The compact reader modules for the TWN3 product line provide maximum flexibility by supporting all common RFID standards at 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz. System integrators and equipment manufacturers can now choose between readers that support HID PROX, HID iCLASS, 125 kHz Multitags (EM410x, HITAG-1, HITAG-2, HITAG-S, EM4150, T5567, Q5), MIFARE® (Ultralight, 1k, 4k, DESFire), and LEGIC® (advant and prime).
The plug & play OEM PCB boards and 88 mm × 56 mm × 18 mm RFID readers sold by Elatec (available in both black and white housing) can be connected directly to the PC via a USB or RS232 port with an integrated 5 V power supply. The boards themselves can be powered by a 3.3 V power supply. All transponder functions are available via a virtual COM port, whereas the keyboard emulation mode makes its possible to scan without the need for additional device drivers. By way of a script, the reader can be configured to automatically perform even more complex operations such as password logins or reading/editing blocks of data.
The TWN3 readers can be customised by individual labels (inlays) on the up side. Elatec's intended customers for its TWN3 product line mainly include system integrators and companies offering contactless identification solutions. To enable use in office automation or access control applications, the TWN3 modules cover all common RFID standards. The Elatec solution therefore only needs to be integrated once and all RFID standards on offer are then available for the specific application at hand.
There is one feature that offers great potential for equipment and machinery manufacturers in the aftermarket sector. "As plug & play solutions, the external TWN3 readers provide companies with the flexibility to add RFID functionality to their existing applications. For instance, RFID readers can operate as desktop readers with no drivers installed. This ensures maximum compatibility with existing configurations and the shortest installation times," states Stefan Haertel, Head of the RFID department at Elatec Vertriebs GmbH.