They are now working on an energy farm with four square antennas, each measuring 1.2 millimeters on each side. The antenna experts say this is a whole new ballgame. The amount of power that can be harvested will determine how useful the ARS technology will be. In addition to powering electronic devices, Mickle said the RF energy farms might play a role in the infant field of nanotechnology, powering microscopic machines. Passive radio-frequency ID tags emit identification numbers only when stimulated by radio waves and have limited range and information capacity.
Active versions are more capable, but require a power source.
The ARS technology would provide greater range and would allow more on-board storage and processing of information. ARS-enabled tags might record not only the serial number and manufacture date of a piece of equipment, but also its maintenance and ownership history. Wells, still a few hours short of his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, sees his future tied to ARS technology. All rights reserved. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.