Implementing versatile and cost-effective RFID (radio frequency identification) systems is a straightforward task using Ositrack products from Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric. Fully supporting Telemecanique’s Osiconcept approach of offering simplicity through innovation, the new products bring not only ease of use but also openness to RFID.

Ositrack operates at 13.65MHz, making it an ideal system for a wide range of applications that involve tracking people or products. To ensure maximum flexibility, the compact, robust tag readers in the range are offered in two formats, one of which, at just 40 x 40 x 15mm, is the most compact industrial RFID station currently available.

In a move away from the proprietary systems that have previously dominated the RFID market, Ositrack tag readers are compatible with almost all tags conforming to ISO 18000-3, ISO 15693 and ISO 14443. Users, therefore, have the choice of either buying tags from the extensive Ositrack range, or of using any of the non-locked ISO tags that are available in the market.

For ease of integration, Ositrack readers support both Modbus and Modbus TCP/IP and, in the near future, network support will be extended to include Uni-Telway and CANopen. In spite of this versatility, no complicated setting up is needed, as the readers automatically configure themselves to match the protocol and speed of the network being used.

Networking addressing is carried out quickly and easily with the aid of an electronic configuration badge fitted to the front of the readers, and the units generate data in a format that is directly readable by any modern PLC. No special software or programming is, therefore, required.

Installation of the readers, which have integrated antennas, is equally simple – Schneider Electric offers an extensive range of fixing accessories, and the units can even be mounted directly on a metal support. They adapt automatically to their surroundings and can even be fitted in restricted spaces in the heart of a machine. Industry standard M12 connectors are used for cabling.

To complement the fixed tag readers in the Telemecanique Ositrack range, Schneider Electric also offers a portable terminal. This provides direct reading and writing of tags for setting-up and maintenance purposes, as well as supporting data transfer to and from PCs.

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