Radio frequency identification static discharge protection

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for the protection of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices are described. In one aspect, a static dissipative material is applied to a web of antenna structures. A coating of the static dissipative material is applied continuously across a plurality of antenna structures of a roll of the web material. An RFID integrated circuit (IC) is attached to the web of antenna structures with the dissipative coating, then subsequently tested on the roll. Additional processing is performed to the RFID tag to produce an RFID label.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a substrate;   at least one antenna disposed on a first side of the substrate;   a static dissipative material coupled to at least a portion of the first side; and   a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit electrically coupled to the least one antenna.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the RFID integrated circuit is disposed on a strap substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substrate comprises plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substrate comprises paper. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the substrate is a web material. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the static dissipative material is a dispersion. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the static dissipative material comprises at least a first band and second band. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a substrate;   at least one antenna disposed on a first side of the substrate;   a static dissipative material coupled to at least a portion of a second side; and   a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit electrically coupled to the least one antenna.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the RFID integrated circuit is disposed on a strap substrate. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the substrate comprises plastic. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the substrate comprises paper. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the substrate is a web material. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the static dissipative material is a dispersion. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the static dissipative material comprises at least a first band and second band. 
     
     
         15 . A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, the tag comprising:
 a substrate;   at least one antenna disposed on the substrate;   an ESD protective material coupled to at least a portion of the substrate; and   an RFID integrated circuit electrically coupled to the least one antenna.   
     
     
         16 . The RFID tag of  claim 15  wherein the RFID integrated circuit is disposed on a strap substrate. 
     
     
         17 . The RFID tag of  claim 15  wherein the substrate comprises plastic. 
     
     
         18 . The RFID tag of  claim 15  wherein the substrate comprises paper. 
     
     
         19 . The RFID tag of  claim 15  wherein the ESD protective material is a dispersion. 
     
     
         20 . The RFID tag of  claim 15  wherein the ESD protective material comprises at least a first band and second band.