US20060097849A1

US20060097849A1 - Wireless communication devices and methods of forming and operating the same

Info

Publication number: US20060097849A1
Application number: US11/312,669
Authority: US
Inventors: Ross Dando
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
Priority date: 1997-08-18
Filing date: 2005-12-19
Publication date: 2006-05-11
Also published as: US6980085B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to wireless communication devices and methods of forming and operating the same. The present invention provides a wireless communication device including a substrate having a support surface, wireless communication circuitry upon the support surface of the substrate, at least one antenna electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry, a conductive layer configured to interact with the antenna, and an insulative layer intermediate the conductive layer and the antenna. A method of forming a wireless communication device includes providing a substrate having a support surface, forming an antenna upon the support surface, conductively coupling wireless communication circuitry with the antenna, forming an insulative layer over at least a portion of the antenna, and providing a conductive layer over at least a portion of the insulative layer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to wireless communication devices and methods of forming and operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic identification systems typically comprise two devices which are configured to communicate with one another. Preferred configurations of the electronic identification systems are operable to provide such communications via a wireless medium.
One such configuration is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. This application discloses the use of a radio frequency (RF) communication system including communication devices. The communication devices include interrogator and a transponder such as a tag or card.
The communication system can be used in various identification and other applications. The interrogator is configured to output a polling signal which may comprise a radio frequency signal including a predefined code. The transponders of such a communication system are operable to transmit an identification signal responsive to receiving an appropriate command or polling signal. More specifically, the appropriate transponders are configured to recognize the predefined code. The transponders receiving the code subsequently output a particular identification signal which is associated with the transmitting transponder. Following transmission of the polling signal, the interrogator is configured to receive the identification signals enabling detection of the presence of corresponding transponders.
Such communication systems are useable in identification applications such as inventory or other object monitoring. For example, a remote identification device is attached to an object of interest. Responsive to receiving the appropriate polling signal, the identification device is equipped to output an identification signal. Generating the identification signal identifies the presence or location of the identification device and article or object attached thereto.
Such identification systems configured to communicate via radio frequency signals are susceptible to incident RF radiation. Such RF radiation can degrade the performance of the identification system. For example, application of transponders to objects comprising metal may result in decreased or no performance depending on the spacing of the transponder antenna to the nearest metal on the object.
Therefore, there exists a need to reduce the effects of incident RF radiation upon the operation of communication devices of an electronic identification system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, a wireless communication device is provided which includes a substrate, communication circuitry, antenna and a conductive layer configured to interact with the antenna. Some embodiments of the wireless communication devices include remote intelligent communication devices and radio frequency identification devices.
According to additional aspects of the present invention, methods of forming a wireless communication device and a radio frequency identification device are provided. The present invention also provides methods of operating a wireless communication device and a radio frequency identification device.
The conductive layer is configured to act as a ground plane in one embodiment of the invention. The ground plane shields some signals from the antenna while reflecting other signals toward the antenna. The ground plane also operates to reflect some of the signals transmitted by the device. The conductive layer is preferably coupled with a terminal of a power source within the communication device. Such coupling provides the conductive layer at a reference voltage potential.
The communication circuitry comprises transponder circuitry in accordance with other aspects of the present invention. The transponder circuitry is configured to output an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal from an interrogator. Certain disclosed embodiments provide a processor within the communication devices configured to process the received polling signal. The processor and communication circuitry may be implemented in an integrated circuit.
