A Ku-band RF Self Identification (RFSID) system for autonomous logistics

This paper deals with a robust RFSID (RF Self IDentification) system for autonomous logistic applications. The RFSID based system operates in Ku-band and consists of a fixed transmitter, located along the path, and of a receiver unit placed on the moving target. A slotted waveguide antenna array is used to illuminate the moving object at the desired position, while a four patch array antenna is adopted at the receiver side. When the moving object crosses the antenna beam a triggering pulse is generated by the receiver; such a pulse can be used to synchronize on board electronics while information is transferred, on board data can be collected, processed and/or transmitted in order to take decision. The system benefits of extensive field tests, being adopted for some years by many top Formula 1 racing teams as a lap trigger system. The temporal accuracy exhibited is better than 1 ms with a coverage of about 90 m.