RFID readers

An RFID reader (also called RFID interrogator) is a device used to collect data from an RFID label. The acronym ‘RFID’ stands for ‘Radio Frequency Identification’.

The RFID reader captures data broadcasted by the RFID label. In order for this to happen, both reader and label must be within a certain range, which usually ranges from 3 to 300 feet. As a result, and unlike barcode readers, the RFID reader does not have to be placed in front of the RFID label to collect the data. In fact, data collection is possible even if the item that needs to be scanned is surrounded by other items.

The data captured by the RFID is transmitted by an RFID chip contained in the RFID label. The data transmission is carried out via radio waves. The reader’s antenna delivers an electromagnetic pulse that powers the RFID chip. The chip then transfers the data to the reader via radio waves. This method of transferring data is called passive RFID. Another method of transmitting data is active RFID, where the RFID chip is self-powered by a device such as a battery. The advantage of this method is that it allows a longer range.

The RFID must not only be able to capture the radio waves transmitted by the RFID chip, but also to read its radio frequency. There are different types of radio frequency, including Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF). The higher the frequency, the longer the range.

Once the RFID reader captures the radio waves, it converts them into a readable data format. The information is then transferred to a computer system, where it is stored and processed.

RFID readers can be classified according to multiple criteria, including their frequency range, power options or processing capabilities.

One of the most common criteria used to classify RFID readers is mobility. In this sense, RFID readers are classified into fixed and mobile RFID readers. Fixed RFID readers are, as the name suggests, fixed to an object (e.g. a wall, a desk) while mobile RFID readers are portable devices that can be carried by the user.

RFID readers are used in a wide range of applications, including the following:

• Labeling.
• Product tracking.
• ID badging.
• The management of supply chains.
• Fighting against counterfeiting.
• Inventory management.

RFID readers have several advantages over barcode readers. In particular, RFID readers do not have to be placed in front of the RFID label in order to collect data. Barcode readers, however, must be placed in front of the barcode to read the information they encode.

Furthermore, RFID readers can capture hundreds of transponders simultaneously. Barcodes must be scanned one at a time.

Another advantage of RFID readers is the fact that they can capture a lot more information than barcode readers. This is due to the fact that RFID labels can store greater amounts of data than traditional barcodes.