The wireless communication device is provided within a substantially solid, void-free housing in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Such a housing comprises plural encapsulant layers and a substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system including an interrogator and a wireless communication device embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the wireless communication device at an intermediate processing step.
FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view, taken along line 4-4, of the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 3 at an intermediate processing step.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication device at a processing step subsequent to FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication device at a processing step subsequent to FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 4, of an alternative intermediate processing step.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the wireless communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
This description of the present invention discloses embodiments of various wireless communication devices. The wireless communication devices are fabricated in card configurations (which include tags or stamps) according to first and second aspects of the present invention. The embodiments are illustrative and other configurations of a wireless communication device according to the present invention are possible. Certain embodiments of the wireless communication device according to the invention comprise radio frequency identification devices (RFID) and remote intelligent communication devices (RIC).
Referring to FIG. 1, a remote intelligent communication device or wireless communication device 10 comprises part of a communication system 12. The remote intelligent communication device is capable of functions other than the identifying function of a radio frequency identification device. A preferred embodiment of the remote intelligent communication device includes a processor.
The communication system 12 shown in FIG. 1 further includes an interrogator unit 14. An exemplary interrogator 14 is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/806,158, filed Feb. 25, 1997, assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference. The wireless communication device 10 communicates via wireless electronic signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, with the interrogator unit 14. Radio frequency signals including microwave signals are utilized for communications in a preferred embodiment of communication system 12. The communication system 12 includes an antenna 16 coupled to the interrogator unit 14.
Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication device 10 includes an insulative substrate or layer of supportive material 18. The term “substrate” as used herein refers to any supporting or supportive structure, including but not limited to, a supportive single layer of material or multiple layer constructions. Example materials for the substrate 18 comprise polyester, polyethylene or polyimide film having a thickness of 4-6 mils (thousandths of an inch).
Substrate 18 provides a first or lower portion of a housing for the wireless communication device 10 and defines an outer periphery 21 of the device 10. Substrate 18 includes a plurality of peripheral edges 17.
Referring to FIG. 3, at least one ink layer 19 is applied to substrate 18 in preferred embodiments of the invention. Ink layer 19 enhances the appearance of the device 10 and conceals internal components and circuitry provided therein. A portion of ink layer 19 has been peeled away in FIG. 3 to reveal a portion of an upper surface 25 of substrate 18. In other embodiments, plural ink layers are provided upon upper surface 25.
A support surface 20 is provided to support components and circuitry formed in later processing steps upon substrate 18. In embodiments wherein at least one ink layer 19 is provided, support surface 20 comprises an upper surface thereof as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, upper surface 25 of substrate 18 operates as the support surface if ink is not applied to substrate 18.
A patterned conductive trace 30 is formed or applied over the substrate 18 and atop the support surface 20. Conductive trace 30 is formed upon ink layer 19, if present, or upon substrate 18 if no ink layer is provided. A preferred conductive trace 30 comprises printed thick film (PTF). The printed thick film comprises silver and polyester dissolved into a solvent. One manner of forming or applying the conductive trace 30 is to screen or stencil print the ink on the support surface 20 through conventional screen printing techniques. The printed thick film is preferably heat cured to flash off the solvent and UV cured to react UV materials present in the printed thick film.
The conductive trace 30 forms desired electrical connections with and between electronic components which will be described below. In one embodiment, substrate 18 forms a portion of a larger roll of polyester film material used to manufacture multiple devices 10. In such an embodiment, the printing of conductive trace 30 can take place simultaneously for a number of the to-be-formed wireless communication devices.
