Innovative Method for Wirelessly Powering RFID Tags Located on Rotorcraft

Benz Airborne Systems is pleased to provide a comprehensive plan for integrating RF power charging/re-charging technologies with the long range read capabilities of semi-passive RFID. Several methods for RF power transmission have been considered and are summarized in this proposal. Our research will be on antenna performance at RFID-scale tag sizes. The resulting tags must be compatible with components in complex metallic aerospace applications. Dual/independent antennas should be avoided given size constraints, even if lower or high frequency charging schemes are contemplated. Benz has expertise in these areas including extensive full scale helicopter evaluations of RFID technology by its principal investigator. In addition to the fundamental problem of antenna design and performance, the end parts tracking application requires careful consideration to the full set of the systems"physical and operational requirements. To provide a viable transition path for the tag technology, Benz has partnered with leading RFID ASIC supplier TEGO, who will fabricate breadboard hardware to our specifications, and ultimately a tag meeting Navy parts tracking and maintenance requirements. Consideration will be given to the development of flexible and/or"embedded"tags using MesoScribe"s Direct Write technology. Finally, the tag design will be compatible with DOD UID part marking initiatives.