How to choose the RFID reader power according to the application scenario

The power of the RFID Reader usually refers to the output power, that is, the power of the RF signal output by the reader. Generally speaking, the power of an RFID reader is related to factors such as the distance to read tags, the reading speed, and the number of tags.

The output power of the micro-power reader is generally below 1mW, which is suitable for reading tags with a relatively short distance, usually no more than 10 cm. Due to the small output power, micro-power readers are generally smaller in size, lower in power consumption, and lower in cost. Micro-power readers are suitable for scenarios that do not require high reading distance and reading speed, such as Access Control, labeling and other scenarios.

The output power of the medium-power reader is usually between 1-5W, which is suitable for reading tags with a long distance, and the reading distance is generally about tens of centimeters to 1 meter. Due to the higher output power, the medium-power reader can read multiple tags at the same time, and the reading speed is faster, but the power consumption is correspondingly higher. Medium power readers are suitable for scenarios that require high reading distance and reading speed, such as production process control, logistics management and other scenarios.

The output power of high-power readers is usually above 5W, which is suitable for reading tags with a long distance, and the reading distance is generally between a few meters to more than ten meters. Due to the very high output power, high-power readers can read a large number of tags at the same time, and the reading speed is very fast, but the power consumption and cost are correspondingly very high. High-power readers are suitable for scenarios that require very high reading distance and reading speed, such as port logistics, vehicle management and other scenarios.

It should be noted that the output power of the RFID reader is not as high as possible, because the greater the power, the higher the requirements for the reading distance and reading speed of the tag, and it will also cause greater electromagnetic interference to the surrounding environment. It may affect the normal operation of other equipment. Therefore, when selecting a model, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as actual needs, use environment, and cost, and select an RFID reader with a suitable power level.

Take the RFID Library as an example

In the RFID library system, common equipment includes book borrowing and returning machines, warehouse-smart-inventory-rfid-bookshelf.html target='_blank'>book inventory equipment, access control systems, etc. The power requirements of these devices are also different. The following uses the book borrowing and returning machine and book inventory equipment as examples to illustrate the application of RFID readers with different power levels:

Book borrowing and returning machine: The book borrowing and returning machine usually needs to quickly read the RFID tags on the books to realize the self-service borrowing and returning function. Due to the high reading speed requirements, it is necessary to choose a medium-power or high-power reader. For example, the book borrowing and returning machines of some manufacturers use RFID readers with an output power of about 3W, which can read the label information on books in a relatively short period of time and realize a fast borrowing and returning process.

Book inventory equipment: Book inventory equipment needs to inventory the books in the entire library, and the reading distance and reading speed requirements are relatively high. Due to the need to read a large number of tags, it is necessary to choose a high-power reader. For example, the book inventory equipment of some manufacturers uses RFID readers with an output power of more than 5W, which can read all the label information in the entire library in a relatively short period of time and carry out inventory.

Therefore, when selecting an RFID reader, it is necessary to consider specific application scenarios and requirements, and select a reader with an appropriate power level according to factors such as reading distance, reading and writing speed, and power consumption to meet actual needs. At the same time, factors such as the price, stability, and compatibility of the reader also need to be considered.