Introduction to RFID Readers
RFID is an abbreviation of radio frequency identification. This type of technology uses RFID tags to identify, locate and track items with the help of RFID readers. Each tag uses radio frequency waves to transfer data to an RFID reader. Thus, tagging items with RFID tags allows users to automatically and uniquely identify, locate and track them. In fact, the RFID reader does not require line of sight to read items and has a further range than conventional methods.
An RFID reader is essential for any RFID system to work. It is used to gather information from an RFID tag. RFID readers do not have a standardized form or shape. Thus, there are a variety of RFID readers.
For industrial applications, fixed readers are generally two-port, four-port or eight-port. Whereas high performance readers typically have external antenna port. Fixed readers are sensitive to non-mobile applications and provide high power. Integrated readers are a subset of fixed readers. They have a reader and antenna combined into one unit. Integrated readers may have one additional port. They are usually non-mobile and are medium to high performance readers depending on the specific unit.
Mobile readers are handheld devices and therefore are more compact. They are split into two primary categories; mobile computing devices and readers that use an auxiliary or Bluetooth connection. Mobile readers do not require a power connection and are convenient when you are required to move around a lot.
GAO RFID offers an extensive range of RFID readers to meet the demands of your business environment. Our RFID readers are designed to comply with today’s global frequency standards and are available with different features, making them easily compatible with many RFID tags. A selection of our RFID readers are even compatible with barcodes, enabling you to use both RFID and barcode technology in the same environment.
RFID tags and readers can have different frequencies and must be set to the same frequency to allow data to transfer between the two. There are different frequencies an RFID system can use. The following are the most common:
- Low frequency (125kHz)
Low frequency (LF) RFID systems are known for their limited range. However, they can endure different types of environments. - High frequency (13.56 MHz)
High frequency (HF) RFID systems can endure moist and water but are sensitive to metal. - Ultra-high frequency (865-868 MHz/902-928 MHz/2.45 GHz/433 MHz)
Ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID systems can endure most environmental challenges and has a fast transfer speed.
The surroundings of radio waves affect its efficiency. To illustrate, high frequency tags have a short range. Thus, it is crucial to select the right frequency for your application. You will need to consider the environment in which you will use the RFID system. GAO offers a complete selection of RFID readers that operate at various frequency types to ensure you have the RFID readers you need for your specific business application.
Radio waves can be affected by their surroundings. For instance, low frequency RFID tags have a long wavelength and are often used for animal tagging and access control. Thus, it is important that your RFID system and reader are ideal for your business. An RFID system can require desktop readers, integrated readers and even handheld Bluetooth enabled devices. Many systems also include features such as close proximity, “tap” reading using NFC readers and hybrid reading to identify both RFID tags and barcodes using the same reader.
Consider the following points to get the most out of your RFID reader and system:
- What type of tag will you be using?
- What range do you need?
- How are the environmental surroundings?
- Do you need a fixed or mobile reader?
- Do you already have other RFID readers?
We expanded substantially our selection of RFID readers. Below are the categories of our RFID readers with new features and resource pages.
- Wearable RFID Readers
- Panel RFID Readers
- UHF Gate RFID Readers
- UHF Vehicle-Mounted RFID Readers
- RS485 RFID READERS
- PoE (Power over Ethernet) RFID Readers
- Battery-Powered RFID Readers
- Solar-Powered RFID Readers
- Multi-Technology RFID Readers
- Dual-Frequency RFID Readers
- RFID and Biometric Readers
- UHF Single-Antenna RFID Readers
- UHF Multi-Antenna RFID Readers
- UHF Low-Power RFID Readers
- UHF High-Power RFID Readers
- Onboard Data Storage RFID Readers
- UHF Edge Computing RFID Readers
- Waterproof RFID Readers
- RFID Readers for Cold Chain Management
- Explosion-Proof RFID Readers
- Temperature-Resistant RFID Readers
- UV-Resistant RFID Readers
- Standalone RFID Readers
- Cloud-Enabled RFID Readers
- IoT-Enabled RFID Readers
- Display-Enabled RFID Readers
- Audio/Visual Feedback RFID Readers
- Programmable RFID Readers
- API-Supported RFID Readers
- Plug-and-Play RFID Readers
- Multi-Protocol RFID Readers
- Upgradable Firmware RFID Readers
- Quick-Install RFID Readers
- Compact/Space-Saving RFID Readers
- UHF Multi-Tag RFID Readers
- UHF High-Speed RFID Readers
- UHF Anti-Collision RFID Readers
- Public Transportation RFID Readers
- UHF Directional RFID Readers
- UHF Omnidirectional RFID Readers
- Access Control RFID Readers
- Inventory Management RFID Readers
- Asset Tracking RFID Readers
- Vehicle Identification RFID Readers
- Point-of-Sale (POS) RFID Readers
- Medical and Pharmaceutical RFID Readers
- Logistics and Supply Chain RFID Readers
- Retail RFID Readers
- Event Management RFID Readers
- Industrial RFID Readers
- Library Management RFID Readers
- Waste Management RFID Readers
- Animal Tracking RFID Readers
- Sports and Fitness RFID Readers
- Education and Campus Management RFID Readers
- Document Management RFID Readers
Find RFID Readers Based on Frequency
Different business environments use different frequencies. Find the right one for your business here.
