There are several things to know about RFID accessories. Active tags are self-powered, while passive ones receive their power from the reader’s RF field. RFID antennas are a key part of RFID accessories, as they are what generate the RF field. Read on to find out more about each of the three types of readers: Fixed, mobile, and fixed mount. Once you know what type you need, you can begin the shopping process.
Active Tags are Self-Powered
Unlike passive RFID Accessories, tags, active RFID tags are self-powered and can be connected to a host device for wireless communication. The tags transmit wireless location beacon signals to provide location information. As shown in FIG. 1, an active RFID tag can be connect to a host device via an electrical pass-through connector, which provides external power from the AC mains. In addition, a pass-through connection also allows the tags to monitor how much power is used by the host device.
Another benefit of an active RFID tag is its longer read range. Active tags can receive a signal from several meters away. They can be read over shorter distances without requiring direct line of sight and are typically used for high volume assets such as cars and warehouses. Moreover, they can be ruggedized for use in harsh environments, and their price is far less than passive tags. However, this does not mean that passive RFID tags are not a good option for IT asset management.
Passive Tags are get Power by the Reader’s RF Field
Passive RFID tags wait for a signal from the RFID reader. The reader sends energy through the antenna to a power source, which converts the energy into an RF wave that enters the red zone. The internal antenna of the RFID tag draws the energy from the RF waves and moves to a chip powered by an IC. The chip then generates a signal that is sent back to the RF system. This backscatter is interpreted by the reader.
Passive RFID tags are available in various operating frequencies. The lowest cost passive tag is Ultra High-frequency (UHF) and is the de facto industry standard for supply-chain tracking. They can reach read ranges of 20 meters and are sensitive to metal and liquids. Higher frequency passive tags are susceptible to interference because they have a shorter energy wavelength. They can also negatively affect read ranges.
RFID Antennas Generate an RF Field
RFID antennas generate an RF field when they transmit information. These waves are a combination of electric and magnetic fields that are orthogonal to one another. Depending on the distance between an antenna and its target, these waves can be either far-field or near-field. RAIN tags are get power by either a far-field or near-field magnetic field. RFID antennas generate two types of RF fields: near-field and far-field.
Both passive and active RFID tags use radio waves to transmit and receive information. Active RFID tags are take power from a battery internal to the tag and can receive and send information up to 100 feet away. They also work better in environments where tag orientation varies, such as at a supermarket. Active RFID tags can transmit data even when the reader is a few centimeters away. A passive RFID tag uses an induced voltage from the antenna coil to power itself.
Fixed Readers
Handheld RFID readers can be use to read the tags without middleware. Fixed readers, on the other hand, are stationary and require RFID middleware. Fixed readers are often use in large settings to monitor inventory or an entire building. Handheld RFID readers are mobile but have built-in antennas. Despite the similarities between these two types of RFID readers, there are key differences between them. Read on to learn more about the differences between handheld and fixed readers.
There are many types of RFID readers, including handheld and fixed. They are often classified by connectivity, utility options, processing capabilities, antenna ports, and price. Some can cost $400 or more, depending on the features they offer. USB readers are popular for desktop and mobile applications. Handheld readers are more expensive than fixed readers and tend to have limited read ranges. Fixed readers, on the other hand, are often portable and have long read ranges.
Mobile Readers
Depending on your requirements, RFID mobile readers come in various forms. One type is called a sled reader, which fits on a mobile phone and transfers data using Bluetooth or an auxiliary connection. Another form of mobile reader is the handheld one. Handheld readers offer great flexibility in inventory management, as they can be carry around easily without the need for a fixed reading device. Handheld readers are generally more affordable than fixed readers and are useful when you need to search for a particular item.
Mobile RFID readers allow you to track important documents while they’re in transit. The technology allows you to track a physical item as it moves through a building or facility, thereby providing a history of the last check-out and read. RFID readers can be place in key areas, such as at the entrance to a store. If you have multiple RFID readers installed throughout a store, you can use them to track the items at different checkpoints.
RFID Printer Accessories
If you’re considering purchasing an RFID printer, you might be wondering what accessories you’ll need to get start. RFID printers can encode and print RFID tags. Make sure to read the data sheet on your printer to determine the size of the tags you can print. Generally, tags are four to six inches in width, and if your printer doesn’t support the larger size, you’ll need to buy some other accessories.
An RFID printer should come with a cutter, a rewinder, and a peeler. These will make the process of printing tags easy and fast. The cutter comes with your printer, while the rewinder winds the tags from the printer onto a new roll. RFID printers need to be store in a temperature-controlled environment. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on storage and maintenance.
