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RFID READER
Kathrein's passive RAIN RFID portfolio includes stationary 4-port RFID readers (RRU) and antenna-integrated readers (ARU), mobile devices, far-field and near-field antennas and high-security transponders. These high-end devices can be used to solve applications in logistics, industrial automation, retail, vehicle identification and more.
DEMO KITS
Unlimited for partners
Reader Selection Guide
Protection class
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incl. Linux
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incl. Linux
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Wifi integrated
BLE integrated
incl. Linux
integrated
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incl. Linux
incl. Linux
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High Secure
incl. Linux
Protection class
High Secure
incl. Linux
Protection class
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Protection class
incl. Linux
Protection class
incl. Linux
Protection class
Protection class
Protection class
incl. Linux
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RFID-UHF READER
The main component of an RFID read point is the RFID read/write device, which is usually referred to as an RFID reader. The RFID reader generates an electromagnetic field by means of an RFID antenna. The electromagnetic waves are received by the antenna of the RFID transponder. The induced electrical energy is passed on to the RFID chip of the transponder. This enables the transponder to send its data to the RFID reader's antenna via the RFID transponder antenna. Protocols embedded in the operating system of the RFID reader regulate the data exchange on the so-called RFID air interface in order to read or write to the RFID transponder. Both mobile RFID readers and stationary RFID readers are available to users. Depending on the type of application, mobile or stationary RFID reading systems (RFID readers) are recommended depending on the processes to be mapped.
STATIONARY RFID UHF READER
Stationary RFID reader systems are available in two versions: one with an integrated RFID antenna and one with one or more external antenna(s) connections or ports. Simple RFID readers offer USB or serial interfaces, while high-end devices usually have powerful interfaces such as TCP/IP or even wireless interfaces such as BLE, WiFi or 4G Mobile Interface. An integrated operating system based on Linux makes RFID readers flexible and easy to integrate into existing backend systems.
Customized RFID applications with Kathrein Solutions
SCALABLE
Kathrein RFID antenna interface ©KRAI enables the control of up to 32 reading points with one reader and thus reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO)
Kathrein RFID readers and antennas save costs because they are simple and scalable:
- Extension of the antenna properties through dynamic adaptation during operation
- Simple expansion of reading points through daisy chain connection
- Scalable reading points for spatial detection in shelving or point of sales applications
- Additional function with switch-beam system for easy shipment tracking
- Increased user-friendliness through additional LED displays for remote passive antennas
The Kathrein RFID Antenna Interface ©KRAI offers the following improvements:
- Applications are optimized more easily and quickly thanks to dynamic antenna settings
- Unique antenna switching enables the use of cascades for ID processes on shelves and at the PoS
- Thanks to the unique ©KRAI communication, antennas and readers exchange data for easier installation and smooth operation. This data and the control signals are exchanged directly and bidirectionally via the existing antenna cable
- With the intelligent ©KRAI controller in the reader, the antennas can be easily managed and added as required. In this way, up to 32 antennas can be detected in a shelf application, which transmit not only the reading data but also the spatial position
- Unique switch-beam antennas separate the reading area in the gate into three individual zones and thus enable staggered shipment tracking
SAFETY
Security - Maximum security for payment and crypto systems thanks to built-in high-security memory module for managing and executing encrypted signals
Kathrein readers meet the highest security and cryptosystem requirements, for
- Unique registration for payment systems such as smart parking and smart refueling
- The clear assignment of authorizations for smart city applications
- Secure encryption of data both on the air interface and in the IP network
- Simple and powerful management of crypto keys in the Kathrein High-Secure Memory module without additional hardware costs
- Secure and fast authentication of goods and objects on site
The Kathrein RFID reader with high-security memory module offers the following improvements:
- Secure storage of the crypto keys on the reader in a separate memory bank that is protected against unauthorized access
- HSM module is automatically deleted in the event of unauthorized access attempts to ensure the permanent security of the keys
- In addition to the static definition of keys, unique keys can also be calculated without access to the algorithm
- Keys can be managed for groups of users, but also uniquely for each user - key diversification
- Access data is decrypted directly on site in order to make decisions or assign bookings; this eliminates the need for lengthy and encrypted access to the backend system
