Pico Wireless Integrated Network Sensors (PicoWINS): Investigating the Feasibility of Wireless Tactical Tags

: This report documents the results of the PicoWINS investigation of the feasibility of tactical tags as a land mine replacement system. Specifically it provides a description of a tag prototype system, and of the design issues required to create a viable low power, autonomous wireless sensor system. Focus within this analysis was given to the radio frequency propagation limits for tag operation, including tag-to-tag links, tag-to-gateway links, and tag-to-munition links for homing ammunition. Within this context, a full propagation study as a function of height, range, and frequency was conducted in nineteen outdoor environments. Also explored were algorithms for locating the tags, and for optimizing the individual tags communication range. Each of the system components needed to create a tactical tag system are explored in detail, with focus given to the electromagnetic limitations imposed by the propagation environment, tag size, and tag power.