Fast Prototyping of Nonlinear Passive Tags for Location Detection Using Harmonic Radar

This paper proposes a novel passive nonlinear tag design, fabrication, and tests using a second-order harmonic system with various antenna configurations. The tags' antennas were fabricated with laser-cut pattern masks and conductive materials, and their performance was greatly enhanced by the multi-element design and Schottky diode's nonlinearity. The detectable distance of up to 6.7 ft of the tags was tested using a benchtop setup of a 7.9 GHz transmitter and a 15.8 GHz receiver antenna without any signal amplification. The lightweight and miniature tags have great potential for extensive applications in locating objects.