Intermec Technologies Corp has introduced a new FCC Part 15 -approved Intellitag® Fixed Reader, the next generation in RFID technology.
Designed for rugged industrial applications, Intermec''s new ITRF provides four addressable antenna ports for flexible, economical integration with existing wireless LANs. The ITRF also includes RS232 and RS422 serial ports for easy connection with the programmable logic controllers (PLC) found in many industrial and manufacturing environments. This feature allows the ITRF to connect with plant equipment, such as a conveyor belt PLC, to identify and control the movement of a work-in-process items, containers, totes, pallets and other similar objects based on information stored in an RFID tag.
ITRF is available in both 915 MHz and 2450 MHz frequency bands and is packaged in a sturdy extruded aluminum enclosure with a power supply. The reader is ready for freestanding installation in industrial environments and integration into supply chain management for commercial operations, industrial manufacturing, and logistics applications. The modules also are supplied in OEM and integrator configurations without the aluminum housing, making them easy to integrate into other systems and enclosures. Both versions are ideal for RFID standards-compliant systems that require an extended read range (up to 3 meters), multi-tag sort, read/write capabilities and memory capacity not provided by "proximity" technology.
The RF power output and duty cycle for the ITRF''s four antenna ports are programmable, allowing operation to be configured to meet regulatory requirements governing the consumption of RF bandwidth and to meet specific user requirements, such as coexistence with an installed wireless LAN.
Intellitag is an integral part of Intermec''s commitment to deliver total data capture infrastructure solutions, from local and wide-area WLANs, mobile computers, data collection terminals and printers to media, services and a full family of RFID products and services. Intermec''s Intellitag systems include two generations of fixed readers, dual-mode RFID and barcode handheld readers, PC card (PCMCIA) readers, RFID inserts, tags and smart labels, as well as the expertise to successfully deploy them. All Intellitag technologies comply with existing and emerging RFID industry standards, including ISO 18000 (item identification), EAN.UCC GTAG™ (macro supply chain), ANSI MH10.8.4 (reusable container tracking) and ANSI AIAG B-11 (tire and wheel identification).
"This new reader incorporates all of the user requirements we learned about from our first-generation fixed network reader, the 2100UAP," said Jim Evans, Intermec vice president, Intellitag business development. "ITRF expands on the benefits of the 2100UAP with an added fixed reader for portal, dock door and conveyor applications. It is ready to use or ready to integrate, and offers an array of flexible, economical configurations, easy-to-integrate interfaces. Like virtually all Intermec products, it is designed for industrial environments."