The illustrated conductive trace 30 includes an electrical connection 28, a first connection terminal 53 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) and a second connection terminal 58. Conductive trace 30 additionally defines transmit and receive antennas 32, 34 in one embodiment of the invention. Antennas 32, 34 are suitable for respectively transmitting and receiving wireless signals or RF energy. Transmit antenna 32 constitutes a loop antenna having outer peripheral edges 37. Receive antenna 34 constitutes two elongated portions individually having horizontal peripheral edges 38 a, which extend in opposing directions, and substantially parallel vertical peripheral edges 38 b.
Other antenna constructions are possible. In particular, both transmit and receive operations are implemented with a single antenna in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Both antennas 32, 34 preferably extend or lie within the confines of peripheral edges 17 and outer periphery 21 and define a plane (shown in FIG. 4).
One embodiment of a wireless communication device 10 includes a power source 52, integrated circuit 54, and capacitor 55. Power source 52, capacitor 55, and integrated circuit 54 are provided and mounted on support surface 20 and supported by substrate 18. The depicted power source 52 is disposed within transmit antenna 32 of wireless communication device 10. Capacitor 55 is electrically coupled with loop antenna 32 and integrated circuit 54 in the illustrated embodiment.
Power source 52 provides operational power to the wireless communication device 10 and selected components therein, including integrated circuit 54. In the illustrated embodiment, power source 52 comprises a battery. In particular, power source 52 is preferably a thin profile battery which includes first and second terminals of opposite polarity. More particularly, the battery has a lid or negative (i.e., ground) terminal or electrode, and a can or positive (i.e., power) terminal or electrode.
Conductive epoxy is applied over desired areas of support surface 20 using conventional printing techniques, such as stencil or screen printing, to assist in component attachment described just below. Alternately, solder or another conductive material is employed instead of conductive epoxy. The power source 52 is provided and mounted on support surface 20 using the conductive epoxy. Integrated circuit 54 and capacitor 55 are also provided and mounted or conductively bonded on the support surface 20 using the conductive epoxy. Integrated circuit 54 can be mounted either before or after the power source 52 is mounted on the support surface 20.
Integrated circuit 54 includes suitable circuitry for providing wireless communications. For example, in one embodiment, integrated circuit 54 includes a processor 62, memory 63, and wireless communication circuitry or transponder circuitry 64 ( components 62, 63, 64 are shown in phantom in FIG. 3) for providing wireless communications with interrogator unit 14. An exemplary and preferred integrated circuit 54 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, incorporated by reference above.
One embodiment of transponder circuitry 64 includes a transmitter and a receiver respectively operable to transmit and receive wireless electronic signals. In particular, transponder circuitry 64 is operable to transmit an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal from interrogator 14. In the described embodiment, processor 62 is configured to process the received polling signal to detect a predefined code within the polling signal. Responsive to the detection of an appropriate polling signal, processor 62 instructs transponder circuitry 64 to output an identification signal. The identification signal contains an appropriate code to identify the particular device 10 transmitting the identification signal in certain embodiments. The identification and polling signals are respectively transmitted and received via antennas 32, 34 of the device 10.
First and second connection terminals 53, 58 are coupled to the integrated circuit 54 by conductive epoxy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The conductive epoxy also electrically connects the first terminal of the power source 52 to the first connection terminal 53. In the illustrated embodiment, power source 52 is placed lid down such that the conductive epoxy makes electrical contact between the negative terminal of the power source 52 and the first connection terminal 53.
Power source 52 has a perimetral edge 56, defining the second power source terminal, which is provided adjacent second connection terminal 58. In the illustrated embodiment, perimetral edge 56 of the power source 52 is cylindrical, and the connection terminal 58 is arcuate and has a radius slightly greater than the radius of the power source 52, so that connection terminal 58 is closely spaced apart from the edge 56 of power source 52.
Subsequently, conductive epoxy is dispensed relative to perimetral edge 56 and electrically connects perimetral edge 56 with connection terminal 58. In the illustrated embodiment, perimetral edge 56 defines the can of the power source 52. The conductive epoxy connects the positive terminal of the power source 52 to connection terminal 58. The conductive epoxy is then cured.
