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At the Sensors Converge 2021 conference and expo in San Jose, Fierce Electronics presented the Best Sensor Award, which recognizes 13 outstanding companies and products that are expected to change the industry.

This year, the finalist in the COVID-19 category is Powercast, its wireless-powered RFID temperature scanning system.

The chief operating officer of A Powercast stated that Powercast has designed a new temperature scanning system to take advantage of mature technology that companies of all sizes can quickly and easily implement so that they can return to work safely without causing damage to workers. huge stress. Technical Officer, Charles Green, Ph.D. "This is one of many ways we apply wireless power to solve real-world problems and remove some of the limitations of other alternatives," Green said.

The system includes three main components: a TV monitor, an RFID reader, and a wirelessly powered temperature scanning remote control. Each employee will receive a key fob tailored for them, similar to an employee key card for entering a building. When approaching the RFID reader, the remote key will quickly charge, and then the employee will measure the body temperature while scanning the forehead with the remote key. Then, based on the readings that appear on the TV monitor, employees are allowed or denied entry into the building.

In addition, if necessary, larger buildings and organizations can set up multiple readers to record the location of employees for contact tracing. Once employees enter the building, they can put the smart key in their pocket without taking it out again for location tracking-the RFID range of the smart key can be up to 3.5 meters. In the event of COVID-19 exposure, companies can use time-stamped information to automatically track and notify employees who may be exposed.

A key part of the Powercast temperature scanner is wireless RFID charging technology. The remote control key does not rely on batteries, but is powered by Powercast’s PCC110 Powerharvester® RF-to-DC converter chip, which can use PowerSpot® or Powercaster® RF wireless power transmitters to convert radio frequency (RF) energy into direct current (DC) , Such as and standard RFID readers. When each remote control key is within the range of the RF transmitter, it can automatically collect RF energy-up to 15 cm away for optimal charging. This means that the Powercast wireless-powered RFID temperature scanning system can work accurately anywhere-no need to worry about replacing low or dead batteries.

Powercast's wireless-powered RFID temperature scanning system has been installed in Powercast's headquarters and integrated into the company's check-in counter. After taking 300 readings during the first 12 days of operation, the system was found to be as accurate as a traditional handheld thermometer. In addition, the Powercast scanning system reduces the spread of germs through shared devices and is much faster than other systems that require employees to stop and write down information.

Powercast was established by a small team in Pittsburgh in 2003 to develop a true wireless power solution to eliminate batteries and realize unfettered wireless devices that do not require a charging surface. Since 2007, the company has helped its customers solve a wide range of remote wireless charging challenges, including powering wireless sensor networks, waterproof designs, reusable smart bracelets and RFID tags. In 2017, Powercast launched its first batch of products and solutions designed to power consumer electronic devices. In the process, the company has won multiple awards, created important intellectual property rights, and adhered to its mission to expand the range and efficiency of the conversion of radio frequency energy into DC power, which can be collected from dedicated and environmental sources.

For the full list of 2021 Best Sensor Awards finalists, please view online.

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