Data Rich Active Transponder Development

RFID tags and a wireless infrastructure for tag communication has become a key technology for providing In-Transit Visibility of the DOD logistics pipeline, and is critical technology for providing effective logistical support to DOD forces in operational theaters. This technology consists of battery powered data rich (128k) RFID tags operating at unlicensed short range (300-600 feet) commercial frequencies and a supporting infrastructure of interrogating antennas and handheld readers at hundreds of logistic nodes worldwide. The Assistant Secretary of Defense, Networks and Information Integration (ASD NII) has stated an intent to require encryption between RFID tags and reader/interrogators and possible requirements for data stored on the RFID tags to be encrypted. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project will address key technical challenges of securing the data in active tags, including physical security of the tag itself which could be compromised if acquired by adversaries. In Phase I, proof-of-concept of the secure data rich tag will be demonstrated using standard COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) components to exhibit the security potential of the concept.