1. September 2004
Project: IEEE P Working Group for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs)
Submission Title: [Towards an IEEE Standard for Active RFID]
Date Submitted: [21 September, 2005]
Source: [Robert Poor] Company [NBT Group]
Address [One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge MA USA]
Voice:[ ], FAX: [],
Re: []
Abstract: This document proposes a new “Active RFID” standard, in which powered RF devices provide bi-directional communication specifically for tagging and management of physical goods and inventory. Such applications require extraordinarily low cost, long battery life, and high reliability. The reward for reaching these stringent goals is access to a large and growing market for RFID systems.
Purpose: This document is designed to promote discussion within the WNG group, with a possible outcome of forming a new Study Group to further investigate efficacy of an “active RFID” standard.
Notice: This document has been prepared to assist the IEEE P It is offered as a basis for discussion and is not binding on the contributing individual(s) or organization(s). The material in this document is subject to change in form and content after further study. The contributor(s) reserve(s) the right to add, amend or withdraw material contained herein.
Release: The contributor acknowledges and accepts that this contribution becomes the property of IEEE and may be made publicly available by P
Robert Poor, NBT Group

2. The Vision: IEEE Standard Active RFID
September 2004
The Vision: IEEE Standard Active RFID
Imagine a node with a unique ID and bidirectional wireless network link that functions as an RFID, costs under $1 and runs for five years on a 200 mAH lithium coin cell.
How would you use it?
Robert Poor, NBT Group

3. How can you use Active RFID?
September 2004
How can you use Active RFID?
You can make dynamic queries to discover inventory on demand, not just when “illuminated” by a reader
You can track and safeguard merchandise
You can provide physical goods with environmental sensing, history and provenance.
By linking RFID tags in a mesh, you can extend the reach of the networking
Active RFID tags can generate alarms on exceptional conditions (temperature, shock, vibration)
Robert Poor, NBT Group

4. doc.: IEEE 802.15-<doc#>
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doc.: IEEE <doc#>
September 2004
Straw man “5 Criteria”
Broad Market Potential
Market research for RFID predicts >40% CAGR with a total market of $4.6B by [VDC 2004]
Compatibility
By creating an IEEE 802 standard, we can guarantee ISO compatibility at the MAC/LLC boundary.
Distinct Identity
No other IEEE standard addresses the requirements for extremely low power (e.g 5 year life on 200 mAH) and low cost (< $1).
Technical Feasibility
Many technical requirements have been proven with ZigBee / systems.
Economic Feasibility
Predictions based on die size and power requirements suggest viable systems can be built economically.
Robert Poor, NBT Group
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5. (Tentative) Next Steps
September 2004
(Tentative) Next Steps
Prepare formation of Study Group, perhaps under the Low Rate PAN umbrella (IEEE ).
Solicit input to define PAR and 5C.
Robert Poor, NBT Group