Radio frequency IDentification miniature interrogator antenna sprayed over an in-vehicle chassis

Among the different assets tracking solutions Radio Frequency IDentification RFID is a promising technology for in-car communications due to its relatively low cost deployment and real time monitoring and processes. In this paper, a hidden, miniature, narrow band antenna of dimensions 0.18λ×0.20λ×0.005λ is presented which is easy to manufacture using conductive paint sprayed over a car body. The design relies on a resonator, a negative image of the radiator for improved efficiency when in close proximity to ground planes and is suited for use in radio frequency identification networks using the unlicensed RFID band (865.6- 867.6 MHz) is described. The term miniature comes from the fact that the antenna is physically small given the low proximity and insensitivity to the ground plane which facilitates a possible coating layer over the antenna for hidden applications.