RFID Reader
The RFID reader propagates a radio frequency. When compatible tags enter its detection range, they send a signal back that includes their identification and other information. This data is relayed to the system user, management organization, or database for immediate product traceability.
The antenna polarity of the tag must match the RFID reader polarity to maximize read range. Also, the reader and tag must have similar cable connector types, for example RP-TNC or SMA.
Detection
A Radio Frequency Identification Reader, or RFID reader is a device that communicates with an RFID tag and records data. This communication takes place via radio waves and can be conducted on a closed or open network. RFID tags contain electronic ID information, typically a 96-bit string of data, that is encoded and transmitted from the tag to the reader.
When an RFID tag enters the RFID Reader reading range of an RFID reader, the reader transmits a signal that wakes up the tag. Once awake, the tag transmits a return signal that includes the unique ID information it contains. The RFID reader then relays the tag’s information to a database or other system user.
The RFID reader may be handheld, fixed, or integrated into a device such as a vehicle or forklift. Handheld readers are battery-powered and act like a handheld barcode scanner. Vehicle-mounted readers are incorporated into vehicles and freight handling equipment to automatically scan containers of inventory as they pass through an RFID reader. Fixed readers are stationary, and the RFID tag must be within the reader’s detection range to be scanned.
A common issue that can occur is a “tag collision” in which too many RFID tags confuse the RFID reader by transmitting their information at the same time. Choosing an RFID reader that gathers tag information one at a time can help alleviate this problem.
Authentication
The RFID reader detects and interprets the information that is encoded in the signal from the RFID tag. The RFID transponder, which is usually a microchip embedded in an object, transmits the data through its antenna to the RFID reader. The RFID reader can be either active (with its own circuit and battery), semi-active (without a battery but with a built-in antenna) or passive.
Once the RFID reader and tag have agreed on the ‘language’ of layer 2, they can communicate with each other. This is what makes RFID tags and readers interoperable – without this, they would not talk to each other.
For RFID systems that require authentication, the RFID reader has to communicate with an access control system to determine if the card or tag belongs to the installation. This can be done using facility codes, which are used as the first part of the code format and help the RFID reader or access control system decide whether to accept a card or not.
The RFID reader can be connected to the access control system through a physical cable. This can be a TNC, SMA or N-Type connector with either a regular polarity or a reverse polarity. ELATEC offers RFID readers that can be connected to these cables via USB or RS232 (also known as the serial interface). The latter is used a lot in industrial applications and allows for easy connection of the RFID reader to legacy systems.
Traceability
Traceability is a key capability of an RFID Reader that allows you to track a product from its beginning stage, where it’s produced, through the supply chain to its final destination. This can help save businesses time, money, and reputation in case of a recall. In addition, it can also enable effective omnichannel retailing.
Unlike barcodes, which require that scanners be precisely aligned with the code to read it, RFID tags can provide a continuous stream of data from any location in your warehouse or factory. This information can then be uploaded to your ERP or management system, allowing you to automate inventory processes and reduce human error.
In addition, an RFID tracking solution can improve the productivity of your business by reducing RFID Card Supplier the amount of time spent on manual inventory management. By combining an RFID tag with an antenna, you can create a passive sensor that provides real-time visibility of your inventory. This enables you to make more informed decisions regarding production and supply chain management.
For example, a Japanese fashion retailer recently used an RFID-based application from RFLocus to enable buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) for its customers. The app keeps inventory counts in store and warehouse accurate and up-to-date, allowing the company to better serve customers. It also enables staff to find items quickly for restocking in stores.
Security
A key security capability of an RFID reader is its ability to prevent unauthorized entities from reading IDs sent from tags. Tags can contain a variety of information including the item they are attached to (traceability), their location within a facility or plant, and inventory data. The signal emitted by the RFID reader can be used to determine which tags are present, what they have in common, and what their status is (inventorying).
Because the conversation between tag and reader occurs in the air between them, it’s possible for anyone with a receiver to eavesdrop on this communication and steal data from legitimate readers. This is commonly referred to as skimming and is typically done by hand-held readers which can pick up the signal as it travels between the reader and the tag.
There are a number of ways to secure an RFID system from these threats. One way is to use encryption. This requires that all communications between the RFID reader and tags take place through a network of encrypted links rather than the open air. This method can be costly, however, and requires that the RFID reader be connected to the network.
Another security measure is to use an anti-collision protocol that makes sure that each individual RFID signal is taken in turn by the appropriate reader. This can help to reduce the time it takes for an RFID reader to collect inventory data compared to traditional barcode scanning.