System for Aligning a Handheld RFID Reader

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for providing a visible feedback based on an alignment or a link quality between an external reader and a tag. The external reader transmits power to the tag with a radio frequency electromagnetic signal. The tag may rectify the radio frequency electromagnetic signal and create a rectified voltage. This rectified voltage may be used to power various components of the tag. Once it receives power from the reader, the tag may communicate information back to the external reader. The information communicated back to the reader is communicated by modulating an antenna impedance of the tag. By modulating the impedance, the tag will backscatter radiation transmitted by the reader. The reader is able to create a visual output based on determining the alignment or link quality from the reader to the tag based on the backscatter radiation it receives from the tag.