| RFID handheld scans distant tags |
Oct. 30, 2008
 Convergence Systems Limited (CSL) announced a Windows CE 5.0 handheld computer with an RFID reader claimed capable of "breakthrough performance." The CS101 reads over distances to 36 feet, has a 3.5-inch display and QWERTY keyboard, includes a barcode scanner, and features 802.11b/g wireless networking, says CSL.
(Click here for a slightly larger view of CSL's CS101)
The Hong Kong company claims its new CS101 is the industry's first handheld reader that can equal the performance of a fixed device. The device is said to read standard passive-dipole RFID tags at distances of up to 36 feet in closed spaces, or 23 feet in open spaces. Read rates are typically 150 tags per second, peaking at 400 tags per second, the company adds.
According to CSL, the CS101 is particularly applicable to asset tracking applications in the defense, security, and logistics markets. The device includes a unique "Geiger counter" tag search and item location mode, the company says.
CSL's CS101
The chunky-looking gadget incorporates a 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 resolution. It also sports a full QWERTY keyboard, a five-way controller, plus dedicated buttons for triggering scans, says CSL.
Basic computing competence for the CS101 is supplied by an unnamed 400MHz Samsung processor, and 64MB of RAM. The handheld has 128MB of flash storage, plus an SD expansion slot, according to the company.
An "easily field replaceable" battery is said to provide 1.5 hours of continuous RFID scanning, and 20 hours of standby. Like most other devices aimed at rough-and-tumble warehouse environments (just what do they get up to in there?), the CS101 is rated to withstand five-foot drops onto concrete.
As for its wireless capabilities, the RFID reader is available with a linear antenna that's polarized either vertically or horizontally, catering for the expected spatial distribution of the tags that are being scanned. Additionally, five different models cater to the different frequency ranges used internationally. For example, the U.S. model scans using 902 to 928MHz, while the European model scans using 865 to 868MHz, according to CSL.
Finally, the CS101 features 802.11b/g wireless networking. It also has a 1D/2D barcode scanner, which is said to cope with multiple symbologies, as listed below.
Steve Villa, research engineer at Boeing, said, "Boeing is very impressed with the functionality of the CS101's Geiger counter mode. The reader's ability to singulate and locate tags, even in a highly reflective environment, is excellent."
Features and specifications provided by CLD for the CS101 include:- Processor -- 400MHz Samsung processor
- Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 128MB of flash
- Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display
- Keyboard -- QWERTY keyboard plus five-way controller, function keys, and dedicated trigger buttons
- Networking -- 802.11b/g
- RFID:
- Range, using AD431 tags:
- Up to 7 meters in outdoor or open area
- Up to 11 meters in indoor confined space
- Rate -- 150 tags per second typical, peaking at 400 tps
- Protocol -- ISO18000-6C, EPC UHF Class 1 Gen 2
- Polarization -- Vertical or horizontal
- Available frequencies:
- 865-868 MHz (Europe, India), N=2
- 902-928 MHz (USA)
- 952-954 MHz (Japan)
- 919-928 MHz (China, Taiwan)
- 910-914 MHz (Korea)
- Barcode scanner:
- 1D and 2D
- Symbologies -- Codabar, CodablockA and F, Code 11, Code 39, Code 93/93i, code 128/ISBT 128/UCC EAN 128/EAN.UCC composite, Industrial and Standard 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5, Aztec, Data Matrix, (and all other Matrix type barcodes), MSI, PDF417/MicroPDF417, MacroPDF417 (unbuffered mode), Plessey, RSS, Telepen, TLC39, UPC/EAN/ISBN
- Other I/O -- n/s
- Expansion -- SD slot
- Battery life -- 1.5 hours continuous read, 20 hours standby
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C (32 to 122 deg. F)
- Dimensions -- 8.77 x 7.75 x 4.8 inches (223 x 197 x 122mm)
- Weight -- 2.64 pounds (1.2kg)
According to CLS, an add-on module that will provide the CS101 with GPS and GSM cellular connectivity will be offered "in the coming months." The device itself is apparently available now, for prices ranging between $1,950 and $2,500.
Further information may be available from the company's website, here.
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