Increase Productivity and Process Reliability with New UHF RFID Reader F190 from Pepperl+Fuchs

Compact and easy-to-integrate, F190 transmits data in bundles to maximise productivity and efficiency

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the new compact F190 UHF Read/Write Head. The F190 features a robust sealed metal housing and a compact footprint for reliable operation in adverse environmental conditions and simple installation even in tight spaces. Because several products in a container can be detected at the same time using multi-tag reading, the F190 simultaneously simplifies processes and reduces processing time. The F190 easily integrates into existing IDENTControl systems, enabling users to connect to standard protocols such as Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, TCP/IP and EtherCAT. Three reader versions are available to cover worldwide operation.

“In the field of intralogistics, efficiency is the number one priority. Goods have to be distributed quickly and reliably, and forwarded to their intended destination without any allocation errors. The new generation of F190 UHF read/write head opens up a wealth of opportunities for the logistics sector and the automotive industry, for example,” says Tim Cicerchi, Product Marketing Manager.

Particularly cost-efficient UHF-labels are directly attached to the products. When these UHF labels move into the read field of the F190, the label information is transmitted to the read head and then to the IDENTControl interface. Where previously the data was transmitted for each tag individually, the F190 transmits data in bundles. This enables information from up to 40 tags to be transmitted to the read head in a single step.

The F190 UHF RFID reader boasts a typical read range of 0.2 up to 1.5 meters. It also accommodates linear vertical, linear horizontal or circular polarisation. The advantage of circular polarisation is that a tag can be read in any orientation, while linear polarisation provides more power in a known tag orientation. The unit connects to the controller with a standard industrial M12 connector. The read head can be connected 100 m away if required. Additionally, an innovative power-sweep mode lets users set a predetermined number of tags to be read; the power is then slowly ramped up until all the tags are read and the reader is then shut off until the next read cycle.

No middleware is required – so the F190 communicates directly with PLC control systems from Allen Bradley, Siemens and many others. Even though no extra software is required, a free demo program, RFIDControl, can be used to setup and test the system.