Referring to FIG. 4-FIG. 6, a method of forming an embodiment of wireless communication device 10 is shown. In the illustrated method, an electrical connection, such as a conductive post or pin 26, is conductively bonded to electrical connection 28 using a pick and place surface mount machine 70 (shown in FIG. 4). Preferably, the integrated circuit 54 and the capacitor 55 are also placed using the surface mount machine 70. Conductive pin 26 is utilized to provide electrical conductivity between electrical connection 28, conductive trace 30, and other conductive layers (e.g., a ground plane layer described below) of the wireless communication device 10. Other methods of forming connection 26 may be utilized.
Referring to FIG. 5, an encapsulant, such as encapsulating epoxy material, is subsequently formed following component attachment to provide a first encapsulant layer or insulative layer 60. In one embodiment, insulative layer 60 is provided over the entire support surface 20. Insulative layer 60 encapsulates or envelopes the antennas 32, 34, integrated circuit 54, power source 52, conductive circuitry 30, capacitor 55, and at least a portion of the support surface 20 of substrate 18. Insulative layer 60 defines an intermediate portion of a housing for the wireless communication device 10. Insulative layer 60 operates to insulate the components (i.e., antennas 32, 34, integrated circuit 54, power source 52, conductive circuitry 30 and capacitor 55) from other conductive portions of the wireless communication device 10 formed in subsequent processing steps described below.
An exemplary encapsulant is a flowable encapsulant. The flowable encapsulant is applied over substrate 18 and subsequently cured following the appropriate covering of the desired components. In the illustrated embodiment, such encapsulant constitutes a two-part epoxy including fillers, such as silicon and calcium carbonate. The preferred two-part epoxy is sufficient to provide a desired degree of flexible rigidity. Such encapsulation of wireless communication device 10 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/800,037, filed Feb. 13, 1997, assigned to the assignee of the present application, and incorporated herein by reference.
Other encapsulant materials of insulative layer 60 can be used in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the thickness of insulative layer 60 can be varied. Using alternative encapsulant materials and the adjusting of the dimensions of insulative layer 60 alter the dielectric characteristics (i.e., dielectric constant) of layer 60.
Referring to FIG. 6, wireless communication device 10 is illustrated at an intermediate processing step. A portion of insulative layer 60 is preferably removed. The removed portion is represented by the dimension “h” in FIG. 5. Such removal provides a substantially planar dielectric surface 65 of insulative layer 60. Dielectric surface 65 is substantially parallel to the plane 33 defined by antennas 32, 34. The portion is removed by sanding insulative layer 60 to provide planar surface 65 according to one processing method of the present invention. Insulative layer 60 is preferably sanded to a predetermined thickness, such as 90 mils. In other embodiments, the entire insulative layer 60 is utilized and removal of the upper portion of layer 60 is not implemented.
In embodiments where one of connections 26, 26 a is provided (alternate connection 26 a is shown in FIGS. 7 and 9), sanding or partially removing insulative layer 60 exposes a top portion of the connection 26, 26 a permitting electrical coupling therewith adjacent dielectric surface 65.
The thickness of insulative layer 60 defines the distance between a conductive layer 22 (described below) and antennas 32, 34, provided adjacent opposing sides of layer 60. The thickness of insulative layer 60 is chosen as a function of the dielectric constant of the encapsulant and the desired frequency for communication.
After provision of insulative layer 60, a conductive layer 22 is formed or applied over the dielectric surface 65 thereof. Conductive layer 22 includes peripheral edges 61. Preferably, conductive layer 22 covers or is provided over the entire insulative dielectric surface 65. Alternatively, conductive layer 22 is patterned to cover predefined portions of dielectric surface 65. In embodiments wherein conductive layer 22 is patterned, the layer 22 is preferably formed at least over antennas 32, 34. More specifically, the respective peripheral edges 37, 38 of antennas 32, 34 are provided within the confines of the peripheral edges 61 of conductive layer 22.
Conductive layer 22 formed upon dielectric surface 65 is preferably substantially planar. In addition, conductive layer 22 is substantially parallel to the plane 33 defined by antennas 32, 34, as well as dielectric surface 65.
In one embodiment, conductive layer 22 comprises a stencil printed polymer thick film (PTF). The polymer thick film is typically 70-73% overfilled. In an alternative embodiment, conductive layer 22 is a conductive epoxy comprising approximately 70% metal. Further alternatively, conductive layer 22 comprises copper or gold foil laminated upon the dielectric surface 65 of insulative layer 60. In still another embodiment of the present invention, metal such as gold is sputtered upon dielectric surface 65 of insulative layer 60 to form conductive layer 22.
Conductive layer 22 can be configured to operate as a ground plane and interact with antennas 32, 34. In particular, conductive layer 22 can be used to form a radio frequency (RF) shield. Inasmuch as the preferred embodiment of communication device 10 communicates via wireless signals, it is desired to reduce or minimize interference, such as incident RF radiation. Conductive layer 22 interacts with antennas 32, 34 to improve the RF operation of wireless communication device 10.
