What is rfid reader

Readers can be autonomous units connected to antennas, portable units with integrated antennas, in miniature plates mounted inside printers, or integrated in big devices. The reader is necessary to transmit energy to the tag, to receive data corresponding to communications from the tag, and to separate these kinds of signal.

Most readers are able to read and write a tag. RFID tags are only considered to be a fixed cost when they are continually reused throughout the system — e. Recurring costs are attributed to items that are used once and then discarded or consumed during the application. Because of their low-cost, these tags are frequently applied once and kept on an item for its lifespan or discarded after use.

If an RFID printer is used, then printer ribbon would also be a recurring cost. If a software license renews annually or is purchased as a SaaS Software as a Service product, then it too should be factored as a recurring cost.

RFID systems can be susceptible to certain materials and environmental factors that can cause diminished read ranges and affect overall system accuracy. Metal and liquids are the two most common sources of interference for RFID applications, but they can be mitigated with the proper RFID tags, equipment, and planning.

As UHF RFID becomes more commonly used with liquid-filled items or metallic items, more and more tags are released with new ways to lessen these problems. In addition, techniques have been developed that can help mitigate the effects of these items, like working with tag placement and spacers.

While each system will vary in terms of device types and complexity, every RFID system contains at least the following four components:. RFID tags typically do not have a battery unless specified as Active or BAP tags ; instead, they receive energy from the radio waves generated by the reader. Each of these memory banks contains information about the item that is tagged or the tag itself depending on the bank and what has been specified.

Hundreds of different RFID tags are available in many shapes and sizes with features and options specific to certain environments, surface materials, and applications.

A common way to divide tags into types is inlays vs. Tag pricing depends on the type of tag and the quantity that are being ordered.

The higher the level of customization or the more specialized the tag, the more expensive it will be in comparison to typical off-the-shelf tags.

Readers, also called interrogators, are devices that transmit and receive radio waves in order to communicate with RFID tags. Fixed readers stay in one location and are typically mounted on walls, on desks, into portals, or other stationary locations.

A common subset of fixed readers is integrated readers. An integrated RFID reader is a reader with a built-in antenna that typically includes one additional antenna port for the connection of an optional external antenna as well. Integrated readers are usually aesthetically pleasing and designed to be used for indoor applications without a high traffic of tagged items. Mobile readers are handheld devices that allow for flexibility when reading RFID tags while still being able to communicate with a host computer or smart device.

There are two primary categories of Mobile RFID readers — readers with an onboard computer, called Mobile Computing Devices, and readers that use a Bluetooth or Auxiliary connection to a smart device or tablet, called Sleds.

Fixed RFID Readers typically have external antenna ports that can connect anywhere from one additional antenna to up to eight different antennas. With the addition of a multiplexer, some readers can connect to up to 32 RFID antennas. The number of antennas connected to one reader depends on the area of coverage required for the RFID application. Some desktop applications, like checking files in and out, only need a small area of coverage, so one antenna works well.

Other applications with a larger area of coverage, such as a finish line in a race timing application typically require multiple antennas to create the necessary coverage zone. The most common way to categorize readers is to classify them as either fixed or mobile. Other ways to differentiate between RFID readers include categories like connectivity, available utilities, features, processing capabilities, power options, antenna ports, etc.

A reader will usually be the most expensive component in an RFID system. USB readers generally have short read ranges and are used for desktop applications.

This means that employees can collect data for any item within the read range without physically moving from shelf to shelf. This also means that more than one item can be read at once.

For those reasons, many companies are looking to RFID to add even more value to their operations. With RFID, supply chain businesses can track the movement of their inventory items and assets. By eliminating labor-intensive inventory tracking processes that require human intervention and increasing visibility of your items and assets, RFID can help businesses cut costs related to manufacturing, distribution, inventory management, and asset tracking.

An automated data collection system — especially one that does not require human intervention — improves speed and accuracy so that employees can get more done in a shorter amount of time and get it done right the first time. Because of this, RFID allows businesses to decrease their labor costs. And with improved accuracy, businesses can also increase their throughput, and therefore reduce their inventory carrying costs as well.

Not to mention, improved accuracy can yield even more benefits. When shipments arrive on time and in the right quantities, customers are bound to be more satisfied with your service. If you have any other questions, please contact an expert at Lowry Solutions.

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