FCC RFID Workshop Ultra Wideband RFID Technology Rob

FCC RFID Workshop Ultra Wideband RFID Technology Rob Mulloy Vice President & COO Multispectral Solutions, Inc. rmulloy@multispectral. com www. multispectral. com Tel: (301) 528 -1745 MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Why UWB for RFID? • Over 7. 5 GHz (3. 1 – 10. 6 GHz) of unlicensed spectrum available under Part 15 rules as of February 14, 2002 • MSSI PAL 650 tagging system approved for unlicensed use on July 31, 2003 • UWB tags have distinct advantages over other RFID solutions MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

What is Ultra Wideband? n Conventional Definition – “Carrier-free”, “baseband” or “impulse” – Short pulse electromagnetics (1978, 2004) – Typically only a few RF cycles – Large fractional bandwidth (BW/f 0) Spectrally Filtered Time Response – Very low duty cycle resulting in low average energy densities – high energy efficiency n Revised Definition – 20% or 500 MHz – Wideband variants of standard modulation formats – wideband CDMA, FDMA, etc. (802. 15. 3 a) – High duty cycle with nearly equal peak and average powers Spectrally Unfiltered – “Constant envelope” modulations Proposed 802. 15. 3 a M-OFDM MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

MSSI UWB Performance Advantages • Range (600 feet under LOS conditions) • Real time tracking to within 1 foot • Reliable tag reading in metallic & densely packed environments • Low primary power • Small size • Low cost MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Tag Range Comparison MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

MSSI Active Tag Progress C-Band 1”x 1” L-Band 0404 MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

MSSI PAL 650 Evaluation Kit • FCC Certified for Unlicensed Use • 1 foot tracking resolution • 4 year battery life • 40, 000 Sq. Ft. Coverage Area • Price $29, 995 MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

MSSI PAL 650 Customer Applications • • Hospital asset and personnel tracking Engine tracking Robotic vehicle tracking Navy shipboard personnel tracking Sheet metal factory process control Soldier tracking Animal tracking Firefighter/First Responder tracking MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Panel Focus Questions 1. What are the primary applications of RFID technology and how might they change over the next few years? Most RFID tags are currently being used for access control and inventory management. Longer range tags combined with real time precision tracking to within one foot will enable efficient work in process and outdoor applications. 2. What frequency bands are currently in use and is the industry considering applications in alternative bands? If so, what are the bands and for what applications are they being considered? MSSI is utilizing the frequency band from 6. 0 -6. 5 GHz placing it well above other RFID systems and wireless devices. This prevents interference and opens up much needed spectrum. MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Panel Focus Questions (cont. ) 2. (a) Are there parts of the rules that are unclear or need modification? Part 15. 35(b) – Given that interference is based on power density and not absolute full bandwidth power the FCC should allow wideband emissions in non-restricted bands. 2. (b) Are there any power, frequency, or bandwidth modifications that should be made for RFID devices currently operating under Part 15 rules? There are many applications that can be immediately enabled if higher power levels are permitted. The FCC should consider a one watt peak power level for rural outdoor and police, fire, and rescue applications using low duty cycle UWB transmitters. MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

Panel Focus Questions (cont. ) 2 (e). Are there any tag or reader certification rules or procedures that require modification? Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs) need to be approved for UWB equipment. The requirement for the FCC Laboratory to test UWB equipment adds unnecessary delays to the certification process and impedes product sales. 3. Are there industry standardization efforts such as worldwide frequency bands of operation that would suggest changes to current U. S. rules? The FCC is doing an excellent job in promoting UWB overseas. Other countries need to put UWB rules in place if they are to participate in the RFID revolution. MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.

You May be a PAL 650 Champion if: • You need longer range tag readings (600 ft) • You can benefit from high resolution tracking (one foot) with rapid update rates (1 Hz+) • You need long life tags and do not want to replace costly batteries • Your tags do not work well inside of packed pallets or around metal objects • A smaller active tag will open new markets for you • You envision active tags priced under $5 MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS, INC.