User Manual

Section 2. System Description
Matrics develops and markets Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions that are effective and
affordable by offering a combination of low cost, long read range, and a very high read rate
unmatched by other RFID systems. A Matrics RFID System gives you real-time, end-to-end visibility
of products and assets in your factory, distribution center, retail outlet, or other facility. A typical
Matrics RFID system consists of three main components:
• Silicon-based RFID tags that can be attached to vehicles, trailers, containers, pallets, boxes, etc.,
to create a “people-free” wireless environment for tracking assets,
• Reader network components (readers, antennas, cables, connectors, power supplies, etc.) that
power and communicate with the tags, and
• The Matrics Visibility Manager (MVM) software that runs on your choice of host computer
and collects tag data automatically.
Product Description
The Matrics Long Range Reader (PN: RDR-090) is an industrial strength fixed Reader targeted to
indoor applications, such as warehouses. The Reader offers superior and robust read range
capabilities, anti-collision features, and very high data read rates unmatched by other systems. It can
be easily mounted in areas of ingress and egress where large numbers of tagged objects are inbound
or outbound in a logistics process. It is packaged ready to be interfaced to your host computer, and
can easily be programmed to perform specific tasks.
The Reader provides all of the RF and control functions required to power and communicate with
Matrics passive RFID tags (PN: SDR-001 and DDS-001.) It sends digital data to the tag (through one
antenna at any given time) on a pulse width modulated On Off Keyed (OOK) transmitter signal,
demodulates the identification signal received from the tag, and then sends the data to your host
computer.
The Matrics Reader network is structured to allow for flexibility in system configurations and in the
arrangement of read points to optimize coverage at a low overall cost. A typical configuration
consists of up to four (4) high performance antennas attached directly to a single Reader.
The system also employs a unique, patented reader-driven interrogation protocol that allows several
hundred tags to be read each second. This powerful read rate supplies the muscle to overcome
interference in noisy environments, and to guarantee the accuracy of reads when tags are moving at
high velocities. It also assures acceptable data collection timing when reading large volumes of
inventory.
Readers can be powered either locally or through the network cable in the event there is not a local
power source near by, and to minimize overall network infrastructure costs.
2 Long Range Reader User’s Manual  2002 Matrics, Inc.