RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a key technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). It enables wireless identification of objects—in logistics, healthcare, or industry. However, demands are growing. In addition to pure identification, sensor functions, tamper resistance, and environmental adaptation are becoming increasingly important.

“We see a clear trend toward customized antenna solutions,” says Jelson Mateus, Senior R&D Project Engineer at Identiv. “Standard solutions are often no longer sufficient—especially for passive RFID tags that are highly sensitive to their environment.”

How Ansys HFSS Improves Antenna Design at Identiv? 

To meet these demands, Identiv uses Ansys HFSS. In collaboration with RF simulation experts from CADFEM, the Identiv team has deeply integrated HFSS into its development process. “HFSS is indispensable for us,” says Mateus. “We simulate every antenna before production. This allows us to detect and solve problems early, saving valuable time during prototyping.” 

Previously, antenna design relied on manual calculations and experience—requiring up to six iterations to reach a final product. Today, thanks to HFSS, one or two iterations are usually enough to achieve an optimized design.

The Development Process at Identiv: Digital, Integrated, Efficient

The entire product development process at Identiv is fully digital and simulation-driven. “We do everything in-house—from design to production,” says Jelson. “Simulation is the backbone of our workflow.”

1. Concept phase: Initial requirements and sketches based on customer needs and use cases
2. HFSS simulation: Antenna is modeled, simulated, and optimized for electromagnetic performance
3. Prototyping: A physical prototype is built and tested based on the simulation
4. Optimization loop: Test results feed back into the simulation for targeted adjustments
5. Production: After successful validation, mass production begins: IC integration, lamination, final processing

Expanding the Simulation Portfolio: Mechanics, Sensing, Cryptography

In addition to HFSS, Identiv is evaluating other Ansys tools to cover more aspects of product development:

• Ansys Mechanical: for analyzing mechanical stress during production
• Ansys Q3D Extractor: for identifying parasitic effects in complex circuit structures
• Ansys Maxwell: for simulating electromagnetic fields in sensor applications

A special focus is on integrating sensor technology and cryptography into RFID tags. The goal is not only to identify objects, but also to analyze conditions such as temperature, activation, or authenticity—a crucial step toward smarter, more secure IoT components.

FAQ-Section

What is RFID and how does it work?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology for wireless object identification. It uses electromagnetic fields to exchange data between a reader and an RFID tag—for example, for product tracking or authentication.

What role does simulation play in antenna design?

Simulation tools like Ansys HFSS allow antennas to be virtually developed and tested before physical production. This saves time, reduces errors, and improves design quality.

How can RFID tags do more than just identify?

Modern RFID tags integrate sensing and cryptography to not only identify objects but also detect states like temperature, pressure, or authenticity—an important step toward intelligent IoT solutions.

Watch now the interview with Jelson Mateus: