On the Future of RFID Tags and Protocols

Abstract

We present a roadmap for the future of RFID protocols. We cover two dimensions: added functionality and new versions. We show that functionality can be added to RFID tags without compromising modularity. We also show that new versions of tags can evolve and co-exist with older versions without interference. A software defined radio reader can make the investments of end-users future-proof and insulate endusers from the gradual evolution of technology. This will enable the Auto-ID community to keeps its system and standards abreast of the state-of-the-art. Sanjay Sarma, Daniel W. Engels On the Future of RFID Tags and Protocols technical report Published June 1, 2003. Distribution restricted to Sponsors until September 1, 2003. MIT-AUTOID-TR-018 ©2003 Copyright 1 On the Future of RFID Tags and Protocols Biography technical report Sanjay E. Sarma Research Director Sanjay Sarma received his Bachelors from the Indian Institute of Technology, his Masters from Carnegie Mellon University and his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley. In between degrees he worked at Schlumberger Oilfield Services in Aberdeen, UK, and at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories in Berkeley, California. Prof. Sarma’s Masters thesis was in the area of operations research and his PhD was in the area of manufacturing automation. From 1995 to 1999, Dr. Sarma was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is now an associate professor. Daniel W. Engels Associate Director Daniel W. Engels received his B.S. from the University of Buffalo, his M.S. from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His master’s thesis is in the area of computer-aided design for electronic systems, and his doctoral thesis is in the field of theoretical computer science. Dr. Engels joined the Auto-ID Center after obtaining his doctoral degree where he leads the day-to-day research activities of the Center. Dr. Engels’ research interests include scheduling theory and applications, real-time system design, distributed and mobile computing, and computeraided design for embedded systems. Published June 1, 2003. Distribution restricted to Sponsors until September 1, 2003. MIT-AUTOID-TR-018 ©2003 Copyright 2