PERFORMANCE
Performance - The premium 33 dBm UHF RF unit and powerful, scalable CPU change the way identification works
Kathrein readers meet the highest requirements for RFID reading and writing performance, for
- Detection of transponders at long distances of up to 20 m with simultaneous selective detection using special long-range antennas
- High-speed access to transponders to gain access to vehicles on highways for electronic toll collection (ETC)
- Detection of numerous transponders in logistics applications, while at the same time avoiding false-positive readings
- Robust reading even in disturbed areas due to metal or liquids in the reading field
- Separation of strong but interfering transponders from the desired but weak transponders
- Powerful performance with simple user guidance thanks to free Reader!Start test and configuration software
The Kathrein RFID reader offers performance based on the following improvements:
- Best-in-class RF unit with up to 33 dBm output power at the socket
- Optimized self-jammer cancellation design to reduce unwanted read fluctuations caused by dynamic interference
- Very wide adjustment range for the output power combined with a high sensitivity of +33 dBm
- Powerful data engine for processing up to 1,000 transponders per second
CONNECTIVITY
Connectivity - Flexible range of interfaces to reduce installation costs and easy adaptation to existing IT networks
Kathrein readers offer maximum flexibility when connecting RFID readers by cable or radio
- Fast and cost-saving integration into the existing IT infrastructure
- Existing IT networks are connected directly, whether wired via Ethernet or wireless with Bluetooth, WiFi or 4G mobile networks
- For system expansions, readers can be integrated more easily if several equivalent IT networks can be selected
The Kathrein readers offer the following connectivity advantages:
- Reduces installation costs with integrated wired or wireless communication modules
- Increases flexibility with a PoE interface for supplying and connecting the readers with just one cable
- Enables a wide range of applications by combining RFID unit and several communication interfaces in one device
- Reduces installation time as Ethernet-based sensors or devices can be connected without additional accessories and this second Ethernet port also enables the formation of reader clusters without complex network cabling
ROBUST
Robust - the robust design and high IP67 protection rating enable use in harsh conditions without an additional protective housing.
The robust design of Kathrein readers and antennas enables universal use in an unlimited range of applications, as:
- environmental conditions are no longer a limiting factor
- The requirements for waterproofness and dust resistance are also becoming increasingly important indoors
- Additional costs for protective housing or other measures are avoided
- It enables many years of use with very low failure rates
The robust IP67 design of Kathrein products enables
- The direct use of readers and antennas in areas with high humidity
- The direct use of readers and antennas in outdoor areas with rain and snow
- Direct use of the readers and antennas in industrial areas with dust and dirt
INNOVATIVE
Innovative - Thanks to the open Kathrein Linux platform, the application programs run directly on the reader, without additional costs for an external controller
Kathrein offers the space for innovative implementations and our customers the freedom for creative ideas through
- An integrated industrial PC for high-performance applications
- A robust Linux that is open for customer applications
- A powerful programming environment that also supports .NET
This makes it possible to make an initial decision about the HW or to optimize the data obtained - And all this without additional costs - integrated in the IP67 housing - simple and innovative to use
The open Kathrein Linux platform includes
- A powerful industrial PC with dual core CPU and 8 GB memory
- An optimized Linux environment that focuses on the essentials
- A flexible development environment so that customers can easily use this innovative platform
- A high level of support through constant exchange with the customer
CASE STUDIES
RFID technology: Your path to a successful future!
RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology has been around since the 1960s, but it has remained innovative throughout the years. RFID has constantly evolved. Every new "RFID reader" and every new "RFID transponder" is better than any before.
New areas of application are constantly being developed for RFID. Today, the technology has the potential to make your company, organization or municipality faster, better and more efficient in important tasks.
Get to know cost-efficient RFID technology from KATHREIN Solutions and find out how it can benefit you. We are one of the leading providers of Auto-ID solutions (automatic identification of objects and data capture). And we offer you scalable RFID solutions for a wide range of requirements. Start a successful future with our solutions.
RFID TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPPORT YOU IN MANY WAYS!
- Identification of objects: Use RFID technology in the container terminal to quickly and easily identify individual containers and their contents or general cargo stored in the warehouse.
