What are RFID readers?

RFID readers are active devices that use radio waves for the contactless reading out of information saved on an RFID transponder. Most RFID readers are also capable of writing information onto transponders. An RFID reader is normally equipped with a microprocessor or a digital signal processor, as well as an internal or external antenna that calls up the information on the RFID transponder. The RFID reader then passes this data on to a communication interface which in turn sends the information to conventional industrial interfaces, and protocols on to an external host system, warehouse management systems, production planning systems or enterprise resource planning systems. Larger data volumes can then be interpreted and targeted searches for tagged objects performed.

How do RFID readers work?

RFID readers are active devices that use radio waves for the contactless reading out of information saved on an RFID transponder. Most RFID readers are also capable of writing information onto transponders. An RFID reader is normally equipped with a microprocessor or a digital signal processor, as well as an internal or external antenna that calls up the information on the RFID transponder. The RFID reader then passes this data on to a communication interface which in turn sends the information to conventional industrial interfaces, and protocols on to an external host system, warehouse management systems, production planning systems or enterprise resource planning systems. Larger data volumes can then be interpreted and targeted searches for tagged objects performed.

How many different RFID readers are there?

RFID readers are available in different variants for the most diverse industries and applications, meaning that they do not have a typical standardized design. There are a number of different ways to categorize them: based on their range, frequency, protocol type, power supply, etc., and a differentiation is made between stationary and mobile RFID readers.

Stationary RFID readers

In industrial applications, stationary readers are permanently fixed at one particular position in systems or factories in order to detect or identify goods. For access controls, they are fitted for example near to a guard door and permit employee access with the personal RFID transponders in their key cards. In both cases, the stationary RFID readers communicate directly with an external host system.

Mobile RFID handheld readers

Mobile RFID readers or handheld readers have similar functions but have a more compact design like that of a smartphone and do not require a permanent power connection. The read data is temporarily saved on the handheld reader and only transmitted to a host system later, either via Wi-Fi or by plugging the handheld reader into a docking station.