| RFID Readers |
| What is an agile reader? |
An agile reader is one that can read tags operating at different frequencies or using different methods of communication between the tags and readers.
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| What are intelligent and dumb readers? |
These terms are not precise, but many people use "intelligent reader" to describe one that has the ability not just to run different protocols, but also to filter data and even run applications. Essentially, it is a computer that communicates with the tags. A "dumb" reader, by contrast, is a simple device that might read only one type of tag using one frequency and one protocol. This type typically has very little computing power, so it can't filter reads, store tag data and so on.
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| What is reader collision? |
One problem encountered with RFID is that the signal from one reader can interfere with the signal from another where coverage overlaps. This is called reader collision. One way to avoid the problem is to use a technique called time division multiple access, or TDMA. In simple terms, the readers are instructed to read at different times, rather than both trying to read at the same time. This ensures that they don't interfere with each other. But it also means any RFID tag in an area where two readers overlap will be read twice. So the system has to be set up so that if one reader reads a tag, another reader does not read it again.
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| What is "dense reader" mode? |
This is a mode of operation that prevents readers from interfering with one another when many are used in close proximity to one another. Readers hop between channels within a certain frequency spectrum (in the United States, they can hop between 902 MHz and 928 MHz) and may be required to listen for a signal before using a channel. If they "hear" another reader using that channel, they go to another channel to avoid interfering with the reader on that channel.
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| Can Class 1 and Class 0 readers be upgraded to read Gen 2 tags? |
In most cases, a reader that reads Class 1 or Class 0 tags, or both, can be upgraded to read EPC Gen 2 tags by changing the reader firmware. However, EPCglobal plans to certify three different levels of Gen 2-compliant readers. At the lowest level, readers will be certified to work only when there are no other readers within a 1 km radius. The next level will be for readers capable of being deployed with several readers within a 1 km radius. The highest level will be certified to work alongside 50 or more readers within a 1km radius. Readers might need a hardware upgrade, as well as a software upgrade, to achieve the highest level of certification.
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| Who are the leading RFID reader vendors? |
There are many different RFID reader makers. They may make smart readers or dumb readers. Some focus only on UHF. Others sell low-, high- and ultra-high frequency systems. RFID Journal has created a searchable database of RFID vendors around the world. Visit our online buyer's guide to locate the type of vendor you are looking for.
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