TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Method of remote powering and detecting multiple UWB passive tags in an RFID system

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its novel method of remote powering and detecting multiple UWB passive tags in an RFID system. Background: Tags and sensors are very popular and used for various applications such as location and inventory of items such as documents or equipment. The challenge with currently available tagging technology is that they either must contain a battery power source, which must be replaced periodically, or are powered by a conventional continuous wave (CW) radio frequency (RF) wave or magnetic field, which has severely limited range and subject to multipath fading. Description: LLNL researchers have developed a novel Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tracking, powering system and method using coded Ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling. The RFID system is capable of remote powering (activating) multiple passive UWB tags that are located some distance away, which is further than conventional RFID tags. Once the tags are activated, the tags are able to communicate with the RFID system. Advantages/Benefits: Does not have the limitations of currently available tagging technologies, namely: Battery-powered, which requires periodic replacement of batteries; no batteries are needed with LLNL's technology! CW RF wave or magnetic field powered, which has a severely limited range. With LLNL's method of remote powering, the distance can be significantly greater and by using UWB, multipath fading is mitigated. Potential Applications: Remote RF powering (battery-less) of general electronics circuitry, including tags, geo-location devices and sensors Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL 5 LLNL has patent(s) on this invention. U.S. Patent No. 8188841 Method of remote powering and detecting multiple UWB passive tags in an RFID system published 5/29/2012 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Method of remote powering and detecting tags in an RFID system should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Method of remote powering and detecting tags in an RFID system. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL's Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-11509