Abstract: A system and method are described for using RFID tags to track and monitor personnel and equipment in large environments and environments that are prone to multipath fading. The system scans the environment by selecting local interrogation zones where RFID tags may be located. Multiple antennae are used, each transmitting a portion of an activation signal, such that the activation signal will be formed in the selected local interrogation zone. Different subsets of the antennae are successively selected, each targeting the selected local interrogation zone, to repeat the activation signal for each subset of antenna. RFID tags in the local interrogation zone will receive the portions of the activation signals and process them to determine whether the full activation signal was destined for that local interrogation zone for each of the subsets of antennae. An activated RFID tag will transmit its tag information, including any data collected from sensors connected to the tag, back to the system.

Abstract: A system and method are described for using RFID tags to track and monitor personnel and equipment in large environments and environments that are prone to multipath fading. The system scans the environment by selecting local interrogation zones where RFID tags may be located. Multiple antennae are used, each transmitting a portion of an activation signal, such that the activation signal will be formed in the selected local interrogation zone. Different subsets of the antennae are successively selected, each targeting the selected local interrogation zone, to repeat the activation signal for each subset of antenna. RFID tags in the local interrogation zone will receive the portions of the activation signals and process them to determine whether the full activation signal was destined for that local interrogation zone for each of the subsets of antennae. An activated RFID tag will transmit its tag information, including any data collected from sensors connected to the tag, back to the system.