How to Set Up an RFID Reader
RFID Readers collect data from RFID tags, which are essentially smart chips that store information. Unlike barcodes, these tags can be read at great distances.
To achieve this, the RFID reader uses frequency hopping. Unfortunately, this creates a discontinuity in the phase data and reduces positioning accuracy. Moreover, this is more expensive than deterministic detection.
The Basics
RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification, is used to track and identify objects by using a microchip with RFID Reader an antenna. This system is commonly found in global supply chains and pet microchipping. It can also be utilized in tracking inventory and other items. There are three main components to an RFID system: the tag, the reader and the antenna. The tag contains a microchip with a unique identification that is detected by the antenna and then transmitted to the reader.
The reader transmits energy to the tag to ‘wake up’ it. Depending on the type of tag (Active or Passive), the energy can either be transmitted directly to the microchip, or it can be absorbed by the chip and converted to power for transmitting data. The frequency of the signal depends on the type of tag and is selected based on several factors including read range, speed and environment.
COTS readers use channel frequency hopping to mitigate frequency selective fading and co-channel interference. The frequency hopping is typically done within ten frequencies and resides in each channel for around 0.2 s, which leads to discontinuity of the phase values. This effect is known as the Doppler frequency shift. Specialized antennas are also available for ground/mat applications that must be rugged enough to withstand the test of time when people, bikes or go-carts are running over them.
Functions
Essentially, RFID readers emit radio waves to awaken a microchip in an item (or item’s label) that then sends back signals. The reader then converts the received signals into data to be displayed on a screen or fed into a database system for processing and analysis.
The microchip in an RFID tag stores information about the item it is attached to, such as serial number and other data. When a RFID reader emits radio waves, the reflected signal is collected by the antenna connected to the RFID reader. The RFID reader then uses its control module to demodulate the received signal, which it then transmits along with other data to the computer or display screen.
RFID systems can operate at a longer distance than bar code scanners, since they don’t need direct line of sight to capture data. This makes them useful in a wide range of supply chain applications, from checking inventory on a retail shelf to tracking the location of items in a warehouse.
In addition, many companies are using RFID technology to monitor a wide range of conditions that affect the quality of their products and services. For example, an RFID-enabled sensor in a wine bottle stopper can track its temperature during the shipping process. This allows retailers to provide customers with a more consistent, reliable product, while also helping them minimize the risk of spoilage or quality problems.
Installation
The first step in setting up an RFID reader is running the driver on the computer or data controller side of things. Once the driver is installed, the antenna transmits a wireless signal to find and read the RFID tag marked on a product.
Once the tags are scanned and the information transmitted to the RFID server, it can be used to manage processes, reduce management time, improve accuracy, and automate functions. RFID is a reliable, proven technology that is continually expanding into a variety of business solutions and industries.
When installing RFID hardware, there are three main rules to remember. The first is to always use the same type of connector on both the RFID reader and the antenna. This ensures that the polarity of the connections is the same. Most RFID readers have RP-TNC connectors and antennas should also be RP-TNC to match. The second rule desfire ev1 is to never connect an antenna that has a female threading with a male connector, and the third is to keep the length of cabled between the reader and the antenna as short as possible in order to minimize signal loss.
Most RFID systems also have a software development kit (SDK) available from the manufacturer which provides documentation and API access so that a developer can begin to write RFID software or integrate the reader into their current offering. These kits can be very useful when testing and fine-tuning a new RFID reader before deploying it in the field.
Maintenance
Taking inventory of supply rooms was once an arduous task that could take hours, but with RFID, the process is automated and can be completed in just minutes. This means that your staff can focus more time on other tasks and you will always have the stock you need in all locations.
Passive tags are activated by bringing the reader near them, and active tags transmit on their own periodically (typically every few seconds) to an RFID reader that can be mounted on a vehicle or on a wall or ceiling in an office or warehouse. Depending on the system, tags may have batteries that need to be replaced on a schedule or the reader itself may require periodic maintenance such as software upgrades or replacement of components, but RTLS systems generally have very low maintenance needs.
KANE is a company that manufactures test equipment for a variety of industries, and they needed a way to manage the hundreds of instruments they send out for servicing each day. Manually checking each instrument as it entered the service centre was a significant drain on their resources, so they partnered with CoreRFID to automate the process and use an RFID-based solution. With the new system in place, a technician simply scans the RFID tag to identify the instrument and retrieve its service history before starting work. This also allows instruments to be prepared before inspection starts and staff can download e-manuals or specifications to reference during the procedure.
