Setting up an RFID tracking system can be a difficult task. Even though it may seem simple, one requires certain technical expertise to create an effective system. In addition, there are loads of components and accessories that most users are not even aware of. That is why today, we are discussing the RFID accessories to keep in mind before implementing a system.
Common RFID Accessories that Are a Must for Everyone
There are a couple of accessories necessary to connect the various components of an RFID system. These accessories come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, because of the variety in design of these components.
So, let us check out the different types of accessories that one must have while setting up an RFID system.
(A). Antenna Mounts
The first thing that comes to mind is mounting accessories for RF antennas. Depending on the type of antenna, like fixed mounted, Ground Antenna, Integrated Antenna, etc. Depending on different types and modes, users can have a choice ranging from mounting plates, brackets to hubs and shelves.
(B). Cables & Connectors
Once you’ve decided on the mounting accessories, then come the connectors and cables. These are needed to facilitate communication and data transfer between readers, antennas, and databases/computers. There are different types of cables that one can use in an RF system and even more types of connectors.
RF systems have a whole suite of coaxial cables to select from like – the LMR series (100A, 195, 240, 500, 300, etc), and the RG series (4, 5 A/B, 213, 405, etc). They have different specifications like Dielectric Type, Capacitance, Impedance, Attenuation Limit, etc. Once a user has decided on the right type of cable for their equipment, then comes the time of selecting the cable with the correct type of connector that is compatible with the reader.
(C). RF Hub
An average RF reader usually has 2 to 4 ports to connect antennas. However, for bigger areas like warehouses, manufacturing, etc., we need a lot more antennas to create an effective operation. That is where hubs come in, these devices connect with the reader’s ports and themselves have multiple ports that can power antennas. With a sophisticated enough configuration, users can set up to 32 antennas on a single reader with the help of an RFID antenna hub.
(D). Handheld Accessories
Portable readers like the RFID handheld readers come with a unique suite of custom accessories that users can purchase. These include but are not limited to:
• Custom Barcode Module – Many scanners come with the option of integrated area-imagine readers that allow users to read barcodes as well as RFID tags/inlays.
• Display Interface – Also known as industrial phones, these connect to the readers using Bluetooth and are used to decrypt and store the information captured by the handheld device.
• Charging Dock – Handheld readers have an integrated battery that it uses to function, these can be charged using the charging cable that comes with the reader. However, many users prefer a charging dock, as it provides a stable stand for your device.
• Additional Antennas – These readers can support antennas of different polarization. So, users can purchase additional linear or circular polarized antennas for their readers, depending on their applications.
How to Select the Correct Accessories for Your Setup?
By now you must be pretty acquainted with all the different types of accessories you need to keep in mind while setting up an RFID system. However, you need to know how to choose the correct accessories that are compatible with your setup. To solve that problem, just follow these simple guidelines.
(A). Check the Mounting Options on Components
The first step is to check all your components for the available mounting points. The easiest way to do this is to check the user manual that comes with the equipment, they usually contained detailed information about all the mounting surfaces and the types of stands that are compatible with the product.
(B). Inspect the Connectors
The second step is to check your antennas and readers for the type of connectors installed on the ports. For readers, they support connectors like RS232, which connects them with the system. In the case of antennas, there are a variety of connector types like RP-TNC Male/Female, N Female, BNC Male/Female, etc.
According to the connectors available on the equipment, users can select the compatible cables or use adapters like the “N-Type Female to N-Type Female” adapter to connect two N-Type Male cables together.
(C). Match Specifications
Lastly, check the user manuals for all your equipment, and look for the specification sections. Here you can find all the information you need about the compatibility of your devices. It will help you create an effective custom RFID system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the four components of RFID?
The four basic components of an RFID system are-
• Tags – These store information about a product like identification code, temperature, etc. The stick/mount on the items & helps in tracking them.
• Readers – These devices generate the interrogation signal and also decrypt the signals from a tag, into readable format.
• Antenna – The antennas are actually responsible for facilitating communication between the tags and the readers, as they are the ones responsible for broadcasting a reader’s signal, and capturing the signals reflected by the tag.
• Software – Lastly, comes the software, which allows the users to interact with the RFID system and read the captured data.
Q2. What materials can RFID read through?
RFID technology uses radio waves in the mid to upper echelon to communicate. Radio waves can penetrate through pretty much every kind of material, except liquids and metals.
Q3. What sensors are used in RFID?
Depending on the Class of the tag, there are many sensors that it can have. Every RFID has a basic microchip that stores information. However, as the classes increase, so do additional sensors. For example, a Class 3 tag will have a microchip, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.
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