Key takeaways
- IoT-grade readers with Impinj Ex10 chipset.
- ARU phased array defines precise read zones.
- Tenfold sensitivity increase over previous generation.
- 40% lower power consumption reduces operating costs.
- GNSS enables outdoor position tracking.
Talk to the product expert
Michael Kaiser, Director Product Management & Innovations
Detailed product information
Gen4 RFID Readers
The fourth generation of Kathrein RFID readers combines proven technology with modern innovation. It is based on the many years of experience of its predecessors and at the same time incorporates the latest technologies to meet the increasing requirements in the world of the Internet of Things (IoT). The readers remain compatible with previous systems on the software side, but also offer new functions that were previously unavailable on the market.
Thanks to the Impinj Ex10 chipset, the Kathrein readers are among the most versatile and powerful solutions for IoT applications. They work seamlessly with Kathrein's RFID antennas.
Digitally controllable “phased array” antenna system for flexible reading ranges
The Gen4 readers are available in two versions:
ARU (Antenna Reader Unit): with integrated antenna and three connections for additional external antennas
RRU (Reader Unit): with four external antenna connections
The digitally controllable phased array system of the ARU makes it possible to precisely define the reading ranges in width and depth. This means that transponders can be reliably detected - a separate RFID gate is often no longer necessary, which makes processes more efficient.
Significantly increased performance in challenging environments
The new generation offers ten times greater sensitivity than its predecessors. This improves reading accuracy in environments with a lot of metal and with transponders that are difficult to detect or very small, such as in multitag situations.
Energy efficiency has also been greatly improved: power consumption has been reduced by 40 %, which significantly reduces operating costs. In addition, the housing volume has been reduced by 50 %, which saves material and protects the environment. The result is a powerful and cost-efficient device.
Mobile real-time inventory with forklift trucks
If an ARU Gen4 is installed on a forklift truck, it can detect all RFID transponders on a pallet - even while it is in motion. The information is transmitted directly to the ERP system via integrated WLAN or 5G.
Whether loading or unloading a truck or transferring goods within the warehouse - every movement of the tagged goods is automatically documented. This makes processes more efficient and cost-effective in real time.
Location tracking through GNSS integration
An integrated GNSS receiver allows the position of the readers to be determined outdoors - whether on mobile or stationary devices. This allows the last location of pallets or boxes to be tracked, which reduces search times and further optimizes processes.
The Gen4 readers can connect up to eight antennas in series at each of the four antenna connections, i.e. a total of 32 cascaded Smart Shelf antennas. These read and switch transponders at a speed of 35 milliseconds, which allows a complete inventory of a Kanban shelf in around one second.
This solution is particularly economical for “just-in-sequence” processes and enables precise real-time monitoring with minimal effort.
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