April 22, 2024Technology company Zebra recently introduced its TC53e-RFID device, an enhanced edition of its TC53 handheld device that now features a built-in UHF RFID reader.
The TC53, released in 2022, serves as a PC and smartphone for use in advertising and advertising environments. Now, the TC53e-RFID can perform the same responsibilities as its predecessor, in addition to reading RFID tags.
The TC53e-RFID is a cellular computer from Zebra Technologies that enables a variety of services, adding cellular payment processing, as well as offering a workstation for a desktop-like experience. It includes Wi-Fi 6E and NFC functions and has a six-inch demo and battery options.
The smartphone-sized TC53e can read passive UHF RFID tags within a radius of about 4 feet. If users require a longer-range RF reading, the product can be connected to one of Zebra’s sled-type devices that will increase the reading distance to approximately 20 feet.
There are a variety of programs for RFID capability on the device. In fact, Zebra continues to receive new programs that consumers identify when they turn on the device, said Michael Fein, director of RFID product control at Zebra Technologies.
The TC53 is used by workers, such as those who work in warehouses. If they were using the TC53e version, they could use the RFID reader to identify the parts they select for shipping orders.
It can also be used in retail environments. Zebra officials have proposed that store workers located at the exit of a supermarket or large box store can validate what is removed from a store simply by holding the device over the shopper’s cart and comparing the effects read to the receipt.
If the reader knew about an item that wasn’t purchased, the store clerk would have the option to let the shopper know they want to pay for that item and even use the 53e device to complete a payment transaction. The shop floor would have the option to receive disruptive alerts at the door while also reducing the rate of loss.
Another use of the new device is for selection validation (or other tasks) where you want a smartphone engaged on-site and you also want to read RFID tags.
The TC53e product family also includes what the company calls top-tier processing power, memory, and storage with the octa-core Qualcomm 4490 processor, up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of Flash memory, as well as a 2TB MicroSD card slot. .
At RFID Journal LIVE!, Zebra officials also displayed a passive temperature recording UHF RFID tag known as the ZeOn-Demand RFID (HTI) High Temperature Indicator that identifies when an express temperature threshold has been exceeded. It’s used in programs such as bloodless chain tracking of prescription drugs or perishables, said Mike Weinhammer, Zebra’s global product manager.
Tag data can be read with a UHF RFID reader to indicate not only the tag’s unique identifier, but also whether the temperature threshold has been kept within the proper settings.
Battery-free sensor tags feature an insulating barrier layer that physically adjusts when a specific temperature is reached, completing a tamper-proof loop. Therefore, when the tag is read with an RFID reader, the reaction of knowledge (with the replacement of the reaction to a single bit) would involve temperature variation.
Once the label is read, Fein said, users can see a virtually instantaneous reaction to alert them that a challenge has possibly occurred on the bloodless chain of origin.
The tag works with any RFID reader and comes with a built-in NXP G2iL IC.
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