RFID Input

DataWedge 7.3

Overview

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) Input acquires data from RFID tags using integrated RFID Zebra mobile computers. Currently this feature is supported on MC3300R only. RFID is another input source to DataWedge - data delivery is similar to other input sources such as Barcode and MSR (Magnetic-stripe Reader). The data acquired is processed and formatted according to the Basic Data Formatting (BDF) and Advanced Data Formatting (ADF) options located in the Keystroke output section of the profile.

Important: For instructions on initial setup, refer to "Setting Up the MC3300R" section from MC3300R Integrator Guide.

Version History

  • DataWedge 7.3.22 - Feature introduced

RFID Input

RFID Input from the DataWedge profile provides options to toggle RFID input, specify the trigger mode and configure RFID reader settings.


Enabled - enable/disable RFID tag reading
Reader selection - display the name of the internal RFID reader
Hardware trigger - enable/disable hardware trigger to activate RFID reading. If enabled, set the Trigger mode.
Configure reader settings:

  • Filter duplicate tags – enable/disable feature to display data read only once instead of duplicating the same data from multiple readings.
  • Tag read duration – amount of time (in ms) for events to propagate to the application. If the trigger is released before the timeout elapses, data is returned to the application upon trigger release. Data returned to the application is limited to the capacity of the Android bundle payload – any data read beyond that capacity is discarded.
  • Antenna transmit power – amount of signal power to be transmitted by the RFID reader. The higher the value, the further it is able to read the RFID tag. The range is 5 to 30 dBm.
  • Session - configure the read session. Refer to EPC UHF Gen2 Air Interface Protocol Standard for details. Supported values:
    • Session 0 - based on EPC UHF Gen2 Air Interface Protocol Standard Specification
    • Session 1 (default) - based on EPC UHF Gen2 Air Interface Protocol Standard Specification
    • Session 2 - based on EPC UHF Gen2 Air Interface Protocol Standard Specification
    • Session 3 - based on EPC UHF Gen2 Air Interface Protocol Standard Specification
  • Memory bank – configure the memory bank to read. The integrated circuit (IC) on some tags have different bit allocations between the memory banks to allow for more user memory or a longer EPC (electronic product code) number. Refer to the tag specifications to determine the memory bank type needed. Supported values:
    • None (default) - no memory bank to read.
    • Reserved - stores the access and kill password of the tag, 32 bits each. The kill password permanently disables the tag. The access password is set to lock and unlock the write capabilities of the tag. Therefore this is writeable if a password is specified. Can typically be used if an application contains sensitive data.
    • EPC - stores the EPC code with a minimum of 96 bits of memory.
    • User - (optional) extended memory to store more information. This can have various sizes, usually 512 bits and up to 8K of memory. Can be used for additional data that is not suitable or does not fit into the EPC memory, such as temperature or expiration date.
    • TID (tag identification) - stores the unique tag identifier from the manufacturer, which typically cannot be changed.
  • Trigger mode – select the mode to activate the RFID reader. Supported values:
    • Immediate (default) – tag reading takes place based on when the trigger is pressed.
    • Continuous- continually reads tags after pressing the trigger once. Press the trigger again to terminate tag reading.
  • Feedback – configure audio or visual feedback from an RFID tag read. Options:
    • Beeper - audio feedback
    • LED - visual feedback

Key mapping

MC3300R consists of multiple triggers, all utilized for Barcode and SimulScan features by default. In order to use the hardware trigger for an RFID action, it needs to be mapped to RFID. Steps to follow:

Manual Instructions:

  1. Open Android Settings.
  2. Tap Key Programmer.
  3. Tap SYMBOL_RFID.

CSP (Configuration Service Provider) Instructions: With CSP, use StageNow for key mapping to be updated during device staging. Refer to KeyMapping Manager for more information.

Data

Important notes regarding RFID data reading:

  • By default, a newline character is added after each tag read.
  • If applicable, a data set from multiple data reads can be returned if multiple tags are read simultaneously.
  • If receiving data via Keystroke output, it requires Inter character delay to be set to 50 ms.


RWDemo

RWDemo demonstrates RFID features in DataWedge. This application is pre-installed on supported Zebra RFID devices, such as MC33R, and creates a DataWedge profile associated with RWDemo when launched.

Related guides: