RFID Readers features

Readers read/write data from/to tags via an antenna
Come in various forms
Have input/output ports
Usually support multiple protocols (EPC, ISO)
Communicate over the network with a host
Perform anti-collision, filtering, reader management functions
Come in various forms, such as fixed, mobile and handheld.

RFID Reader types

Handheld, Mobile, Fixed
Single-Protocol, Multi-Protocol-Reader and Tag protocols must match
Single-Frequency, Multi-Frequency-Reader and Tag frequencies must match
Bi-static, Mono-static

Bi-static reader: has 8 ports – 4 pairs of transmitting and receiving ports
Mono-static reader: has 4 ports – each with transmitting and receiving function

Integrated antenna
External antenna–single or multiple
Battery, AC, or Ethernet powered
Dumb, Smart
Serial or Ethernet (wired, wireless) connection

Fixed Readers

Act on commands from application software
Supply power to passive tags to communicate with them
Interrogate tags and collect data from tags’ memory
Write data to tags’ memory
Perform conversion between analog radio waves and digital data
Store and/or transmit data to other devices with wired or wireless connection
Filter or aggregate data

RFID stands – used by dock doors, entrances, exits…

RFID stand reader

Handheld Readers

Handheld readers are typically used for exception processing, asset tracking when asset is fixed, remote data collection, and in small scale installations.

RFID Reader Construction

Oscillator provides carrier signal to modulator (in transmitter) and a reference signal to demodulator (in receiver) circuits. Control module processes transmitted and received data, receives commands, holds memory, controls all reader components, etc.