Technology developed to monitor rocket fuel tanks is being marketed by Australian defence and technology contractor Tenix to provide the capabilities of RFIDs (radio frequency identification devices) where radio frequencies cannot be used.
The device could help revolutionise data transmission in hospitals or other areas where RF devices are prohibited or dangerous, or other environments where metal clutter makes RF use impractical.
Using sound waves instead of RF transmission, Tenix’s Aphid(TM) AFID (acoustic frequency identification device) can transmit data – and power – through air, liquids or solids.
Tenix has been granted an exclusive worldwide license for the Aphid(TM) AFID, which is based on the US Department of Defence Acoustic Modem technology. This was developed by the Federally Funded RandD group The Aerospace Corporation, of El Segundo, California.
“Tenix has been working with Aerospace to develop applications to support homeland security, disaster relief, and other potentially significant applications,” said Andrew Quintero, Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization for Aerospace. Aphid can transmit digital data through aluminium up to 30cm thick, and similar distances through water and air. Utilising acoustic power transfer, it can also wirelessly charge and recharge batteries and power up sensors.
It was unveiled at the 4th Annual RFID Journal LIVE! Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, recently.
