Adaptability of Multi-Function Two-Way Intelligent Transceivers for Many Nuclear Materials Management Functions

Several years experience at two Department of Energy (DOE) sites developing intelligent two-way radio frequency (RF) tags has resulted in a universal device to satisfy nuclear materials safeguards, material control and accountability, non-proliferation and physical protection requirements. The importance of this development is that accountability and security can be enhanced at reduced overall cost. The adaptability of the devices, combined with emerging networking and plug-andplay architectures, allows rapid installation and flexible monitoring operations. The hardware design of the two-way, self-powered remote intelligent device includes power efficiency and software/firmware to provide security through authentication and encryption. The system includes a user interface which can combine other technologies (e.g. video) into a graphical display with easy to learn control commands and tamper protection. The tag system is capable of being integrated into local and wide area networks. Data can also be transmitted via password-protected linkage through the Internet to central monitoring sites. Control, accountability, safety and security are enhanced because the system accepts multiple sensors (internal and external to the tag) providing either immediate alarms or periodic retrieval of time-stamped history of events and a “fingerprint” of a particular container. The work has produced a near-off-the-shelf system which can be adapted to the needs of many applications.