Nordic ID has announced a new ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID reader with an integrated beam-steerable antenna. According to Nordic ID, its AR55 reader supports nine reading areas (sectors), each defined by two separate beams (X and Y). The beams can be individually and easily configured, the company reports, which enables the adjustment of each sector. The reader's antenna structure is designed to maximize the reading accuracy and enable reading in large areas, the firm indicates. For example, it can be included in RFID-based gate solutions or for monitoring a designated area, for tracking tagged items to provide on-demand visibility, as well as detect location and movement.

The company reports that the AR55 has undergone a series of testing, and has been piloted both in retail and industrial environments. Use cases include area monitoring, RFID gate solutions, fitting rooms and movement detection.

Nordic ID's AR55 reader

The new reader supports the ISO 18000-6C and EPC Class 1 Gen 2 specifications and provides a typical reading speed of 200 tags per second in DRM-mode, according to Nordic ID. It offers local area network (LAN) connectivity via Ethernet 10/100 Mbit and PAN connectivity via a USB 2.0 device. Optional support for IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN connectivity is also available.

Nordic ID says it will deliver launch AR (Area Reader) products within the next six months. Its AR52 fixed reader, equipped with 16 external antenna ports that can be separately controlled and adjusted, is expected to ship by the end of the fourth quarter of this year. Nordic ID's AR85, a multifunctional fixed reader that can act as a beam reader and also has the capability of running local applications from memory, will ship by the end of first quarter of 2016. The company's AR82, a multi-purpose fixed reader with 16 external antenna ports and the capability of running local applications from memory, will ship during the first quarter of next year.

In addition, Nordic ID has launched a new handheld computer: the Medea UHF RFID Adaptive Cross Dipole One-series. According to the company, the device's RFID antenna allows reading to be optimized for specific use cases, whether close-range proximity, long-range reading or maximized inventory speed is required. The device features an ergonomic, well-balanced pistol grip, Nordic ID reports, along with a high-capacity battery so it can be used comfortably for longer than a full working day.

The Nordic ID Medea UHF RFID Adaptive Cross Dipole One-series has three reading modes: linear polarization (horizontal and vertical), for maximum RFID reading distance; circular polarization, for optimizing the RFID reading speed; and proximity, for reading and writing tags within a 1-meter (3.3-foot) distance.

Nordic ID says it will present its new RFID products in booth #6 at this year's RFID Journal LIVE! Europe conference and exhibition, being held in London on Nov. 9-10.