Long-range Millimeter Wave Passive Tags

This SBIR develops novel long-range passive Electromagnetic (EM) tags based on high-frequency microwaves, down to the millimeter wave regime. EM waves can go through fabrics, plastics, wood, and other occlusions for addressing covert target tracking. These higher frequency bands have many of the best features of the radio and the optical wavelengths, such as the ability to create focused beams to span long distances, potentially many kilometers. Initial tag/reader design at the 5.8 GHz band was selected for proof of concept and due to the low cost and off-the-shelf availability of components. While future work will examine higher frequency designs, the excellent results at 5.8 GHz established an initial path forward. To enable battery-free tags, efficient energy harvesting at the tag is being implemented. Phase I focused on simulation and analysis, laboratory hardware development, including assessment, optimization, and testing. In Phase II, DSI will optimize RF system performance, test in real environments, and identify initial targeted applications. In Phase III, DSI’s RF tags and integrated tag/sensors will be mass manufactured and made available to the government and industry for operational use. Major accomplishments included: 1) design, fabrication and test of a prototype 5.8 GHz RF tag and transmitter; 2) demonstration of a record 1 Km range operation for a passive tag system, 3) concepts for enhanced designs at 5.8 GHz including adding ID information and integration with sensors, 4) plans for exploring higher frequency tags beginning at 24 GHz, and 5) identification of numerous important applications for government and then commercial uses beginning in Phase II. In Phase II, we plan to build on the successful Phase I results which achieved 1 Km range for passive RF tag design. We will expand and improve on the 5.8 GHz tag prototype, examine 24 GHz and higher frequency designs and higher (into the mmW regime), add features including tag ID and sensor integration, and aggressively pursue many of the promising applications which emerged in Phase I.Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Initial applications will focus on developing custom Km-range tag solutions for selected NNSA and DOE applications. We will then broaden into DoD and other US government applications to be identified and prioritized by Phase II. Following that, we will address numerous commercial applications including passive sensor/tag systems for civil infrastructure, asset management/tracking, solar energy status sensors, and many others.