Wireless Systems

Introduction to Radio Frequency Data Collection (RFDC)

Radio frequency (RF) technology allows companies to create a wireless computer network within their operation, thus establishing the foundation for a very flexible and powerful system. A wireless system allows users that are mobile or on a fork truck to be on-line with the host computer. By being on-line, each transaction can be immediately passed into the computer database. Also, users can query the database from a remote location to find out where specific material is located.

RF technology has expanded to allow for wireless communication between portable terminals, fixed terminals, printers, and PCs.
   

Symbol's High-Performance, Wireless LAN Bridges the Workplace

Portable terminals and laser scanners, laptop and fixed mount computers. These tools capture and compute the information that drives operations, increases productivity, and creates competitive advantage. Imagine sending data-intensive files — sales information, transaction records, progress reports — quickly, accurately, and wirelessly to your host computer. Then imagine your host computer dispatching instructions, updates, work orders, and more, quickly, accurately, and wirelessly back out to your workforce.

Spectrum24®, the high-performance, wireless LAN from Symbol Technologies places information where it needs to be, in real time — on the retail or shop floor, in the warehouse or distribution hub, the manufacturing line or back room. With a commitment to open standards at every software and hardware interface, Spectrum24® is compatible with your current network technology, while ensuring seamless integration of future application tools. Plus, it's designed to comply with the proposed IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless LANs.

Spectrum24®. It's a strategic technology that empowers you to lead in industries as diverse as retail, transportation and logistics, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and many others. And it's from Symbol Technologies, global innovator in wireless LAN and data capture technology. Symbol understands how important your strategic vision is to the future of your enterprise in today's demanding business environment. All too often, however, what you see lies beyond the reach of ordinary information technology. Symbol's innovative products, industry systems expertise and global support overcome those boundaries...and transform your vision into a vision without boundaries.
   

Introduction to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

An RFID tag (commonly known as a transponder) can come in many sizes and shapes, but they all contain these common elements:

• a coil, which acts as an antenna.
• a silicon chip, which contains a radio transceiver, an analog-to-digital converter, a computer, and memory.
• a core; which can be air or ferrite (rod).

If the tag contains a battery or another means to supply power, then it is considered an "active" tag. Active tags running on a battery usually have a 3-to-10 years life, the shelf life of the battery. The final element is the packaging, which can look like virtually anything: a credit card, a hockey puck, or a tube of lipstick.

For more on RFID click here