Nested RFID System of Integrated Active and Passive Tags and Readers to Improve Supply Chain Management Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-180 Topic Title: Nested RFID System of Integrated Active and Passive Tags and Readers to Improve Supply Chain Management Proposal No.: N042-180-0 Firm: Phase IV Engineering, Inc. 2820 Wilderness Place, #C Boulder, Colorado 80301 Contact: Richard Pollack Phone: (303) 443-6611 Web Site: www.phaseivengr.com Abstract: We propose the design of a nested RFID tag system that offers Naval supply chain efficiency improvements, including underway replenishment and present / future MPF support. System components include industry standard passive RFID tags (e.g., EPC Gen 2); commercially available RFID tag readers/writers (handheld or fixed); an integrated Active-Passive Reader with active RFID and passive RFID RF sections that read passive tags or active tags, transfer data from the passive tag to the active tag, and store, display, or interface to PCs or communication networks ("Unified Passive Active Reader" or "UPAR"); an integrated Active Tag/Passive Reader ("ATPR") that read/writes passive tags, and stores and transfers data to an Active Receiver or UPAR, with optional sensors and data logging capability; an integrated single package passive UHF tag with an active UHF tag ("Unified Passive/Active Tag", or "UPAT") (option); and an active Reader that can read and write to the PTAR and other active tags. The active Reader can be handheld or fixed, and interface to a variety of wide area communication systems such as GPRS, 802.11, Bluetooth, SATCOM etc. The active technology will be based on the 433.92MHz ATOS protocol developed by Phase IV for the U.S. Navy. Benefits: Success of the proposed work will allow Phase IV to extend it's CargoWatch product family to include a line of Unified Passive-Active Readers, integrated Active Tag-Passive Readers, and Unified Passive-Active Tags. The integrated systems will support the 433.92MHz ATOS protocol, offer HERO compliant RFID devices, and be compliant with DOD AIT passive RFID policy. Nested RFID tags and integrated active-passive RFID systems have broad commercial application in asset tracking, monitoring, and security. Return