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Radio waves are used in wireless communication technology known as RFID, or radio frequency identification, to identify a variety of ‘tagged’ objects or persons from a distance. As opposed to conventional barcode technology, RFID does not require a direct line of sight in order to “see” an object, which is one of its main advantages. This not only saves a ton of time but also helps make individual items more visible in vast rooms filled with various items.
The technology was created over a period of time and serves as the foundation for tracking solutions for a variety of assets and people in numerous sectors. RFID technology solutions use a combination of tags, readers, software, and networks to provide a specialized solution to track a wide range of important company assets.
RFID readers can be selected as part of a customized RFID technology solution to meet specific business requirements. They are available in a number of formats and capabilities.
What is RFID Reader?
A non-contact automatic identifying technology is radio frequency identification. The primary idea behind it is to automatically identify recognized items by utilizing the radio frequency signal transmission properties, spatial coupling (electromagnetic or inductive coupling), or radar reflection.
Radiofrequency readers, or radio frequency identification, automatically recognize target items and retrieve pertinent data from radio frequency identification signals without the need for human intervention.
They are quick and simple to use, and they can recognize numerous RFID tags at once. The heart of the RFID system is the RFID reader. It is an apparatus that sends and receives radio waves in order to communicate with the RFID tag, which can quickly identify the intended object for data exchange and item tracking.
How RFID readers work
While RFID Scanner recognizes locations and identifies tagged goods, barcode technology reads laser light reflections from printed barcode labels. Instead, RFID Reader uses low-power radio frequencies to gather and store data.
RFID technology is used to automate data collection in a warehouse or distribution center. Radio frequencies are read by the transceiver and sent to an RFID tag. A tiny computer chip that is incorporated within the tag then broadcasts the identification data to the RFID reader.
Types of RFID readers
Fixed radio frequency readers
The number of antennas in a fixed radio frequency reader depends on the amount of coverage the RFID application requires. Fixed radio frequency readers typically include 1 to 8 antenna ports. A single antenna will work just well for some applications that just need a narrow coverage area, like file input and output. Multiple antennas are frequently needed for other applications with wider coverage in order to get the required coverage.
Handheld Radio Frequency Reader
When reading RFID tags, a handheld radio frequency reader can also talk to a host or smart device. Portable radio frequency readers can be brought anywhere you go because they are portable and battery-operated. In addition, unlike the fixed type, the handheld kind may scan an RFID tag just by opening the device, requiring no installation. Additionally, the collection functions are more varied, there are more application situations, and the initial investment cost is modest.
Vehicle-mount reader
This is a reader that is built into moving objects like trucks and forklifts and offers the ease of hands-free scanning with little to no human involvement.
Hybrid reader
The three readers previously mentioned are each focused on reading either passive or active tags. In order to read both passive and active forms of tags, the hybrid reader is made to be able to transition between them.
How Should I Choose an RFID Reader?
Regarding the criteria for choosing an RFID reader, half of your work is finished once you choose a tag that would function best for your approach.
The most differentiating characteristics that exclusively apply to readers include readers such as type, frequency, and protocol. In addition to the features that are common to tags are
- The form factor
- National law
- Read Range
- Connection to the network and electricity
Difference Between RFID Readers, Antennas, and Reader Chips?
The discrete components on the circuit board of an RFID reader are combined into one unit by means of an integrated microchip called a reader chip. It is like the CPU in a desktop or laptop computer; it is the brains of the reader.
The reader (or interrogator) is a device with a network connection, a power connection, antenna ports, and a reader chip (or discrete reader components on a printed circuit board).
An internal or external antenna on a reader can send out radio waves and receive them from a transponder.
Usually, when people refer to an “RFID reader,” they mean the entire device, including the antennas. A reader with a reader chip in it (or the components included therein on a printed circuit board) and an antenna are required if you want to connect with a transponder, examine the information it holds, or write data to it.
Uses of RFID readers in Applications
Since one would be meaningless without the other, RFID reader applications are the same as those for RFID tags. The applications listed below are only a few examples.
- In situations where the RFID is directly connected to a credit or banking account, encrypted readers are used. These readers may occasionally have a keypad so the user can input a PIN and additional data.
- Fixed readers are positioned at access points in asset tracking so that tags can be automatically scanned as they pass. This covers manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, and retail establishments that use electronic article surveillance.
- ID badges and electronic keys are scanned using handheld and fixed readers; these tools allow for user identification and access permission.
- In order to swiftly identify and locate workers, fixed RFID readers are positioned all over oil rigs.
- Animal control officers and veterinarians utilize RFID readers to locate and update data on an RFID implanted beneath the animal’s skin. They are also employed in the management of cattle.
- RFID readers are used on toll roads to enable drivers to use pre-paid toll accounts. Transactions with the RFID reader on the toll road are recorded by a reader inside the car.