What is an RFID Reader?

Radio frequency identification technology is a non-contact automatic identification technology. Its basic principle is to use the transmission characteristics of radio frequency signals and spatial coupling (inductive or electromagnetic coupling) or radar reflection to realize automatic identification of identified objects.

Ⅰ. Understand the RFID reader

Radio frequency readers, namely radio frequency identification, automatically identify target objects and obtain relevant data through radio frequency identification signals, without manual intervention, can identify high-speed moving objects and identify multiple RFID tags at the same time, which is fast and convenient to operate. The RFID reader is the core of the RFID system. It is a device that transmits and receives radio waves in order to communicate with the RFID tag, which can automatically identify the target object for item tracking and data exchange.

Fixed radio frequency readers: Fixed radio frequency readers are generally equipped with 1-8 antenna ports, and the number of antennas depends on the coverage required by the RFID application. Some applications, like file input and output, require only a small coverage area, so a single antenna will do the job just fine. Other applications with greater coverage often require multiple antennas to create the necessary coverage.

Handheld Radio Frequency Reader: A handheld radio frequency reader can also communicate with a host or smart device when reading RFID tags. Because handheld radio frequency readers are lightweight and battery-operated, they can be taken with you wherever you go. And compared with the fixed type, the handheld type does not need to be installed, and the RFID tag can be read just by opening the device. In addition, the initial investment cost is low, the application scenarios are more abundant, and the collection functions are more diversified.

Applications of RFID readers: RFID technology is used in many industries, such as: inventory management, asset tracking, people tracking, controlled access to restricted areas, supply chain management, anti-counterfeiting (eg in the pharmaceutical industry).

Ⅱ. How to choose a RFID reader?

1. Consider how large the reading range of the radio frequency reader needs to be. 2. Consider that the RFID reader needs to be used under special environmental conditions, such as overheating, overcooling, humidity, easy collision and other environments. 3. Considering the convenience of operation, choose a fixed RFID reader or a hand-held one. 4. Consider how many tags need to be read at a time. 5. Consider the speed at which the tag moves in the read area. For example, a slow-moving conveyor belt or a fast-moving conveyor belt.