Gen 2 UHF 902-928 MHz FCC
The Gen 2 UHF 902-928 MHz readers can quickly read tags from a long distance ranging from 2m to 20m. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) 902-928 MHz is the FCC standard frequency range used in North America, South America, and the Caribbean.
- The ETSI standard frequency range used throughout the European Union
- Reads tags from over 10+ meters away at high speeds
- Ideal for access control, logistics, asset tracking, and anti-counterfeiting
Gen 2 UHF 865-868 MHz ETSI
The Gen 2 UHF 865-858 MHz readers combine WCDMA (HSUPA) /EDGE/GSM/GPRS communications, integrated A-GPS and WLAN connectivity, and also provide an option to communicate through TCP/IP, Wiegand 26/34, RS232/485 interfaces which can be altered.
- The ETSI standard frequency range used throughout the European Union
- Reads tags from over 10+ meters away at high speeds
- Ideal for access control, logistics, asset tracking, and anti-counterfeiting
High Frequency 13.56 MHz
GAO RFID’s high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz readers can read tags within a distance of 1 to 12 inches and include the use of the NFC protocol. Compatible with most MIFARE™ tags, we offer HF 13.56 MHz readers in many form factors such as fixed readers or handheld devices that are perfect for your desktop or mobile environment.
- Reads tags from up to 100cm away
- NFC protocol enabled
- Provides a highly secure data transmission
Low Frequency 125 kHz
Low frequency (LF) 125 kHz RFID readers interrogate RFID tags at a close proximity, with a read range of up to 10cm (some special readers may read tags from an extended distance of up to 1m). Due to the LF 125 kHz frequency’s lower sensitivity to radio wave interference, these readers are often used in configurations where metal and water are present.
- All of the 125 kHz passive RFID readers have an FCC/CE certificate
- All of the readers use a 64-bit Manchester coding and offers a variety of different types of communication interfaces ranging from RS232, RS485, Wiegand 26, Mag-strip, 19200N,192008,192001, USB and WG26 output/input.
- Ideal for industrial manufacturing, access control, asset management, and identification cards
Low Frequency 134 kHz
Low frequency (LF) 134 kHz RFID readers interrogate RFID tags at a close proximity, with a read range of up to 10cm (some special readers may read tags from an extended distance of up to 1m). Due to the LF 134 kHz frequency’s lower sensitivity to radio wave interference, these readers are often used in configurations where metal and water are present and are ideal for embedding inside materials to monitor varying temperatures.
GAO RFID has a wide variety of low frequency readers that operate at a frequency of 134 kHz. The low frequency 134 kHz RFID readers supports FDEX-B and HDX technologies and there are readers in this category that only supports the FDX-B.
- Reads tags from up to 10cm away
- Suited to read tags situated in metal and water environments and monitoring extreme temperatures
- Ideal for industrial manufacturing, food and beverage monitoring and livestock tagging
Active 433 MHz
Perfect for locating and tracking assets indoors and outdoors. The Active 433 MHz is fixed, compact, rugged and mobile or USB-enabled.
- The standard for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and Russia)
- Reads tags from 100m+ away at high speeds
- Identifies continuous tag broadcasts for real-time location systems
- Ideal for personnel tracking, logistics, warehouse management, and high value asset tracking
Active 2.45 GHz
The Active 2.45 GHz RFID readers can read battery powered RFID tags from a long range (20m-100m) and have high speed-reading capabilities.
