RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an automatic identification method relying on storing and retrieving data wirelessly from self-powered tags, using Radio Frequency (RF) signals.
An RFID Reader is the device that is used to detect and decode the transmitted RF signals from tags. The tag data and reader status information is fed into the end-user application enabling complete management of all tagged assets and the automation of business decisions about the assets based on accurate and near real-time knowledge of their location and condition.
Readers can be used to create RFID networks within buildings, or for more robust and rigorous use can be deployed externally across large complexes such as container ports, yards or warehouses. A variety of RFID readers are available which enable deployment in a variety of network infrastructure scenarios: fixed readers, mobile readers or a combination of both can be used in an RFID system.
Mobile RFID readers are fitted to mobile handheld computers. This provides the user with unrivalled mobility solutions to identify, locate or audit tagged assets outside of areas monitored by fixed RFID reader networks.
There are two ranges of active RFID Readers available; 'L-Series' and 'W-Series', which refer to two different proprietary communication protocols used between tags and readers. The L-Series reader must be used with L-Series tags and the W-Series reader must be used with W-Series tags. Both types of reader can operate on the same reader network infrastructure.
RX900 Ethernet Reader
The RX900 Ethernet reader can operate in rugged conditions at ultra long ranges, with specialist antennas; ranges up to 500m can be achieved. The data from detected tags is sent by the reader via Ethernet to authorised corporate computing systems.
The Ethernet reader can be used to create RFID networks within buildings. For more robust and rigorous uses they can be deployed externally across large complexes, such as container ports, warehouses or external yards. RX900 Readers offer enhanced functionality to facility management; CCTV and access control systems through their integrated inputs and relay outputs that allow the monitoring of external analogue sensors and activation of other devices as required.
The RX900 Readers can have static or dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses assigned to them. They can be powered from a PSU (supplied) or via Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). 10/100 Mbps Ethernet is supported.
RX900 Ethernet Reader Benefits
- Instant reporting of detected active RFID tags;
- User configurable tag data filters;
- Easy remote configuration over the LAN;
- High speed data throughput;
- Supports wide variety of antennas to achieve custom coverage areas;
- 2 Input & 2 Output ports for monitoring & control of external devices;
- Rugged design and low cost.
RX1000 WLAN Network Reader
RX1000 WLAN Readers enable instant reporting of detected WT active RFID tags over a wireless LAN. The WLAN readers are ideally suited for use in systems that track tagged assets such as containers, plant and machinery or high value assets, or for monitoring personnel in health and safety or security applications.
WLAN readers can be used to create RFID networks within buildings avoiding the need for extensive communication cabling to be installed. For more robust and rigorous uses they can be deployed externally across large complexes, such as container ports, warehouses or external yards. The WLAN Readers offer enhanced functionality to facility management; CCTV and access control systems through its integrated inputs and relay outputs that allow the monitoring of external analogue sensors and activation of other devices at will.
The WLAN Readers can have static or dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses assigned to them and are powered from a separate 7.5V PSU (supplied). WLAN Readers allow for the quickest and easiest installation in a variety of WLAN environments utilising 802.11b/g protocols. A standard Wi-Fi omni-directional antenna is supplied.
RX1000 WLAN Reader Benefits
- Instant reporting of detected active RFID tags over a wireless LAN;
- User configurable tag data filters;
- Easy remote configuration over the wireless LAN;
- High speed data throughput;
- Supports wide variety of antennas to achieve custom coverage areas;
- 2 Input & 2 Output ports for monitoring & control of external devices;
- Rugged design and low cost.
RX201 Reader
The RX201 RS485 / RS232 Readers can be used singly, or networked together to form a reader network. The RX201 reader incorporates a BNC connector to allow for attachment of an external antenna to extend the reader's range. The reader connects to a PC or intelligent hardware controller via RS232, RS485 or TTL communication protocols.
RX201 readers are connected in a daisy-chain to enable a network of readers to be created. Readers can be used in stand-alone mode or in a multi-drop asynchronous network where the "Node ID" is automatically assigned. Some Readers are also available in proximity (or close range models) with maximum read ranges of 1.5m offered.
RX201 Reader Features
- User configurable tag data filters
- Supports wide variety of antennas to achieve custom coverage areas
- Up to 255 unique Receiver Addresses possible per network
- Conformance to the RF & ESD standards required by the internationally accepted regulatory bodies: i.e. FCC, CE and ETSI
- Sensitivity adjustment, filter settings and reader addressing done remotely via PC software application
RX2100 Mobile Reader
The RX2100 End-Cap Reader is the only active RFID Expansion module available for the Psion Teklogix WORKABOUT Pro handheld computer. The end-cap reader detects and decodes RFID signals in rugged conditions at both short ranges or at ultra long ranges (up to 75m). The end-cap reader provides unrivalled mobility solutions for customers seeking to identify, locate or audit tagged assets outside of areas monitored by fixed RFID reader networks.
The standard range reader can be used for close proximity asset identification and quick location in environments such as indoor storage facilities in warehouses. The long range reader allows for ultra-long range asset identification and audits in outdoor storage facilities or yards.
The WORKABOUT Pro allows for mobile RFID applications to communicate with the main RFID system using GPRS or WLAN, and for GPS or Barcode modules to be included to provide a wide range of functions to the user.