An RFID barcode scanner is a device that reads and writes RFID tags. RFID is a radio frequency identification tag, which belongs to the contactless automatic identification type. The carrier for recording information is an IC chip, and the reading and writing of information is based on the principle of electromagnetic waves. It is essentially different from the barcode system, so its reading and writing equipment (strictly speaking, it should not be called a scanner) is also completely different from the barcode scanner. This type of equipment is very common now, such as the barrier system for vehicles entering and exiting the community, smart parking lots, non-stop toll collection (ETC) on highways, card readers on buses, meal rental systems in university canteens, and second-generation ID cards all use RFID technology.
The basic working principle of an ordinary barcode scanner is: the light emitted by the light source is irradiated onto the barcode symbol through the optical system, and the reflected light is imaged on the photoelectric converter through the optical system to generate an electrical signal. After the signal is amplified by the circuit, an analog voltage is generated, which is proportional to the light reflected from the barcode symbol. After filtering and shaping, a square wave signal corresponding to the analog signal is formed, which is interpreted by the decoder as a digital signal that can be directly accepted by the computer.
The differences between RFID barcode scanners and ordinary barcode scanners are as follows:
Different working principles: RFID barcode scanners can scan chip data in tags, read and write information based on the principle of electromagnetic waves, and belong to non-contact automatic identification. Ordinary barcode scanners can only scan one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes and read information through optical character recognition technology.
Different reading methods: RFID barcode scanner technology can automatically identify items from a distance of several meters, while barcodes can only be read when the scanner touches the barcode.
Different reading speeds: RFID barcode scanner can quickly read hundreds of tags, while barcodes need to be scanned one by one, which is slower.
Different applicability: RFID barcode scanner technology can read tags that are difficult to touch or at a long distance, such as goods on shelves or vehicles in motion, while barcodes are only suitable for scanning tags that are easily accessible.
Different hardware designs: RFID barcode scanner handheld terminals can not only scan barcodes, but also remotely read RFID barcode scanner electronic tags through radio frequency technology, and have group reading functions. Ordinary barcode scanners are mainly used as input devices connected to computers, and the hardware facilities are mainly based on scanning heads and scanning engine modules.
Different performance: The barcode scanning function of RFID barcode scanner handheld devices is only one of them, and it can have other functions such as NFC, temperature measurement, positioning, etc. The performance of ordinary barcode scanners is relatively single.
Different scope of use: Ordinary barcode scanners are mostly used in supermarket cashiers or warehouse logistics warehousing links, and the scope of use is limited. RFID handheld terminals can not only be used in this link, but also have great advantages in other links, and can replace scanners for outdoor mobile work.
Different prices: Due to different equipment, the prices vary greatly. The price of ordinary barcode scanners is also thousands of tens of thousands, while the simple functions of RFID handheld terminals are more than one thousand.
In summary, you can choose an RFID barcode scanner when you need remote identification, large-capacity data storage, improved recognition rate, automated and real-time identification, and reduced costs.