Enterprises purchasing RFID equipment need to understand not only the requirements of their deployed RFID system for readers, but also the characteristics of general-purpose readers. After analyzing the RFID business needs and confirming that RFID will bring considerable returns, the next step is to consider which model of reader to purchase. This article is a valuable reference for users preparing to deploy UHF EPC, as it provides a good method for selecting readers that can save hardware investment while meeting current RFID needs.
Each enterprise must determine the reader model based on its position in the supply chain, as well as the purpose and location for installing RFID readers. Choosing the correct UHF reader is critical for the successful implementation of other tasks. A reasonable reader purchasing strategy can reduce costs; for example, buying in large batches with fewer orders is more economical than small batches with multiple orders.
Cost Budget
You must calculate all required costs, including equipment costs as well as antenna, antenna cable, and network cable expenses, all of which should be included in the installation costs. Additionally, many users need to install power supplies to power the readers. Of course, software to monitor the readers is also needed.
Choosing Smart Readers or Dumb ReadersFirst, users should choose between smart readers and dumb readers. Smart readers can read tag information at different frequencies and have data filtering and instruction execution capabilities, while dumb readers have fewer functions but are cheaper. In specific operations, sometimes multiple readers are needed to read tags of a single model, such as reading tags on a conveyor belt; in such cases, simpler readers can be used. However, if a retailer's products come from different suppliers, smart readers are needed to obtain information from different tags.
As the amount of processed data increases, end users are using more smart readers. Some smart readers can not only filter data but also store data. Some smart readers have advanced filtering capabilities, processing data to retain useful information. For example, when a tagged pallet passes by a reader, due to congestion, the reader may need to read the tag more than once, but it only inputs the tag ID number into the inventory management system once.
Some smart readers can execute filtering commands by running application software. For example, some retailers have readers with audible and visual alarms in the receiving area. If a reader reads the tag of a newly purchased item that is not on the sales shelf, the reader will alarm, and the clerk will immediately place the item on the shelf.
Before purchasing a reader, multiple considerations must be made. Undoubtedly, buying a dumb reader saves costs, but as application software upgrades, a dumb reader cannot be replaced by a smart reader within a short period of one and a half years. Before purchasing, also consider what data the reader needs to collect, the RFID technology used by other users in the supply chain, and when goods with RFID tags will be received, as well as the protocol used by the tags. (Currently, readers can read information from Gen1 and Gen2 tags; in the future, they may read information from Gen2 and Gen3 tags.)
Frequency
UHF tags operate at 860 MHz – 960 MHz. Due to their longer read range, they are widely used in the supply chain. However, since HF tags (operating at 13.56 MHz) perform well over short distances and are less affected by water and metal, the non-profit organization EPCglobal has set standards not only for UHF but also for HF tags. Therefore, when purchasing readers, consider whether a multi-frequency reader is needed.
If you need to read both HF and UHF tag information, you need to decide whether to purchase both HF and UHF readers or just one multi-frequency reader. Although many reader manufacturers produce only UHF readers, multi-frequency readers are not difficult to find. Since most supply chain applications operate at UHF frequencies, the primary purchase should be UHF readers, supplemented with HF readers when necessary. This is because single-frequency readers are cheaper than multi-frequency readers.
When deploying a global RFID plan, ensure that the selected readers can work in different regions worldwide. Because RFID operating frequencies vary globally, UHF readers operate at 865–868 MHz in Europe, 902–928 MHz in North America, and 950–956 MHz in Japan.
AntennaConsider which type and how many antennas to install on fixed readers. Fixed readers either have internal antennas or multiple antenna ports for external antennas. Readers with different antenna types are generally compatible.
Fixed readers with internal antennas are easy to install, and signal attenuation from the reader to the antenna is lower. However, under the same conditions, the number of readers with internal antennas needed may exceed that of readers with external antennas.
Network Selection
Many newly installed readers are connected to local or wide area networks via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Wireless connections reduce installation difficulty and save costs because extensive cabling is not required. Handheld readers need to download data to a PC either via wired or wireless methods.
Upgrade to Gen2
To enable first-generation readers to read Gen2 tags, the firmware of first-generation tags must be upgraded. To take full advantage of Gen2 tags, it is best to also upgrade the hardware of first-generation readers. If you want to purchase readers before second-generation readers are on the market, ask the manufacturer if the hardware can be upgraded as necessary and if the firmware can be upgraded remotely over the network.
Input/Output Devices
Fixed readers connect to input/output devices that either control the reader or are controlled by it. For example, an electronic eye is an input device that activates the reader when a tag enters its working area.