RFID Reader Modules

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
ARRRN5-868.000MHZ Abracon	RFID READER 868MHZ MODULE	0
ANT411 ifm Efector	READ/WRITE HEAD; 13,56 MHZ; DATA	0
ARRAN5-868.000MHZ Abracon	RFID READER 868MHZ MODULE	39
1524.001.01 FEIG ELECTRONIC	RFID READER READ ONLY 13.56MHZ	10
0134220001 Woodhead - Molex	ENTERPRISE RFID READER	2
0134230001 Woodhead - Molex	SMART ANTENNA RFID READER	5
28440 Parallax, Inc.	RFID READER R/W 125KHZ MODULE	50
1638.003.02 FEIG ELECTRONIC	RFID READER READ ONLY 13.56MHZ	3
000462	PEPPER C1 MUX RS485	0
4128.001.00 FEIG ELECTRONIC	ID ISC.LRU1002-FCC UHF LR READ	8
DLP-RFID2D DLP Design, Inc.	RFID READER R/W 13.56MHZ MOD	22
1834.000.00 FEIG ELECTRONIC	RFID READER READ ONLY 13.56MHZ	0
DLP-RFID1 DLP Design, Inc.	RFID READER R/W 13.56MHZ MODULE	11
M6E-NANO ThingMagic, a JADAK Brand	RFID READER R/W 859-930MHZ MOD	2632
RI-STU-MRD2 Texas Instruments	RFID READER R/W 134.2KHZ MODULE	480
3478.000.00 FEIG ELECTRONIC	ID ISC.MU02.02-CU UHF READRMOD	10
SEN-09963 SparkFun	SPARKFUN RFID USB READER	0
RWD-QT-R2 RF Solutions	RFID READER R/W 125KHZ 24-DIL	0
113990014 Seeed	RFID READER R/W 125KHZ MODULE	0
MFRC50001T/OFE NXP Semiconductors	IC MIFARE READER 32SO	0

RFID Reader Modules

1. Overview

RF/IF (Radio Frequency/Intermediate Frequency) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader modules are critical components in wireless communication systems. These modules enable data exchange between readers and tags through electromagnetic waves. Operating across various frequency bands (low-frequency, high-frequency, ultra-high-frequency, and microwave), they play a vital role in modern applications such as asset tracking, access control, supply chain management, and IoT devices. Their ability to support contactless identification and data transmission drives efficiency and automation across industries.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Low-Frequency (LF) RFID Readers	Short read range (0-10 cm), low data rate, robust against interference	Animal identification, car key immobilizers
High-Frequency (HF) RFID Readers	Read range up to 10 cm, supports ISO/IEC 14443 standards	Contactless payment, smart posters
Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) RFID Readers	Long-range (up to 15 meters), high-speed data transfer	Logistics tracking, warehouse inventory
Active RFID Readers	Battery-powered tags, extended range (>10 meters)	Fleet management, real-time location systems

3. Structure and Components

A typical RFID reader module comprises:

Antenna: Transmits/receives RF signals to/from tags.
RF Front-End: Converts analog signals to digital, handles modulation/demodulation.
Processor: Executes protocol stacks (e.g., EPCglobal) and data filtering.
Interface: Connects to host systems via UART, SPI, Ethernet, or wireless protocols (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth).
Power Supply: Regulates power for operation, often supporting PoE or battery sources.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Frequency Range	Operational band (e.g., 860 960 MHz for UHF)	Determines regulatory compliance and application suitability
Read Range	Distance between reader and tag (cm to meters)	Impacts deployment flexibility
Data Transfer Rate	Speed of data exchange (kbps to Mbps)	Critical for high-throughput environments
Protocol Support	Standards like ISO/IEC 14443, EPC C1G2	Ensures interoperability with tags
Environmental Tolerance	Operating temperature/humidity range	Affects reliability in harsh conditions

5. Application Areas

Major industries utilizing RFID reader modules include:

Supply Chain: Inventory management (e.g., Amazon warehouses)
Healthcare: Patient tracking and medication management
Retail: Smart shelves and anti-theft systems
Transportation: Toll collection (e.g., E-ZPass systems)
Manufacturing: Tool tracking and workflow automation

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Example	Key Features
Impinj	R420 UHF Reader	Supports 860 960 MHz, 30 dBm output power
Alien Technology	ALR-9900+	Enterprise-grade UHF reader with IPX6 rating
Honeywell	XF RFID Reader	Multi-protocol support for HF/LF tags
STMicroelectronics	ST25RU3993	Near-field UHF reader for secure access control

7. Selection Recommendations

Key factors for selecting RFID reader modules:

Frequency Compatibility: Match reader frequency with tag specifications.
Read Range Requirements: Choose UHF for long-range or HF/LF for short-range precision.
Environmental Conditions: Consider IP ratings for outdoor/dusty environments.
Protocol Standards: Ensure alignment with industry-specific protocols.
Cost vs. Performance: Balance budget with critical features like speed and durability.

Industry Trends

Future developments include:

Higher Frequency Adoption: Growth in 860 960 MHz and microwave readers for global supply chains.
Miniaturization: Compact modules for IoT and wearable devices.
AI Integration: Edge computing capabilities for real-time data analysis.
Enhanced Security: Advanced encryption for NFC and HF readers in payment systems.
Passive RFID Advancements: Extended read ranges without battery power.