PTAGIS Field Operations PIT Tag Testing Capabilities

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This page lists the capabilities of the Kennewick office with regards to testing PIT Tags.


Contents

PTAGIS Field Operations Three Areas of Testing

APTTS Testing

The Automated PIT Tag Test System (APTTS) has many tests that can be performed in very fine degrees of detail. Typically, more detailed test results require more time to perform. The testing determines and then documents the electrical properties of the PIT Tag under test. The data provided by the APTTS can then be analyzed for quality, performance prediction, trending, etc.


Lab Testing

Within our lab we have equipment that will allow us to perform testing that more similarly resembles real world applications, yet in a controlled environment. This equipment includes a 12' x 8' RF shielded (Faraday cage) room. A large assortment of shielded and unshielded antennas in various shapes, sizes and geometries. Test equipment to create controlled levels of interference is also available.


Procedures For Evaluating Applicant Tags that was prepared by Dr. Sandra L. Downing of National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Fisheries Science Center for the PIT Tag Steering Committee defines the parameters for each of the lab tests that are listed below. The current measure of standard is the Destron-Fearing 1400ST type 12mm PIT tag.


Field Testing

We have the ability to test in the field (in real world applications on production equipment) the performance of various PIT Tag related parameters. Equipment used during the testing are buoyant test sticks, rulers for measuring read range, and apparatus designed for repeatable placement of PIT Tags in the RF field.


Tests That Can Be Performed

APTTS

Physical Measurements

  • Length - to the nearest 0.01mm
  • Width - to the nearest 0.01mm
  • Weight - (determined by sampling) to the nearest 0.001g

Electrical Measurements

  • Resonant Frequency - to the nearest 0.001kHz
  • Bandwidth - at the -3dB points
  • "Q-Factor" - Quality Factor, a measure of the ability to reject off frequency signals compared to the resonant frequency
  • Minimum "Turn ON" Voltage - A measure of the minimum energy required to fully activate the PIT Tag under test
  • RF Modulation Percentage - A measure of the strength of the signal from the PIT Tag under test

Practical Faculties

  • Decode the PIT Tag under test
  • Automate batch testing of virtually any sample size


Lab Testing

  • Basic Test to Determine if tag performs satisfactory with current antenna configurations.
  • Determine how the antenna configurations for the juvenile fish facilities could be modified to yield satisfactory performance (>95% reading efficiency).
  • Read ranges under different noise levels.
  • Maximum read speed under different noise levels.
  • Two-same-tag grouping/proximity tests.
  • Two-different-tag grouping/proximity tests.
  • Three-same-tag grouping/proximity tests.
  • Three-different-tag grouping/proximity tests.
  • Portable or Handheld transceiver tests.
  • Large antenna tests.



Field Testing

The field testing consists of placing test sticks with PIT Tags inside of them into flume sections and through separator gates at the juvenile fish facilities. Larger antennas can only be tested when they are dewatered, this allows PSMFC to place tags in certain areas of the field and "map" how tags are being read.

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