RFID Reader

RFID Reader is a network-connected device that transmits radio waves to activate the tag and send back its return signal. It also collects and stores data, such as where items were selected in a fitting room or how many try-ons they underwent.

The information can then be used for optimizing production processes. This includes achieving higher productivity, reducing direct labor in unproductive processes and improving scheduling and forecasting.

What is an RFID Reader?

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is an automatic identification system that uses radio waves to capture data encoded in a tag or “smart label.” The tags are attached to objects or people and contain a microchip with information that is read by the RFID reader.

The RFID reader is like the brain of the system, sending signals to an antenna to emit radio frequency waves that can reach and identify the smart labels. When these waves are emitted, the tags activate and transmit the information stored on them back to the reader. The reader then transforms this data into usable information. RFID is much more precise than bar code or magnetic stripe technology, requiring no direct contact and not limited to line-of-sight readings. RFID waves can even penetrate nonmetallic materials, such as plastic or glass.

RFID readers can operate on several different frequencies, with the choice influenced by factors such as cost, read range and speed of data transfer. The RFID tags that are read by the RFID reader must be compatible with the chosen frequency. Lowry offers a wide variety of RFID cable types to accommodate many customer needs. Our cables are available in both passive and active RFID variants with RP-TNC female or male connectors based on the 3 Connector Rules:

Types of RFID Readers

Depending on the application, businesses will need to choose between a Fixed or Handheld RFID Reader. Fixed readers are stationary and are connected to a power source and network, so they are best for tracking inventory and monitoring production lines. They are great for warehouses RFID Reader and distribution centres, manufacturing plants and healthcare facilities to improve visibility of inventory levels and enable real-time asset management.

For a more flexible solution, handheld RFID readers are ideal for use in a range of applications and environments. They are cordless and rely on batteries for a power source as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or auxiliary connection to a mobile computer or smart device for data transmission.

The most important consideration for a handheld RFID reader is its read range. To determine the maximum range, you must consider factors such as the distance between the RFID reader and tag(s), the speed at which items are moving through a read zone and whether the tags are passive (no battery), semi-active or active.

The frequency of an RFID reader can also impact its reading range. COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) readers typically utilize channel frequency hopping, which mitigates frequency selective fading and co-channel interference. However, this can lead to discontinuity in phase values every 0.2 s. For a more precise reading, higher-frequency readers are available. These offer faster data transfer rates but come with a greater cost.

Antennas

Antennas are necessary to transmit power from the reader and capture signal back from RFID tags. They can be integrated into the reader or external depending on the type of tag and desfire ev1 environment. RFID antennas broadcast radio signals that are picked up by the RFID tag in a three-dimensional field around them, called a beam, pattern or radiation stop.

There are many factors to consider when selecting the right RFID antenna for a given application, such as gain, frequency, polarization, size and beam width. For example, circularly polarized antennas emit waves that rotate continuously between horizontal and vertical planes to allow tags to be read in multiple directions. However, they have less gain than linear antennas with the same polarization and may not be as effective in some environments.

Generally, the best way to determine what type of RFID antenna is required for a specific deployment is to start with the end goal in mind and work backwards. This includes identifying the read zone and understanding what obstacles may be present, such as walls or other objects. It’s also important to take into consideration any other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) such as motors, engines, WiFi or cellphones that can affect the read zone and degrade signal strength. To help minimize EMI, a directional antenna can be used to focus the RF energy in one direction.

Cables

The cables used with RFID readers are responsible for connecting the fixed RFID reader to the antenna. They must match the connectors on both devices and be of a certain length to avoid RF power loss in the cabling. It’s a best practice to use the shortest cable possible as longer ones are more costly and may lead to signal degradation. In addition, the cable should be of a high enough insulation rating to ensure it can supply sufficient power for tracking at maximum range.

As the cable is fabricated, the individual ID’s of all the RFID tags included in it are read out while they are connected to the RFID reader 66 (step 113). These data, including the administration number, are memorized into a database in a server 69 (step 116).

Using the right cables can be challenging as there are many different types of connectors to choose from such as TNC, RP-TNC, and SMA. Ensuring the correct connector type is ordered can reduce delays on a project and prevent costly mistakes. This is especially true when the connectors are of opposite gender or threading types. Having a visual guide to help ensure the correct connectors are connected can save time and money in the field. RFMAX offers a low-loss LMR240 equivalent type RFID cable assembly that is two feet long wtih an RPTNC-Male connector (to connect to your reader) and SMA-Male (to connect to the Impinj Speedway Antenna Hub). The PT240-002-RTM-SSM cable will work with any fixed RFID reader with RPTNC-Female connectors.