In one embodiment, conductive layer 22 operates to shield some wireless electronic signals from the receive antenna 34 and reflect other wireless electronic signals toward the antenna 34. Conductive layer 22 includes a first side, which faces away from antennas 32, 34 (opposite surface 65) and a second side, which faces antennas 32, 34 (adjacent surface 65). Electronic signals received on the first side of the conductive layer 22 are shielded or blocked by layer 22 from reaching the antennas 32, 34. Electronic signals received on the second side of the conductive layer 22, which pass by or around antennas 32, 34, are reflected by layer 22.
Some of the wireless communication signals transmitted by communications device 10 via antenna 32 are reflected by conductive 8 layer 22. In particular, wireless signals transmitted from antenna 32 which strike the second side of conductive layer 22 are reflected thereby.
Such shielding and reflecting by conductive layer 22 provides a highly directional wireless communication device 10. The provision of conductive layer 22 within wireless communication device 10 results in robust wireless communications with interrogator 14 and provides increased reliability.
The conductive layer 22 is electrically connected with power source 52 in the illustrated embodiments of the present invention. Conductive layer 22 can be electrically coupled with either the positive or negative terminal of power source 52. Coupling of conductive layer 22 with one of the terminals of power source 52 provides layer 22 at the voltage potential of the respective terminal.
In one embodiment, conductive layer 22 is electrically coupled with the ground (i.e., negative) terminal of power source 52 through the integrated circuit 54. Referring specifically to FIG. 6, integrated circuit 54 includes a first pin 35 internally connected with the ground terminal of power source 52 (not shown). First pin 35 is additionally conductively bonded with electrical connection 28 of conductive trace 30. Electrical connection 28 is conductively coupled with connection pin 26. Pin 26 is connected with conductive layer 22 and provides electrical coupling of conductive layer 22 and power source 52 through insulative layer 60.
Coupling of one of the power terminals of power source 52 and ground plane/conductive layer 22 provides layer 22 at a common reference voltage. In particular, electrically connecting ground plane/conductive layer 22 and the ground terminal of power source 52 via electrical connections 26, 28 electrically grounds layer 22. Alternatively, ground plane/conductive layer 22 is coupled with the power electrode of power source 52 via electrical connections 26, 28 in other embodiments of the invention. Coupling ground plane/conductive layer 22 with the power electrode of power source 52 provides layer 22 at the positive potential of power source 52.
Pin 26 is coupled directly with one of the terminals of power source 52 in other embodiments of the invention (not shown), thereby bypassing integrated circuit 54. Alternatively, no electrical connection is made to ground plane/conductive layer 22. In such an embodiment, ground plane/conductive layer 22 is insulated and the voltage of layer 22 is permitted to float.
Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative electrical connection 26 a is shown. Electrical connection 26 a also provides conductivity through insulative layer 60. Connection 26 a electrically couples conductive layer 22 and electrical connection 28. In this embodiment, electrical connection 26 a comprises conductive epoxy. A dispenser 72 is utilized to dispense the conductive epoxy onto connection 28 of conductive trace 30 in the depicted embodiment.
Connections 26, 26 a may be formed at positions other than those illustrated in the depicted embodiments of device 10. In particular, connections 26, 26 a may be provided at any appropriate location to provide electrical coupling of a terminal of power source 52 and conductive layer 22.
Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, completed wireless communication devices 10 are shown. Following the provision of conductive layer 22 and one, if any, of electrical connections 26, 26 a, an upper housing portion 66 is preferably formed over the conductive layer 22 of the respective illustrated devices 10. In one embodiment, upper housing portion 66 comprises a second encapsulant layer which covers and/or encapsulates the conductive layer 22 of the respective devices 10. In the depicted embodiment, first and second encapsulant layers 60, 66 envelope the entire conductive layer 22. Such is desired to insulate the conductive layer 22.
Second encapsulant layer 66 may comprise the two-part encapsulant utilized to form insulative first encapsulant layer 60. Following the provision of second encapsulant layer 66 upon conductive layer 22, the encapsulant is subsequently cured forming a substantially void-free housing 27 or solid mass with substrate 18 and first encapsulant layer 60. In one embodiment, housing 27 of wireless communication device 10 has a width of about 3.375 inches, a height of about 2.125 inches, and a thickness less than or equal to about 0.0625 inches.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device comprising:

