Qualcomm Technologies has rolled out the world’s first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities.
The Qualcomm Dragonwing Q-6690 includes built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband, supporting proximity-aware experiences and superior global connectivity. Designed to support a wide range devices from ruggedized handhelds to retail point-of-sale systems and smart kiosks, the mobile processor offers OEMs and ODMs a scalable and upgrade-ready platform with software-configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air.
Fully integrated with RFID capabilities, the Q-6690 eliminates the need for external RFID reader modules and therefore enabling smaller, more efficient device designs. This integration eases the enablement of security-focused, contactless use cases such as access control, asset tracking, inventory management, and product authentication, ideal for retail, logistics, and industrial applications.
Retailer Focused
Art Miller, vice president and head of retail, Qualcomm Technologies said the Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform.
“[It was] designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” said Miller. “We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”
Range of Uses
The Dragonwing Q-6690 introduces software-configurable feature packs that let OEMs choose their offerings depending on the computing demands, multimedia capabilities, camera support, or peripheral configurations they need with the ability to upgrade over the air without redesigning hardware. This modular approach accelerates time to market and reduces certification overhead as well as extending product lifecycles by enabling over-the-air upgrades as customer needs evolve.
The processor can be a differentiator for OEMs and ODMs handheld devices in a wide range of edge applications, including retail inventory management, POS and self-checkout kiosks; electronic cash registers; asset tracking and shipment handling; patient monitoring; medical inventory management; and product authentication.
Officials noted by embedding RFID functionality directly into the processor, the Dragonwing Q-6690 enables concurrent operation with other integrated radios without interference or the need for additional RF front-end components. And the integrated RFID design is ideal for battery-sensitive applications like handhelds, mobile POS systems and smart kiosks.
RAIN Compliant
As the first enterprise mobile processor to feature an integrated UHF RFID reader, its offers compliance with the RAIN specification. Additionally, the processor is Gen2X-capable. Gen2X is a toolbox with protocol innovations and enhancements that address enterprise needs. RAIN member company Impinj published Gen2X to the industry with the goal of accelerating RAIN adoption.
“Qualcomm Technologies has taken a big step toward accelerating the adoption of RAIN RFID,” says Chris Diorio, the CEO, vice chair and co-founder at Impinj. “We’re pleased that the Dragonwing Q-6690 processor is Gen2X-capable. This processor will streamline device design, reduce costs and open up new possibilities for enterprise and industrial devices that will help connect every item in our everyday world.”