Hyper-Distributed RFID Antenna (HYDRA) System

About this technology

Overview

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a method and apparatus to multiplex Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) signals efficiently. The resulting Hyper-Distributed RFID Antenna (HYDRA) system enhances distribution of the RFID reader signal, providing improved coverage for large areas as well as for small, fixed regions requiring a high density of reader antennas. This greater coverage translates into better RFID sensing capabilities, higher localization accuracy, and enhanced logistics awareness. Many conventional RFID applications require adding more readers and antennas to increase coverage in existing areas and to improve localization. Employing conventional multiplexer switches can reduce the need for additional readers but require additional control and power cabling. Both conventional options will increase mass, size, and cost of the overall infrastructure to improve sensing performance. The HYDRA system, which uses microprocessor-based low-mass multiplexers, reduces the need for additional readers and cabling over the conventional prior art, and it operates with smaller-sized antennas. As a result, the advantages of the HYDRA system include the ability to transmit data at low power, improve coverage performance, increased capability to localize RFID tags, along with reduced cost, complexity, and mass.