Automated Design and Miniaturization of RF Resonators Based on the Cesàro Fractal for Chipless RFID Tags

Authors

Keywords:

Chipless RFID, Fractal resonator, Cesàro fractal, miniaturization, electromagnetic simulation, HFSS, Python

Abstract

This paper presents an automated methodology for the design and miniaturization of novel resonators based on the modified Cesàro fractal. The resonators are generated using Python scripts integrated with the HFSS electromagnetic simulator and offer a compact alternative to conventional square-loop resonators for chipless RFID tags. A key advantage of the proposed approach is the ability to iteratively miniaturize the structures, resulting in a significantly reduced tag footprint. The Cesàro fractal, an adaptable derivative of the Von Koch curve, is explored here by treating the traditionally fixed 60° deformation angle as an adjustable parameter. This flexibility enables precise geometric optimization of the resonator for operation at target frequencies. The methodology encompasses theoretical analysis of fractal parameters such as the angle and fractal order. The script-based geometry generation, full-wave electromagnetic simulation, device fabrication, and experimental validation through comparison of simulated and measured results. The use of the Cesàro fractal is justified not only by its inherent miniaturization capability but also by the finer control it provides over the resonant frequency. We demonstrate that varying the structure’s perimeter allows for precise tuning of the resonant frequency without incurring an undesirable increase in resonator area. When a resonator is detuned, no energy coupling occurs, resulting in a high signal level at the output port, corresponding to a logical “1” state, which is essential for chipless RFID encoding. Experimental results confirm the efficiency of the Cesàro fractal as a viable alternative to conventional square-loop resonators, highlighting its potential for compact, high-performance RFID systems.

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Author Biographies

Gabriel São Martinho da Silva, Unicamp

Gabriel Sao Martinho da Silva graduated in Telecommunications Engineering from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in 2023 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Technology. He has an interest in the areas of radio frequency and machine learning.

 

Rodrigo Luiz Ximenes, Unicamp

Rodrigo Luiz Ximenes received his Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Technology from the
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. He obtained his Master’s degree in Technology in 2015 and his Ph.D. degree in Technology in 2025, both from UNICAMP. He is currently responsible for the Embedded Systems Laboratory at the UNICAMP campus in Limeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Lisandro Manuel De la Torre Rodríguez, Unicamp

Lisandro Manuel De la Torre Rodr´ıguez received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and
Electronics Engineering in 2003 from the University of Oriente, Santiago de Cuba. In 2007, he obtained a
Master’s degree in New Technologies for Education from the same institution. In 2017, he earned his
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Campinas. His main research interests include
RFID and antenna design, electromagnetics, metamaterials, and the application of Machine Learning
and Artificial Intelligence for predictive analysis in healthcare and engineering.

Leonardo Lorenzo Bravo Roger, Unicamp

Leonardo Lorenzo Bravo Roger is currently the Director of the School of Technology at the
University of Campinas (UNICAMP), where he was recently approved for the position of Full Professor.
He received his Livre Docente title in November 2018 and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UNICAMP in 2003. His primary research interests include Radio Frequency Sensing, Radio Frequency Machine Learning Systems (RFMLS), Antennas, RF and Microwave Technologies, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Terahertz Identification (THID), Metamaterials, Nanotechnology, Wireless Sensor Networks, Mobile and Optical Communications, Finite Element Simulations, Ultrashort Pulse and PlasmonicWave Propagation, RadioWave Propagation, and Applied Electromagnetism.

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Published

2026-07-14

How to Cite

São Martinho da Silva, G., Luiz Ximenes, R., De la Torre Rodríguez, . L. M., & Lorenzo Bravo Roger, . L. (2026). Automated Design and Miniaturization of RF Resonators Based on the Cesàro Fractal for Chipless RFID Tags. IEEE Latin America Transactions, 24(9), 1077–1084. Retrieved from https://latamt.ieeer9.org/index.php/transactions/article/view/10722

Issue

Section

Electronics