a substrate having a support surface;

wireless communication circuitry upon the support surface of the substrate;

at least one antenna electrically coupled with the wireless communication circuitry;

a conductive layer configured to interact with the at least one antenna; and

an insulative layer intermediate the conductive layer and the at least one antenna.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the wireless communication device comprises a remote intelligent communication device.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the wireless communication device comprises a radio frequency identification device.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the insulative layer is over substantially the entire support surface and the conductive layer is over substantially the entire insulative layer.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 further comprising a power source having plural terminals coupled with the wireless communication circuitry.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 5 further comprising an electrical connection provided through the insulative layer and operable to conductively couple the conductive layer and one of the terminals of the power source.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the insulative layer forms a first encapsulant layer operable to envelope the wireless communication circuitry, the at least one antenna and the support surface.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 7 further comprising a second encapsulant layer over the conductive layer.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 8 wherein the first and second encapsulant layers and the substrate form a substantially solid housing.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the wireless communication circuitry comprises transponder circuitry configured to transmit an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 further comprising a processor operable to process signals received via the at least one antenna.

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one antenna and conductive layer include respective peripheral edges and the peripheral edges of the at least one antenna are provided within the confines of the peripheral edges of the conductive layer.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one antenna defines a plane, the conductive layer is substantially planar, and the conductive layer is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the at least one antenna.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one antenna is operable to receive wireless communication signals and the conductive layer is configured to shield some of the wireless communication signals from the at least one antenna and reflect others of the wireless communication signals toward the at least one antenna.

15. A remote intelligent communication device comprising:

a substrate having a support surface;

a conductive trace formed upon the support surface and including at least one antenna configured to at least one of transmit and receive wireless communication signals;

transponder circuitry bonded to the support surface and electrically coupled with the conductive trace;

a first encapsulant layer enveloping the transponder circuitry, the at least one antenna, and at least a portion of the substrate;

a conductive layer positioned upon the first encapsulant layer to interact with the at least one antenna; and

a second encapsulant layer over the conductive layer and forming a substantially solid housing with the substrate and the first encapsulant layer.

16. The remote intelligent communication device according to claim 15 further comprising a power source coupled with the transponder circuitry.

17. The remote intelligent communication device according to claim 15 further comprising an electrical connection through the first encapsulant layer coupling the conductive layer and the conductive trace.

18. The remote intelligent communication device according to claim 15 further comprising a processor operable to process at least some of the wireless communication signals.

19. The remote intelligent communication device according to claim 15 wherein the transponder circuitry is configured to transmit an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal.

20. The remote intelligent communication device according to claim 15 wherein the conductive layer is configured to shield some of the wireless communication signals from the at least one antenna and reflect others of the wireless communication signals toward the at least one antenna.