Method for data transmission in RFID or remote sensor systems

• US 20050206552A1
• Filed: 03/17/2005
• Published: 09/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Atmel Corporation (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Atmel Automotive GmbH (Microchip Technology Incorporated)
• Inventors: Friedrich, Ulrich
• Granted Patent: US 7,733,217 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 342/42
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/765 with exchange of information between interrogator and responder
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10297 arrangements for handling protocols designed for non-contact record carriers such as RFIDs NFCs, e.g. ISO/IEC 14443 and 18092 cryptographic protocols H04L9/00; network security protocols H04L63/00; real-time communication protocols in data switching networks H04L65/00; network protocols for data switching network services H04L67/00

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a radio frequency identification system, which includes a reader and at least one transponder, is provided. The reader transmits data sequences to the transponder including at least command data, associated check data, and a subsequent return link header data. Upon receiving unrecognized command data and/or unsupported parameter and address data the transponder notifies the reader of this condition. The notification takes place at times when the reader transmits end signals indicating an end of a data sequence, transmits an optional parameter and address data, or transmits the return link header data. Thus, communication between the reader and other transponders is not disrupted when a transponder cannot execute a command.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting data in a radio frequency identification system having a reader and at least one transponder, or for transmitting data between a reader and a remote sensor, the method comprising the steps of:

transmitting a data sequence from the reader to the transponder or the remote sensor, the data sequence including command data, associated check data, and return link header data for providing a return link from the transponder or the remote sensor to the reader;

determining by the transponder or the remote sensor of an error in the data sequence, the error being whether the received data sequence has unrecognized command data and/or unsupported parameter and address data accompanied by correct check data; and

notifying the reader of the error when the reader transmits end signals indicating an end of the data sequence or an end of optional parameter and address data or when the return link header data is transmitted.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reader is notified of the unrecognized command data and the unsupported parameter and address data at different respective times within a data sequence.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a transmission from the reader is modulated in order to notify the reader.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a transmission from the transponder or sensor to the reader is terminated in order to notify the reader.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, after the termination of the transmission from the transponder or sensor, the reader terminates a transmission in progress and transmits a new data sequence.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the new data sequence contains command data recognized by all transponders or sensors that are associated with the system and/or parameter and address data supported by all the transponders or sensors.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after notifying the reader, the transponder or sensor withdraws from communication with the reader until new recognized command data is received.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data sequence further includes optional parameter and address data.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reader is notified of the unrecognized command data and the unsupported parameter and address data upon transmission of the end signals or the transmission of the return link header data as header data.

10. A transponder comprising:

an antenna; and

an integrated circuit being electrically connected to the antenna,

wherein the transponder receives by the antenna at least a transmitted data sequence, the transmitted data sequence including an end of data portion and a return link header portion,

wherein, upon detection of an error, an error code is transmitted by the transponder during receipt of the end of data portion or the return link header portion, and

wherein, when no error is detected, the transponder transmits data after receipt of the return link header portion.

11. The transponder according to claim 10, wherein the transmitted data sequence further includes a command data portion, a check data portion, an additional parameter and address data portion, and an additional check data portion.

12. The transponder according to claim 11, wherein the command data portion, the check data portion, the additional parameter and address data portion, and the additional check data portion precede the end of data portion and the return link header portion in the data sequence.

13. The transponder according to claim 10, wherein the error code is transmitted to a reader.

14. The transponder according to claim 13, wherein the reader transmits the data sequence to the transponder.

15. The transponder according to claim 10, wherein, upon detection of the error, the error code is transmitted only during receipt of the end of data portion or the return link header portion.