What are the different form factors of RFID readers?

Modified on Fri, 30 Aug at 2:58 PM

There are several different RFID reader form factors. The choice depends on the use-case, performance requirements for the application.

Mobile interrogators, such as handheld interrogators, are often used for low-volume reading or writing in exception processing, quality assurance, and mobile shipping receiving units. Handheld interrogators come in a variety of forms and have a vast selection of options for communications (USB, Bluetooth, WIFI, etc.). Beyond classical RFID performances, the choice of a mobile reader is also driven by the battery life, size and weight and other available features like the ability to read 1 or 2-D barcodes. Mobiles readers can have their own screen or can be associated with smartphones and tablets in order to benefit from existing applications, OS and communication features.

Fixed interrogators are designed to be used with external antennas placed where RFID reads, writes and inventories are required. They can benefit from a power supply and network connection. Depending on the number and design of the antennas, the readers can be designed as portal, tunnel, overhead. They can also be placed on industrial vehicles like forklifts.

Embedded interrogators(modules) can be a cost-effective way for OEMs and systems integrators to add RFID reader capability to nearly any product design.

Integrated interrogators are some kind of fixed interrogators for which both reader electronics (embedded RFID interrogator) and antenna are gathered in the same package.