Innovative Method for Wirelessly Powering RFID Tags Located on Rotorcraft Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.2 Topic No.: N122-126 Topic Title: Innovative Method for Wirelessly Powering RFID Tags Located on Rotorcraft Proposal No.: N122-126-0529 Firm: Benz Airborne Systems 2400 Handley-Ederville Road Fort Worth, Texas 76118 Contact: Mike Augustin Phone: (817) 280-0000 Web Site: www.benzairborne.com Abstract: 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. Benefits: RFID combined with high-memory tags is a transformative technology. No longer are we talking about automated barcode reading anymore, but having access to vastly increased amounts of data at critical points throughout the asset's lifecycle. We're talking about enabling data in the hands of people when and where they need it, helping to solve longstanding challenges in asset management, logistics, maintenance, and industrial processes in just about any industry you can imagine. The cost savings are measured in orders of magnitude as emerging RFID applications transform the game. We believe that RFID technology, combined with the innovative approach proposed by this SBIR, will be repeated in many business scenarios and industries wherever multiple parties interact as it pertains to the management of assets. However, for immediate consideration, strong and significant impending potential for these innovative products exists with aircraft OEMs, engine manufactures, component and parts manufacturers, aircraft service centers, FBOs, MRO facilities, airlines, end-users, rotorcraft operators, defense supply and parts distributors, who are looking to identify, track and maintain assets in a more reliable, smart and hyper-efficient manner not seen before. Benz and our teaming partners know this industry, and we know these companies, the majority of which we're already in contact with and doing business. Return