RFID readers are the active core of every RFID system. Their primary function is to communicate wirelessly with RFID transponders (tags) using radio frequency signals in order to identify, read, and—if required—write data. An RFID reader generates an electromagnetic field via its antenna. When an RFID tag enters this field, it is energized either inductively (LF/HF) or via electromagnetic waves (UHF). The tag then responds by modulating and reflecting part of the signal back to the reader, a process known as backscatter.
The device decodes this response and forwards the captured data—such as a unique ID, EPC number, or user memory—to backend systems like ERP, WMS, or MES platforms. Modern devices support anti-collision algorithms, enabling the reliable reading of hundreds of tags simultaneously without line-of-sight, even in dynamic environments.
At IDCRAFT, RFID readers are selected and configured based on real-world application requirements, including frequency range (LF, HF/NFC, UHF/RAIN RFID), read distance, environmental conditions, and system integration. Whether for intralogistics, production, asset tracking, or Digital Product Passport use cases, IDCRAFT supports customers with the right RFID reader hardware for reliable, scalable RFID solutions.
HF, NFC or UHF: frequency decides before form factor
HF and NFC operate at 13.56 MHz. Read range runs from a few centimetres to around 50 cm depending on antenna and transponder, and typically stays under 10 cm for NFC under ISO 14443. That is often the point rather than a limitation: when someone presents a card at a reader, you want to read exactly that card and nothing else nearby. HF is far less affected by water and human tissue than UHF, which is why it dominates healthcare and industrial laundry. The governing standards are ISO 14443 (A and B), ISO 15693 and ISO/IEC 18092.
UHF, also called RAIN RFID, operates at 865 to 868 MHz in Europe. Read range reaches around 12 m depending on tag, antenna and environment. Transmit power is capped by ETSI EN 302 208 at 2 W ERP. The US uses 902 to 928 MHz at 4 W EIRP, so devices need regional approval. UHF reads whole populations of tags at once, pays for it with sensitivity to metal and liquids, and needs on-metal tags and a considered antenna layout in those environments.
Is NFC the same as RFID? NFC is a subset of HF RFID, not a separate technology alongside it. An HF reader that supports ISO 14443 and ISO/IEC 18092 reads NFC tags as a matter of course. A UHF reader does not read NFC tags and vice versa, because the frequency and the air interface differ. Devices that do both carry two separate reader modules.
The four form factors compared
- Fixed — UHF up to approx. 12 m, HF up to approx. 50 cm. Ethernet, PoE, RS-232, GPIO, some Wi-Fi. For stationary read points: dock door, conveyor, shelf, access point.
- Handheld — UHF up to approx. 4 m, HF a few centimetres. Android device, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, some 5G. When people go to the goods: stocktaking, goods-in, maintenance.
- Desktop — a few centimetres to approx. 35 cm. USB-A or USB-C, some Bluetooth LE. When items are captured or encoded one at a time at a desk.
- Embedded module — range depends on the external antenna. TTL, UART, USB, CCID. When the reader becomes part of your own device.
Range figures are indicative under good conditions. What a given installation actually achieves depends on the tag, the antenna orientation and the material around it, and only a trial will tell you.
Matching devices from the portfolio
Fixed: Chainway UR300 with Android 11, an Impinj E Series chipset with Gen2X and over 1,300 tags per second, Chainway UR4 and CAEN Proton. Full lists under UHF fixed readers and HF fixed readers.
Handheld: Chainway MC51 with Android 14, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, IP67 and up to 4 m read range, CAEN fIDo as a sled with SP-Connect mount and wireless phone charging, and the rugged Chainway P80 UHF tablet. Overview: UHF handheld readers and HF handheld readers.
Desktop: Chainway R3S with 30 dBm, an integrated antenna, USB-C and Bluetooth LE, CT DeskID with 17 dBm and up to 35 cm read range, CAEN Slate with a circular polarised antenna. For HF and NFC the ACS ACR1552U with ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693, ISO/IEC 18092 and a SAM slot.
Embedded modules: the Chainway CM710 series with 4, 8 or 16 antenna ports, the CAEN Lepton-x4 TTL and for HF the ACS ACM1552U-Z2. Overview: UHF reader modules and HF reader modules.
