RFID reader automatically tunes antenna

-- Modern Materials Handling, 1/9/2007

A new RFID tag reader from Accu-Sort Systems (Booth 1031) automatically tunes to the proper frequency, freeing the installer from performing that step and significantly reducing installation time.

The reader is designed to fit into a roller slot in a conveyor. It operates with reusable passive tags operating at 13.56 MHz, which makes it ideal for tracking reusable assets, like plastic totes used for work-in-process.

In addition, the reader and its antenna store operating parameters for the current installation. If either the reader or antenna needs to be replaced, the new component simply reads the set-up parameters from the installed device.

"Using this reader, the need to fine tune every read point in a facility is over," said Troy Herman, RFID sales engineer and solutions specialist for Accu-Sort Systems.

Herman added that the reader offers three improvements over previous readers:

• The self-tuning feature allows a reader to be installed and operational in minutes.

• The reader can communicate over an Ethernet or EthernetIP network.

• The reader can adjust the power up to 1 watt, which enables an end user to adjust the read range of the reader and tags, according to a specific application.