System and method for automated, wireless short range reading and writing of data for interconnected mobile systems, such as reading/writing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on trains

摘要

A system and corresponding method include an RF tag coupled to a communications backbone running through a mobile system such as a train. The communications backbone can form part of an electrically controlled pneumatic braking system of the train, which includes a head end unit in the locomotive, and car control units in each railcar of the train. The RF tag includes a communications unit that permits data exchange between the head end unit and other tags within the train, via the communications backbone. The RF tag also includes a processor and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having memory for storing data therein. The RF tag furthermore includes an antenna to permit the tag to exchange data wirelessly with external readers, such as hand-held readers and wayside readers.