This paper concerns the use of wideband RF backscatter from semi-passive RF tags for energy-efficient wireless telemetry. Using LFM (Linear Frequency Modulated) signals from a radar basestation, we present a method for joint ranging and communications with a distributed set of sensor nodes. Backscatter signaling from each node results in modulation on a sub-carrier frequency determined by the node distance from the radar. Upper bounds on communications rate per coverage area are presented, as well as clutter filtering to suppress ground components. Experimental results from a brass-board microwave system in an indoor environment are presented and discussed.
['Itay Cnaan-On', 'Stewart J. Thomas', 'Matthew S. Reynolds', 'Jeffrey L. Krolik']
Multichannel radar backscatter communication and localization