonstrated for automotive sensing and vehicle security applications. Measurements are performed for RFID tags embedded in tires. These results show that proper designed RFID can serve for the purpose of tire pressure/temperature monitoring.