RFID technology is witnessing massive proliferation and wide adoption in various business sectors, including retail, healthcare, supply chains, and manufacturing. To meet the massive RFID reader demands, various firms, such as Zebra Technologies, Impinj, Chainway, CAEN RFID, etc., have developed various kinds of embedded RFID reader modules and external RFID reader modules.
RFID readers are advanced devices that can read the unique data encoded with RFID tags, wirelessly, and process the information using a software system. RFID reader modules can be used in handheld readers, fixed RFID readers, desktop readers, etc.
What is an RFID Module?
An RFID Reader Module is a small, basic component that acts as the core of an RFID reading system, essentially just the circuitry needed to read RFID tags. RFID reader modules can be embedded as well as external. The main functionality of an RFID reader module is to read RFID tags which is quite different from an RFID reader engine which handles data interpretation, filtering, and communication with other systems beyond just reading tags.
CAEN RFID develops multiple low, mid, and high-range RFID reader modules. These are programmable and support low-frequency, high-frequency, and ultra-high-frequency RFID readings.
UHF RFID Reader Modules
There are many RAIN RFID (UHF RFID) modules developed by Zebra Technologies, Impinj, Chainway, and CAEN RFID. These RFID reader modules empower the RFID readers with an advanced tag reading with a long read range and high transmit power. One such reader module is CAEN RFID’s Lepton9 UHF Reader module.
The Lepton9 (Model R9100C) is an ultra-compact reader that consumes low power and offers high performance in various RAIN RFID applications. It is designed with programmable output power ranging from 10dBm to 30dBm and the Lepton9 reader can detect tags at more than 5 mt of distance (depending on antenna and tag dimensions). For it consumes low power, it is specifically designed to be easily integrated into battery-powered devices, say RFID handheld readers, mobile devices, etc.
Features of Lepton9 RFID Reader Module
The module features a radio frequency core based on the Impinj E910 chipset which allows it to achieve fast reading speed and to be used in dense reader and dense tag environments offering top-class performances. The compactness of the device and the surface mount technology allow embedding the Lepton9 inside the new industrial handhelds with a small form factor, smartphone accessories, and other compact form factor RFID reading devices. The reader module size is 32mm x 29mm x 4.1mm and it can be connected to RFID readers with SMD mounting option. It weighs around 5.4g.
The Lepton9 reader module is compatible with European and US regulatory environments and it’s ideal for the integration of devices requiring compliance to different geographical regions. It supports the EPCglobal gen 2 v2 and ISO18000-63 protocols for UHF RFID communications and works on UHF frequency (865.600- 867.600 MHz, 902-928 MHz). The Lepton9 comes with one antenna port and the Lepton9x4 comes with 4 antenna ports and offers -90dBm sensitivity.
Apart from the Lepton9, there are many other RFID reader modules from CAEN itself including Lepton3, Lepton7, Hadron-R4320C, CM2000 from Chainway, M200 from MTI, M6e from Jadak ThingMagic, M-2600 from Rodinbell, SLR1100 from Silion Technology, which use the IndyR2000 Impinj Reader Chip.
RFID Reader Modules Empower Businesses
RFID reader modules are designed for low-frequency, high-frequency, and ultra-high frequency and empower various business operations in retail, retail POS, supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
These reader modules cost 200 USD+ and can be integrated with various handheld RFID readers offering:
1.RFID-based inventory management and inventory tracking
2. Item-level identification and tracking
3. Supply chain management
4. Logistics management
5. Event management and ticketing
6. Access control and security
7. Laundry management and linen tracking with RFID
8. RFID library management, etc.
Finally, RFID reader modules are the crucial components behind every RFID reader whether it is a handheld reader or a fixed reader. Some reader modules are designed specifically for battery-operated readers such as RFID handheld readers and wearable devices that support RFID and NFC readings.
There are various RFID manufacturers that design innovative RFID modules for all uses. Many of these manufacturers use RFID chips designed by Impinj, NXP, Alien technologies, etc.
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