Committee: 

Dr. Durgin, Advisor     

Dr. Peterson, Chair

Dr. Cressler

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is to design, develop and test the RF front-end of a 5.8 GHz RFID quantum tag that, by exploiting the quantum tunneling effect of tunnel diodes, achieves high sensitivities and hundreds-meter communication ranges without affecting the design complexity and while keeping the power requirements at the order of tens of microwatt. Current wireless communication systems achieve long ranges at the cost of high power consumption that limit portability, require continuous maintenance, contribute to environmental pollution and affect the development of pervasive wireless sensors. Aim of this research is to demonstrate how quantum tags open the door for a new generation of RFID applications by improving the backscatter range and by extending the life cycle of battery-assisted RFID tags.