- Reads tags from 100m+ away at high speeds
- Identifies continuous tag broadcasts for real-time location systems
- Ideal for personnel tracking, logistics, warehouse management, and high value asset tracking
Find RFID Readers by Feature
Desktop, handheld, Bluetooth, or NFC? GAO offers a wide variety of RFID readers. For more information, click on the image.
Bluetooth Readers
GAO’s Gen 2 Bluetooth interface readers can quickly read RFID tags and transmit the data to any Bluetooth-enabled device. This means you can pair our readers with tablets, smartphones, or handheld readers using Bluetooth technology and provide your business with a scalable way of collecting and analyzing data.
Desktop Readers
GAO RFID desktop RFID readers provide a stable and accurate way to read and write RFID tags while using the latest USB protocol for quick data transfers—enabling the rapid setup and daily operation of your RFID system.
Embedded Readers
GAO’s embedded RFID readers adds RFID reading and writing capabilities to your devices. It will be simple, fast and easy to integrate RFID technology. These readers can operate in different frequency ranges such as low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF).
Handheld Readers
GAO RFID provides a collection of handheld RFID readers with different protocols that are designed for mobile workers or environments where a fixed reader is not ideal. Our handheld readers enable you to read RFID tags at any point in your business; from the shop floor, showroom, to the receiving dock, and even while in transit at collection points. The handheld reader is available at a variety of frequencies for use in North America, Europe, Japan, Korea and elsewhere.
Integrated Fixed Readers
GAO Integrated Fixed RFID readers are a reader and antenna all-in-one device that enables you to immediately transmit and receive data with the ability to read and write information onto RFID tags.
With features such as EPC Gen 2 with anti-collision support, WiFi options to integrate with existing networks, and PoE abilities to eliminate extra wiring and electrical outlets, our Integrated RFID Readers are the product of choice if you want high RFID tag read rates with tag writing capabilities in a reader and antenna all-in-one solution.
Long Range Readers
GAO provides long range RFID readers in two frequencies 433 MHz and 2.45 GHz. These long-range readers are used to interrogate active RFID tags that use the 2.45 GHz and 433 MHz frequencies. Long range readers are popularly deployed in environments where there is a need to track large or high value assets across large areas and spaces. These readers are FCC and ETSI certified.
Medium Range Readers
GAO RFID offers a selection of medium range (32-98 ft / 10-30 m) RFID readers. Using GEN 2 UHF 865-868/902-928 MHz frequencies, our medium range readers can read UHF tags from a long range quickly and accurately. Medium range readers are most effective when deployed in low cost asset tracking applications that require a longer read range.
Short Range Readers
GAO’s short range RFID readers quickly and accurately read RFID tags from a short range using LF 125 or 134 kHz and HF 13.56 MHz. The short range RFID readers are FCC and ETSI certified and support protocols such as ISO 18000-6C/EPC C1G2.
GPS Readers
GAO provides a selection of Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled RFID readers for solutions that require full visibility when tracking high-value assets across a large environment. These long-range readers are used to interrogate hybrid tags such as active RFID tags that also have GPS functionality.
GAO’s Gen2 GPS readers can quickly read RFID tags and have GPS as an extra feature. This means that these readers are compatible with the GPS systems, allowing for worldwide tracking and monitoring. Some of these readers offer flexible options for a data transfer through Bluetooth and some also offer USB, which ensures easy connection to devices such as PDAs, laptops or smart phones.
RFID Portals
GAO RFID provides a selection of RFID portals designed for reading tags in entrance, gate, door and corridor zones. Our portals offer an esthetic way to build RFID reading capabilities into any environment, making RFID interrogating visually unobtrusive and highly automated. Our RFID portals are used for asset and inventory tracking in both retail and office applications.
Readers with Barcode
GAO provides a collection of barcode RFID readers that are capable of recognizing barcode data. They are available at different frequencies such as active, low, high and ultra-high frequency. The barcode compatible RFID readers are able to read 1D and 2D barcode types while also being used to read RFID tags.
UHF Readers
GAO RFID carries a wide selection of UHF RFID readers. GAO offers fixed readers, desktop readers, readers with integrated antennas or handheld reader.