How to choose a Handheld RFID reader

The choice of handheld rfid reader depends on the choice of RFID tags. In choosing the most suitable tag for your solution, your job is half the criterion in choosing your handheld rfid reader.

In addition to the usual factors for tags and readers such as type (active, passive), frequency (LF, HF, UHF and microwave) and protocol (Gen 2, HF, NFC, Mifare) (the reader must be able to read the tag), etc. .) are only the most important distinguishing features for the reader:

Form factor

Reading distance (depending on the transmission power of the reader)

Connection to the mains and power supply

Form factor

Festival reader

Stationary interrogators are designed for screwing into walls near door entrances or attaching to wire posts near doors, embedding in posts and portals of dock gates, and attaching conveyors to portals, etc.

Car breaks

Vehicle-mounted interrogation devices that can automate the transport and acceptance of goods are often integrated into industrial trucks such as forklifts, paper machines, trucks, and pallet trucks. These interrogators are typically specially shaped to facilitate installation in a vehicle and are robustly constructed to withstand vibration and other environmental conditions.

Leader

Mobile interrogators, such as portable interrogators, are typically used for low volume read or write operations in exception handling, quality assurance, and mobile shipping devices. Portable queries come in a variety of formats and have many communication options. They can be connected by receiving power with an extension cord and transmitting data through the nearest base unit. Other portable devices may be wireless, depending on wireless networks or Bluetooth data connectivity, which limits battery life between charges. New interpretations of the portable query are emerging in the form of cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Portable interrogators are typically and have built-in line antennas. The design reduces the size to a minimum as only one antenna is used, while the linear polarization of the antenna is used to achieve the best reading range. The direction of the interrogator can be changed by simply turning your wrist.

Reading distance

The reading distance relates to the power transmitted by the interrogator. Put simply: the higher the transmission power, the greater the reading distance (without interference and adverse environmental conditions). Of course, the power transferred is limited by national regulations. The effective transmission power also depends on the antenna, since the antenna efficiency and the cable loss can also reduce the performance and thus the reading distance. Some battery-operated readers do not use their full rated output due to power supply restrictions, so you can expect a shorter reading range.

Network and power connection

To receive data from a reader, it must be connected to the network. There are multiple possibilities. Fixed readers usually use:

USB

Serial interface

Ethernet

Wireless internet access

POE (Power over Ethernet – power and network connection)

Battery operated (rarely)

Handheld readers typically include:

Wireless internet access

Bluetooth

USB (if connected)