D2.6 Report on the performance of the printed components of the tag

Deliverable 2.6 comprises the description of performance improvement of the printed components of the tag as a result of the materials developed in WP1. It covers the results related to task T2.1.2 - Printed antennas development, T2.1.5 - Multipoint control unit (MCU) design and fabrication. It also deals also about task T2.4 - Quality control of the printed materials and devices.
Regarding Task 2.1.2 and T2.4, the report exposes a summary of the preparation of printed antennas using the selected combination of Ag NP inks. Hence, electrical and mechanical characterization for printed components of demo 1 is presented.
Key performance parameters of the UHF and UWB antenna have been optimized with several full-wave simulations and partially introduced in previous deliverables (D2.1, D2.2 and D2.3). The design of the antennas compatible with UWL reader is simulated to evaluate the effect of electric and dielectric properties of the selected materials on antenna performance. Once the antenna has been designed, key performance parameters are measured in anechoic chamber to avoid any reflection of electromagnetic waves and reproduce free space conditions as in the simulations.
In addition, printed layers and in-mould tags are evaluated in terms of bending as well as the moisture protective effect of the tag assembly in a climate chamber test.
Finally, Task 2.1.5 comprises the development of the Multipoint control unit (MCU) which is being optimized to work at extremely low power.