Cables, Printers, & More

WELCOME TO SECTION 6 OF THE

RFID Roadmap.

We've divided the information up into 10 sections - RFID Overview, RFID Readers, RFID Antennas, RFID Tags, Hardware, Software, & Firmware, Auxillary Equipment, Advanced Principles, Ideal Equipment Performance, Deploying Your RFID System, & Different Types of RFID.

* If you are crunched for time, follow the starred posts for the crash course.


SECTION SIX -

Auxillary Equipment

This section will discuss an RFID Printing and Connectivity: Cables, Connectors, Adapters.

• • • •

21 | GUIDE

Read the Guide Online| Length - 3 minute read (848 words)

In this guide, we discuss what cables and cable connectors do. A few things mentioned include components of coaxial cables, determining cable loss, and adapters vs. cables.

Key Takeaways: This guide to cables, connectors, and adapters gives a plethora of insight into their functions. Coaxial cables provide the essential link between RFID readers and antennas. Cables have one job - to transfer energy; but, just as important, cables must be properly built to combat potential energy loss. Cable loss is determined by the insulation rating and length of the cable. An adapter is used to join any two coaxial connectors that would otherwise be incompatible.  

More on this Topic

Currently, there are no additional articles available specific to cables, connectors, and adapters. If you would like to submit a question about the subject- jump below to "Ask a Question" and we will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

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22 | GUIDE

Read the Guide Online| Length - 13 minute read (3,570 words)

This guide serves as an introduction to RFID printers, providing information on various printer types, printing techniques, and essential printer specifications that should be understood for optimal performance. These crucial specifications are the operating frequency, data interface, and power source. All of these play significant roles in determining the effectiveness and functionality of RFID printers.

Key Takeaways: RFID Printers are devices that simultaneously print and encode information on RFID inlays. Under printer usage there are three main categories: Industrial, Desktop, and Mobile. The two types of printing include Direct Thermal printing and Thermal Transfer printing. Direct Thermal printing is the standard in many industries that need to constantly print text or images, and Thermal Transfer printing is typically used in RFID label printing for a longer-lasting image. Printer specifics are the best tools for choosing the ideal printer for an application.  

Ask a Question

RFID can be complicated, but no worries - we are here to help! Feel free to ask our RFID experts a question at any point of your learning process to get a non-salsey, straight forward email reply direct to your inbox. If you'd rather ask us on this page, click here to jump down to the comments section. To send in your question instead, fill out the simple form below and we will get back to you asap!


23 | ARTICLE

Read the Article Online| Length - 5 minute read (1,228 words)

Within this article, we cover the frequently posed inquiries regarding RFID printers. Some of the questions we will tackle encompass the following: "What is the daily printing capacity of an RFID Printer in terms of tags?", "Which materials are compatible with RFID printers for printing purposes?", and "Is it feasible to print metal-mount labels using any RFID printer?"

Key Takeaways: There are three main types of RFID printers - industrial, desktop, and mobile and they vary in the number of tags printed per day. Industrial printers can print around 10,000 per day, desktop printers can print around 500 per day, and mobile printers can print on average 200 tags a day. The smaller size of desktop and mobile printers tend to limit their available bandwidth. Printers can print on paper - both coated and uncoated paper, and plastic or synthetic label surfaces. As for metal-mount labels, they can only be printed on specialized printers that are optimized for metal-mount tags.  

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RFID can be complicated, but no worries - we are here to help! Feel free to ask our RFID experts a question at any point of your learning process to get a non-salsey, straight forward email reply direct to your inbox. If you'd rather ask us on this page, click here to jump down to the comments section. To send in your question instead, fill out the simple form below and we will get back to you asap!


24 | ARTICLE

Read the Article Online| Length - 3 minute read (695 words)

Within this article, we discuss the concept of a GPIO device and explore situations where their utilization, along with GPO boxes, becomes necessary. Gain insight into the reasons behind employing a GPIO device.

Key Takeaways: A GPIO device performs actions based upon triggers sent by the RFID reader, providing additional functionality like audio or visual signals. GPIO boxes provide convenient access and power from a reader’s GPIO port to a GPO (General Purpose Output device). An RFID system using GPO devices will likely need a GPIO box. GPI devices (General Purpose Input devices) may not require a GPIO box, because these devices perform an action before the reader is involved, so they must be powered by a source other than a reader or GPIO box. Many different types of devices can be added to an RFID system by way of a GPIO port such as stack lights, motion detectors, buzzers, and indicators.  

More on this Topic

Currently, there are no additional articles available specific to GPO and GPIO devices. If you would like to submit a question about the subject- jump below to "Ask a Question" and we will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.

Ask a Question

RFID can be complicated, but no worries - we are here to help! Feel free to ask our RFID experts a question at any point of your learning process to get a non-salsey, straight forward email reply direct to your inbox. If you'd rather ask us on this page, click here to jump down to the comments section. To send in your question instead, fill out the simple form below and we will get back to you asap!

 

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