Key Takeaways:
- The upgraded Impinj R700 reader offers twice the processor performance and three times the memory size, enabling real-time edge intelligence.
- New Gen2X capabilities improve tag readability, enhance edge processing, and support future innovations via software upgrades.
Impinj has introduced a more powerful and versatile R700, being upgraded to meet the increasing computational demands of challenging use cases.
Gen2X Tag Selection allows a reader to more precisely control which tags respond during inventory. Not reading non-relevant tags improves the system performance for reading tags-of-interest. Together, these capabilities enable more reliable, high-precision autonomous reading, reducing errors, minimizing re-reads, and improving overall operational efficiency compared to previous models.
With twice the processor performance and three times the embedded application memory size of its predecessor, the upgraded R700 maintains its best-in-class RFID performance while adding significant edge computing power, allowing enterprises to collect and manage data at the edge of networks, enabling real-time edge intelligence that helps optimize speed and automation, according to company officials.
The upgrade comes as enterprises are increasingly shifting to next-generation supply chain solutions, enabled through autonomous RAIN RFID systems that automatically capture item data without human scanning or manual intervention. These solutions are touted as unlocking the power of reliable, real-time data about every item that is manufactured, transported, and sold.
“The upgraded R700 is form-, fit-, and function-compatible with the previous R700, allowing enterprises and solution providers to seamlessly migrate to the upgraded reader,” said Matt Branda, VP of Product and Solution Marketing, Impinj. “Furthermore, both readers share a common firmware image, allowing enterprises to easily manage deployments with both R700v1 and R700v2 readers.”
Designed with Autonomous Reading Solutions in Mind
Supply chains rely upon these solutions to automate high-speed package sortation and item-level shipment verification at dock doors, conveyors, and other transition points. Retail stores use these solutions to deliver always-on inventory visibility, automated checkout experiences, and high-precision loss prevention.
Across industries, autonomous reading solutions empower enterprises to solve operational challenges, reduce labor costs, and increase supply chain integrity.
Tag Readability, Edge Processing Performance
Impinj’s R700 upgrade is focused on enhanced edge processing capabilities to enable on-reader applications that analyze richer data streams at the network’s edge, transforming raw RAIN tag responses into precise, actionable, real-time insights that improve solution accuracy and latency while reducing network bandwidth use, according to company officials.
As global demand for RAIN RFID continues to grow, the company plans to continue to expand their Gen2X solution innovation toolbox. The new R700 is designed to support Gen2X Tag Read Range, a new Gen2X capability that delivers more power to tags to increase read range and readability.
Additionally, The R700 introduces Gen2X Tag Selection, which enables readers to better specify which tags should respond during inventory and which should remain quiet, helping enterprise solutions read only desired tags, along with additional Gen2X-only reader modes, and future Gen2X innovations. An FPGA-based modem inside the new R700 gives readers the flexibility to add future Gen2X innovations via software upgrades.
Inside the Upgrade
The R700 combines RAIN RFID performance with industry-leading edge processing capabilities that are essential for deploying edge intelligence directly on the reader. It extends the proven capabilities of the R700 series reader, enabling enterprises to:
- Ensure accurate and reliable RAIN system performance.The new R700 features industry-leading receive sensitivity and support for advanced features that enable reading connected items farther and faster, even in the most challenging and unpredictable RF environments. When R700 is paired with Impinj M700 and M800 series endpoint ICs, the Gen2X solutions toolbox further improves tag readability, especially for smaller tags, while also reducing stray or undesired tag reads that negatively impact system performance for tags-of-interest.
- Leverage critical edge intelligence.With 2x more powerful edge processing performance thanks to a dual-core 1 GHz 64-bit ARM A53 processor with a 64-bit Linux 6.6 operating system, the new R700 enables embedded applications and algorithms that transform RAIN data into actionable business intelligence at the edge while delivering enterprise-grade security and reliability.
- Simplify enterprise IoT solution development and deployments.Developer-friendly tools, multi-antenna support, rich connectivity, and seamless migration from existing R700 designs enable quick and efficient development of IoT solutions and faster time-to-market. Built on extensive learnings and a proven track record of enterprise-grade reliability, the new R700 continues to meet strict information security and reliability requirements.
“Gen2X Tag Read Range delivers improvements to reader-to-tag communications, allowing readers to deliver more power to supporting endpoint ICs (tag chips) and improving tag sensitivity up to 2 dB. Increasing tag sensitivity by 2 dB equates to a 26% increase in read range,” said Branda. “It can also be utilized to enable smaller tags without sacrificing read performance and/or improving tag readability in challenging conditions.”
As early adopters of the new Impinj R700 RAIN RFID reader, Matt Smith, Senior Director of Engineering, SLS., said they are excited to see Impinj build on the the best-in-class reading performance with increased computational power to meet the demands of today’s challenging autonomous applications.
“These enhancements improve read-zone control and enable real-time item-level insights,” said Smith. “Our SLS D-Series dock-door solution uses Impinj R700-series readers to deliver highly accurate reads and fast event alarming, helping our customers ensure accurate deliveries and shipments, lower shipping expenses, and improve ROI.”