Handheld computer keeps track of RFID data

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 4, 2003

Radio frequency identification (RFID) offers a wide range of industries the ability to track and identify assets.

To many industries, up-to-date tracking and record keeping concerning high-value products or safety critical assets is not just important; it's crucial.

Now, thanks to an emerging technology and an established handheld computer, paperless tracking and recording has just become a good deal more straightforward, and available for use in hazardous areas.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) offers a wide range of industries the ability to track and identify assets.

It is even possible to write data to the tiny, but sophisticated transponder or "electronic tag".

Now, in a further move, Livingston based Diagnostic Instruments makes the latest technology in asset tracking available in a handheld computer.

Diagnostic Instruments which produces the popular Di-225 range of rugged and versatile handheld computers that use the Windows CE operating system, enabling straightforward connection to the desktop PC, has now added the Di-225-RFID (and Ex version) to its range.

This new product offers the flexibility to read a variety of tag technologies.

Its unique design allows a choice of RFID reader modules to be embedded within the device.

The first offering of its kind on the market.

And the first with full Cenelec approval as an option.

"RFID is the 'barcode technology' for the 21st century.

Among its many uses, the Di-225-RFID can be used for tracking any high value product or safety critical asset, with each product's transponder carrying the most up-to-date information", says Jim McNiven, Marketing Manager with DI.

"Besides improving quality control and traceability issues, it also offers proof of compliance with safety critical inspection and maintenance procedures.

Since data can be read from, and written between the unit and the transponder, the applications are vast.

Data stored on the tag could be anything from part numbers to delivery information, last date and time of inspection, or even how to operate a safety critical valve in a refinery.

And since they are 'passive' devices, they don't even need a power source to operate".

The reader module and antenna are mounted within the Di-225, and are merely held in close proximity to the transponder when reading or writing data.

And because everything is fully enclosed, the product still meets stringent IP65 sealing standards, and has allowed DI to produce an intrinsically safe (Ex) version of the product.

He goes on: "Besides the obvious uses for a paperless read-and-write recording system that can be used in the field, even if that means harsh or hazardous conditions, there are others possibilities which we are presently exploring, such as within agriculture and animal husbandry.

The textile industry is also a growing market, as is the automotive industry.

Manufacturing companies are even looking at using RFID to track the build of their machinery, and for after sales service in terms of servicing and repair.

Our ability to embed the reader module of choice gives our customers a unique opportunity to get exactly what they want, neatly packaged and sealed into one fully ruggedised form factor.

And with multi protocol and Ex versions available off the shelf, our customers get a head start on the competition".