| Handheld scans RFID tags from 13 feet |
Jun. 20, 2008
 Nordic ID has introduced a Windows CE 6.0-based handheld computer capable of reading RFID tags over distances of up to 13 feet. The PL3000 Cross Dipole incorporates a pistol grip, forward-facing antenna, barcode scanner, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GSM WAN capabilities, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of Nordic ID's PL3000 Cross Dipole)
Resembling a starship that just came in to dock at a space station, the PL3000 Cross Dipole sports a forward-facing antenna and a pistol grip, both permanently affixed to the bottom of the computer. The cross-polarized antenna provides a critical 5dB of gain, claimed to let the device read RFID tags up to 13 feet away.
Despite its multi-part configuration, the PL3000 Cross Dipole is rated to withstand three-foot drops to concrete. The device meets the IP54 standard for sealing against dust and liquids, and it has an operating range from -10 to 55 deg. C (131 deg. F).
In addition to the RFID reader, there's a barcode reader that acts either as a 1D laser scanner or a 2D imager. This combination of capabilities makes the PL3000 Cross Dipole particularly useful for processing garments or for pallet logistics, says Nordic ID.
The PL3000 Cross Dipole runs Windows CE 6.0 on an ARM9-based processor. While the CPU is not named, Nordic ID cited a "200 MHz Sharp" processor for its previously released standard edition of the PL3000. Thus, a little detective work nominates NXP's LH7A404, the ARM922T-based SoC acquired from Sharp last year along with the rest of the BlueStreak product line.
In any case, the PL3000 Cross Dipole has 128MB of RAM, 32MB of flash storage, and an SD slot that accepts cards up to 2GB in capacity. The handheld has a 3.5-inch QVGA (320 x 240) touchscreen display. The device's 29-key alphanumeric keypad features 10 function keys, plus individual backlighting for each of its keys.
Also part of the mix is a full range of wireless communications, including both 802.11b/g local area networking and Bluetooth 2.0. An integral cellular modem supports GPRS/EDGE connectivity on GSM networks.
Features and specifications cited by Nordic ID for the PL3000 Cross Dipole include:- Processor -- ARM9-based (probably NXP's LH7A404, clocked at 200MHz)
- Memory -- 128MB of RAM, 32MB of flash
- Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 320 x 240 pixel resolution
- Keypad -- 29 keys, including 10 function keys, full programmability, and individual backlighting
- Wireless networking:
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
- WAN -- GSM cellular modem with GPRS/EDGE compatibility
- Scanning capabilities:
- RFID reader:
- 200 mW output power
- Cross-polarized antenna with 5 dB gain
- ISO 18000-6 (EPC Class1 Gen2) compatible
- Reading distance up to 13 feet
- Reading speed up to 30 tags per second
- Writing distance up to 200 cm
- Barcode scanner:
- 1D laser scanner or 2D imager
- 104 scans/second (+/- 12 scans/second), bidirectional
- Other I/O -- USB 2.0
- Battery type/life -- 4400mAh lithium-ion, up to 28 hours
- Operating range -- -10 to 55 deg. C
- Dimensions -- 9.9 x 7 x 3.5 inches (250 x 180 x 90mm)
- Weight -- 1.8 pounds (800g), with battery
Pointing out that the PL3000 Cross Dipole can be programmed using Microsoft's Visual Studio 2005 and .NET Compact Framework 2.0, Nordic ID also touts its PL3000 software development kit. NetOp remote management software is preinstalled on the device.
The PL3000 Cross Dipole appears to be available now, but Nordic ID did not cite pricing.
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