- Optimization of the traffic flow: Optimize the flow of traffic in your municipality with the help of intelligent traffic telematics RFID systems, which include, for example, traffic-dependent traffic light systems (LSA).
- Innovative parking solutions: Enable customers to use RFID technology in parking garages for ticketless and convenient parking without having to search for a parking space.
- Efficient fleet management: Use RFID technology to organize a fleet management system that gives authorized drivers keyless access to vehicles and documents who drove which vehicle and when.
- Optimized medication administration in hospitals: Optimize and automate the dispensing of medication, for example, with RFID technology.
- Automated productionDocument the production progress with an RFID chip on a product in the manufacturing process. This allows your automated production system to recognize when a step has been completed and a new one can begin.
These are just a few examples of how RFID systems with transmitter and receiver components can optimize processes. There are many more. Let's have a non-binding chat about what RFID technology from KATHREIN Solutions could do for you. We look forward to getting to know you.
RFID systems are simple: Something sends. Something receives.
RFID technologies are transmitter-receiver systems for wireless data exchange using radio waves. The transmitter is usually an "RFID transponder" and the data is received by an "RFID reader". Depending on the transmission frequency, a distinction is made between LF (low-frequency), HF (high-frequency) and UHF (ultra-high-frequency) RFID systems. LF systems have relatively low transmission rates, but are the least susceptible to interference. If higher frequencies are used for transmission, the transmission rates increase. However, the susceptibility to interference is somewhat greater. A special application is "Near Field Communication" (NFC) as RFID technology for wireless data exchange, in which mobile devices are used.
RFID TRANSPONDER
With RFID transponders, a distinction is made between passive and active transponders. While passive transponders are powered by the radio waves they receive, active transponders have their own power supply. With passive transponders, a distinction is made between read-only, write-once-read-many and read-and-write transponders. Active transponders can usually be read and written to.
RFID READERS
Like RFID transponders, readers are also available for different frequency ranges. A distinction is made between stationary and mobile devices, whereby - depending on the reader - very different distances between the transponder and RFID reader can be realized.
INTEGRATION INTO HIGHER-LEVEL SYSTEMS
Transmitter-receiver systems based on RFID technologies can be integrated into higher-level systems. In these systems, for example, software can document and analyze the data collected and transmitted via transponders and readers. KATHREIN Solutions offers you the CrossTalk product as an innovative software solution.
RFID SYSTEMS ARE BETTER THAN BARCODES
RFID technology is a good alternative to barcode systems for object identification. It eliminates the need for direct contact between the transmitter and receiver and speeds up data transfer. The radio waves also penetrate numerous materials, meaning that data transfer using an RFID system is highly resistant to interference factors.
What can RFID technology from KATHREIN Solutions do?
Always more! At KATHREIN Solutions you get exactly the RFID system that best suits your purposes. As an experienced partner to our customers, we not only offer suitable hardware and software for efficient RFID systems.
FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does an RFID system work?
An RFID system consists of an RFID reader and one or more RFID transponders (also known as tags). The reader sends out a signal that is received by the tag. The tag then sends its data back to the reader.
What types of RFID readers does Kathrein Solutions offer?
We offer a wide range of RFID readers, including stationary 4-port RFID readers, antenna-integrated readers and mobile devices for various applications such as logistics and industrial automation.
What distinguishes Kathrein RFID readers from others on the market?
Our RFID readers are designed for high performance and reliability in demanding environments. They have advanced features such as integrated Linux systems and support for multiple communication interfaces such as WiFi, BLE and 4G.
In which industries can RFID technology be used?
RFID technology is used in numerous sectors, including logistics, industrial automation and vehicle identification.
Can I integrate RFID into my existing infrastructure?
Yes, our RFID solutions are designed so that they can be easily integrated into existing systems. We also offer comprehensive advice and support during integration.
What types of protection do your RFID devices offer?
Our devices are available with various degrees of protection, including IP40 for indoor use and IP67 for outdoor operation with the highest requirements, so always the right component, to ensure safe operation in different environments.
Does Kathrein Solutions offer training on RFID technologies?
Yes, we offer comprehensive training programs aimed at sharing our RFID expertise and ensuring that our customers can realize the full potential of their RFID systems.
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