An analysis of the effects of RFID tags on narrowband instrument landing systems

Abstract

The use of RFID tags to identify and track cargo is already common, and expected to grow. Inevitably, many such tags will be used on air freight shipments. Therefore, the effects of such RFID tags on common avionics is an issue of concern to owners, operators, regulators and the traveling public. A recent study by NASA Langley Research Center identified a particular RFID device having a relatively high level of emissions in the 328.6-335.4 MHz band associated with the Instrument Landing System Glide Slope function.This paper summarizes a small NASAsupported study performed by the technical staff of the Honeywell Aerospace Advanced Technology organization to estimate the effects of the measured emission levels and signal structure on the Glide Slope guidance function. The paper includes a derivation of the guidance error variance, a model for accommodating RFID duty cycle, and application of the simple analysis recommended by RTCA/DO-294B. The conclusion is that, under likely operating conditions, low duty cycle RFID tags such as the specific family identified by NASA should have no meaningful effect on GS operation. Extrapolations to other narrowband receiver systems reach similar conclusions.

RFID transponders' RF emissions in aircraft communication and navigation radio bands

“…These cases warrant additional studies to determine the true interference thresholds for the specific interference signals if they are to be used during flights. The efforts in [5] and [6] develop the process for that threshold determination.…”

“…The effort in [5] analytically determines thresholds for intermittent interference signals similar to RFID emissions. The effort in [6] reports the laboratory effort to determine the GS system interference threshold to an RFID interference signal.…”

Radio frequency compatibility of an RFID tag on glideslope navigation receivers

“…Similarly, and for noise-like pulsed interference, [3,Eq. 13] shows the interference-to-carrier power ratio is constant given the same interference criteria and signal characteristics.…”

“…A follow-up study was performed by Honeywell Inc. [3] to determine analytically the tag's interference risks to GS and other narrowband navigation systems. Simulation of GS signal processing was performed.…”

History and fundamental principle of Instrument Landing System (ILS) and technical detailed architecture of ILS transmitter and receiver

“…Butt and McFarland [6] All of the major airports in the World are equipped with this system but most of the international airports got advanced from this system. Butt and McFarland [6] ILS is a precise landing system which got approved by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for its utilization while landing in almost zero visibility i.e., category III landings [7]. The horizontal and perpendicular or vertical control are attained by localizer and glideslope radio signal transmitters, respectively.…”