Blocking Reader: Design And Implementation Of A Low-cost Passive UHF RFID Blocking Reader

Abstract

In this thesis I present a low-cost passive UHF ISO 18000-6C RadioFrequency Identification, or RFID, reader that is feasible for mobileand privacy applications. Low cost readers are necessary to achievethe promised cost savings and enhanced revenue generation that theInternet of Things promises to deliver. Low cost readers may beinstalled virtually everywhere, providing real-time asset monitoringand a host of new and innovative applications yet to be conceived.While pervasively deployed readers provide tremendous benefits, thepromiscuous nature of the 18000-6C tags means that the readers alsopose a threat to personal security and privacy. Privately owned tags on a person will be read by all nearby readers without that person's consent thereby violating that person's privacy. A low cost readerworn on a person's body can be used as a Blocking Reader that prevents these unauthorized tag reads, preserving your privacy. My low-cost reader has been implemented based upon the Chipcon CC1101 chip,and I have characterized its basic read performance. using a monopole antenna, my low cost reader can be utilized as a blocking reader that prevents unauthorized reads of tags within 1m of the reader. Furthermore, when worn on a person's body, my low-cost reader effectively acts as a Blocking Reader preventing all nearby readers from reading tags located on or in close proximity to the body.