SBIR-STTR Award

Nested RFID System of Integrated Active and Passive Tags and Readers to Improve Supply Chain Management
Award last edited on: 7/11/2007

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$669,239
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N04-180
Principal Investigator
Richard Pollack

Company Information

Phase IV Engineering Inc

2820 Wilderness Place Suite C
Boulder, CO 80301
   (303) 443-6611
   info@phaseivengr.com
   www.phaseivengr.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 02
County: Boulder

Phase I

Contract Number: N00014-05-M-0075
Start Date: 1/26/2005    Completed: 7/26/2005
Phase I year
2005
Phase I Amount
$99,732
We propose the design of a nested RFID tag system that offers Naval supply chain efficiency improvements, including underway replenishment and present / future MPF support. System components include industry standard passive RFID tags (e.g., EPC Gen 2); commercially available RFID tag readers/writers (handheld or fixed); an integrated Active-Passive Reader with active RFID and passive RFID RF sections that read passive tags or active tags, transfer data from the passive tag to the active tag, and store, display, or interface to PCs or communication networks ("Unified Passive Active Reader" or "UPAR"); an integrated Active Tag/Passive Reader ("ATPR") that read/writes passive tags, and stores and transfers data to an Active Receiver or UPAR, with optional sensors and data logging capability; an integrated single package passive UHF tag with an active UHF tag ("Unified Passive/Active Tag", or "UPAT") (option); and an active Reader that can read and write to the PTAR and other active tags. The active Reader can be handheld or fixed, and interface to a variety of wide area communication systems such as GPRS, 802.11, Bluetooth, SATCOM etc. The active technology will be based on the 433.92MHz ATOS protocol developed by Phase IV for the U.S. Navy.

Keywords:
Rfid, Active, Passive, Nested Tags, Tav, Itv, Mpf.

Phase II

Contract Number: N00014-06-C-0265
Start Date: 5/17/2006    Completed: 8/16/2007
Phase II year
2006
Phase II Amount
$569,507
This project will result in the development of an always available wireless node (AAWN) that serves as the central communication control connecting an expeditionary pack up kit wireless sensor network (WSN) and optional passive EPC RFID reader to wide area communications including SATCOM. The AAWN will conform to environmental operating requirements for deployment in harsh USMC and USN environmental and handling conditions across a diversity of climates, including deserts, mountains, and at sea. The project will also include identifying USN / USMC RF regulations, requirements, and certification processes, and design the AAWN and associated WSN network for compliance. To achieve a minimum of a one year battery life while supporting a fully functional WSN network, with at least daily Iridium connection and periodic RFID reader use, micro fuel cell options for trickle charging the AAWN batteries will be explored and incorporated into the AAWN design.

Keywords:
Wireless Sensor Network; In Transit Visibility; Infrastructure Independent; Asset Tracking, Sensing, And Security; Expeditionary Logistics; Maritime P