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ThingMagic has unveiled its new 'Astra' integrated RFID reader/antenna for asset management applications, featuring a low profile design and Power over Ethernet (PoE) and WiFi options.

The company says the device was designed for asset management applications in offices, healthcare facilities and other environments where ease of installation and deployment flexibility are essential.

Specialist applications
"Traditional fixed RFID readers, antennas, cable and electrical power requirements, while appropriate for warehouses and loading docks, are not always well suited for office and commercial environments," said Yael Maguire, ThingMagic CTO and co-founder. "Astra is specifically designed for office and commercial environments and is ideal for enterprise asset tracking applications including document management, inventory control, baggage tracking and medical equipment location."

According to Louis Bianchin, senior analyst and RFID programme manager for Venture Development Corporation, in office and commercial environments, RFID adopters so far have tended to prefer systems that blend in with both existing IT infrastructures and office layouts, and that minimize installation requirements.

Reader features
The Astra reader's features include:

• EPCglobal Generation 2.0 (ISO 18000-6C) support with anti-collision, Dense Reader Mode (DRM) and anti-jamming;
   
• Power over Ethernet (PoE), reducing cabling and electrical outlet proximity requirements;
   
• WiFi, providing low cost integration with existing enterprise WiFi networks, and supporting enterprise WiFi security standards including TKIP, AES and EAP-TLS;
   
• An integrated 865-956 MHz, circularly-polarized antenna with 6 dBiL gain and 65o beamwidth;
   
• ThingMagic's MercuryOS software for application development, network management and security;
   
• 16MB of flash and 32MB of RAM available for reader-hosted applications;
   
• An external antenna port for an additional antenna;
   
• A Software Development Kit for customized applications, settings, deployments and management;
   
• Small form factor (10.2"H x 10.2"W x 3"D);
   
• Read range of up to 30 feet for Generation 2 RFID tags, with throughput of over 190 tags per second;
   
• DHCP for configuration and firmware management, and SSL/SSH based security.

The device is already available in North America, with other country versions becoming available in the near future. Pricing starts at around US$995 in the US.

More Info:

http://www.thingmagic.com

Source: ThingMagic Inc.