“Better than Smart Tag” radio system by USM

Universiti Sains Malaysia has developed as integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) system to detect objects at a distance.

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering lecturer Dr Widad Ismail developed the contactless 2.45 GHz active integrated RFID system with a RM2 million grant from the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
She said the battery-powered system can detect objects within a range of 30 meters indoors and 45 meters outdoors.

“This system can be used for monitoring or tracking assets, such as mechanical equipment and laptops, as well as people, for example hospital patients and babies, in real time.

“The best thing about this system is that it is contactless, which means it does not require a manual touch. The system can detect any object or human within any range even when there are obstacles in the way.”

Widad said the active RFID could replace the Smart Tag and Touch ‘n Go systems currently used for toll collection.

She said the Smart Tag system uses infrared, has a smaller range of between three and five meters, and it goes from point to point.

She said she plans to approach Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (PLUS) Expressway Sdn Bhd and propose the usage of the active RFID system.
She added that three firms have expressed interest in signing on as investors.

New StraitsTime 20 Prime News Thursday, February 12,2009