RFID solution enables single universal reader

Anadigm announced the availability of RangeMaster2, the company's second generation radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader 3.3V chipset solution that allows system vendors to design and maintain a single "universal" reader that can be customized to read different RFID tag types, with different modulation types and frequencies. The RangeMaster family fully supports HF and UHF protocols- EPC Global Gen 1 and Gen 2 (class 0, 1, 2) and ISO18000-6 standards.

RangeMaster2 is a two-chip set comprised of a dynamically programmable analog signal processor in conjunction with an RFID state machine. This enables system designers to develop a universal RFID tag reader that can support multiple protocols and frequencies for universal fixed readers, portable/handheld readers, combination bar code and RFID reader/scanners. By allowing standardization around a single PCB to support multiple end products and markets, RangeMaster2 aims to simplify and improve product development, explained Anadigm.

RangeMaster2 operates at 3.3V, while providing increased read range and sensitivity optimization with variable gain. As a 3.3V chipset, with lower power, it is suitable for portable readers as well as fixed based readers. This product offers the user a choice of four different baseband analog signal processing circuits: Universal, EPC Gen 2 (Twin or Triple) or Class 0. RangeMaster2 also supports the ability for the user to select from 16 predefined values of the upper and the lower sub-carrier frequencies and choose digital or analog outputs.

Prices for the RangeMaster2 two-chip solution start at $10.25 in 10,000-piece quantities, with samples already available.