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Element ID Unveils RFID Readers for Industrial Automation
For example, a tagged container passes an RFID interrogator, which reads the tag's unique ID number, checks shipping instructions or other back-end data regarding that container and determines that the tagged item needs to be diverted to another conveyor beginning farther down the line. The reader prepares a message to the sorting system that handles that diversion, but needs to send that message at the precise moment the tagged item reaches that particular sorting system. TagLink tracks the item, taking into account what is happening with all of the various automation systems, in order to ensure the message is delivered at the proper time. TagLink, for instance, will recalculate the message delivery time if a conveyor system halts or slows for any reason, thus affecting when the tagged item reaches the diversion point.
Element ID's software components are embedded in the readers, which Romaine says have "a lot of processing horsepower and are really designed specifically for automation. The readers have high-performance processors and the highly optimized software." In addition, he notes, the interrogators contain built-in application interfaces that work with approximately 80 percent of the various automation systems currently in existence, thus eliminating the need for custom software coding. The readers have a built-in Web browser interface, and by securely logging into a host computer and typing in an interrogator's IP address, a user can fully configure the system via a drop-down menu.
The readers operate with external antennas—standard antenna sizes include 2.5 inches (ANT-2.5), 4.5 inches (ANT-4.5), 6 inches (ANT-0606S) and 12 inches under-conveyor (ANT-1205R)—with custom antennas also available. In addition, the interrogators feature LED diagnostics for quick, at-a-glance performance analysis and a rugged, industrial construction with a sealed enclosure to minimize dust intrusion.
Pricing varies depending on antenna configurations, but the HF-1 starts at $3,250. The HF-1B, which lacks the TagLink software and a few other features, starts at $2,000. The readers, now in production, are expected to become available by late May 2009.
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| The HF1 RFID interrogator |
Element ID's software components are embedded in the readers, which Romaine says have "a lot of processing horsepower and are really designed specifically for automation. The readers have high-performance processors and the highly optimized software." In addition, he notes, the interrogators contain built-in application interfaces that work with approximately 80 percent of the various automation systems currently in existence, thus eliminating the need for custom software coding. The readers have a built-in Web browser interface, and by securely logging into a host computer and typing in an interrogator's IP address, a user can fully configure the system via a drop-down menu.
Pricing varies depending on antenna configurations, but the HF-1 starts at $3,250. The HF-1B, which lacks the TagLink software and a few other features, starts at $2,000. The readers, now in production, are expected to become available by late May 2009.
