RFID readers, also called interrogators, come in various configurations depending on the location, environment, and scanning coverage required. A reader is used to identify all tags within its reception area and then use there built in intelligence to aggregate and smooth the received RFID tag data.

RFID systems can be classified by the type of tag and reader. A Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) system has a passive reader which only receives signals from active tags (battery operated, transmit only). The reception range of a PRAT system reader can be adjusted from 1-2,000 feet, allowing flexibility in applications such as asset management and access control.

An Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT) system has an active reader, which transmits reader signals and receives authentication replies from passive tags. An Active Reader Active Tag (ARAT) system uses active tags awoken with an active reader signal. A variation of this system could also use a Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) tag which acts like a passive tag but has a small battery to power the tag’s return reporting signal.

Fixed readers are set up to create a specific interrogation zone which can be tightly controlled such as RFID gateways. This allows a highly defined reading area for when tags go in and out of the interrogation zone such staff entering different areas of a facility. Mobile readers on the other hand may be hand-held or mounted on vehicles.

Electro-Com have a wide range RFID readers to suit the wide ranging requirments of our customers.

The include RFID readers from industry leading RFID manufactruers such as FEIG, Texas Instruments, Balogh, Aceprox, ACTAtek but to name a few.

For more details on RFID readers please contact us