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Reader


What are the benefits of Ascendent ID's 4120 readers?
Ascendent ID's readers incorporate a processor and on-board memory which allow the resident application software to handle tag communications and system interfacing. The 4120 can communicate with a broad range of user external devices through multiple, configurable, industry standard serial interfaces and user-customizable interfaces.
What is a multiple zone reader?
Ascendent ID's RFID readers provide the functionality of up to six separate single zone readers. Available in 6 Zone or 3 Zone versions, Ascendent ID's readers provide discrete control and adjustable range of each zone. For example, for a tolling station with six lanes, it would require six of the competitor's readers versus typically only one Ascendent ID reader.
What is the operating frequency of Ascendent ID's RFID Readers?
Ascendent ID's readers operate on a forward link frequency of 2.45 GHz.
What are the advantages of 2.45 Ghz RFID systems over lower frequency RFID systems?
2.45 Ghz wavelength is shorter than lower frequency RFID systems, such as 900 Mhz. As a result, reader and tag antennas can typically be much smaller than those found on readers and tags that utilize lower frequencies. Additionally, since the wavelength is shorter, 2.45 Ghz systems are more directional which helps ensure that tags are read only when they are intended to be read.
Do Ascendent ID's 3 Zone and 6 Zone readers read all of the different Ascendent ID tags?
Yes, Ascendent ID's current 3 Zone and 6 Zone readers can read any of the Ascendent ID tags listed on our website.
Do all of the read zones need to be set to the same level?
No, each read zone can be adjusted to provide the optimum reading distance for the application.

Tags


What is a semi-active RFID tag?
Semi-active RFID tags contain a battery that is used to power the internal RFID chip. Unlike active tags, semi-active tags do not use the battery to power the transmission of data. Instead, semi-active tags are in a sleep state most of the time and only respond when a reader instructs them. This saves battery life and allows only specific tags to respond resulting in less unwanted noise.
What applications are best suited for the CompacTagTM and DuraTagTM?
CompacTagTM 2045 is ideal for electronic tolling, gated communities, monthly parking facilities, or other vehicle access control applications. Ascendent ID's DuraTagTM 4910 is the ideal fit for yard management, container tracking, and fleet management.
What are the read ranges and rewritable memory of the CompacTagTM and DuraTagTM?
The small and unobtrusive size of Ascendent ID's CompacTagTM 2045 allows for use in many different applications with reliable read distances of up to 40 feet. The CompacTagTM 2045 features a 20 digit rewriteable tag identification number, 256 bytes of rewriteable memory, and complete support of Ascendent ID's sophisticated reader-to-tag protocol. Each DuraTagTM 4910 features up to 256 bytes of rewriteable memory and a reprogrammable identification number. The DuraTagTM 4910 can be read at distances of up to 70 feet.
Can the wireless data transmission be encrypted?
Yes, Ascendent ID's systems can incorporate several optional security measures including triple DES encryption.
If a tag is lost or stolen, can it be disabled?
The tag can be disabled so it will not respond to any commands that are sent, except a "revive" command.
Can I replace the battery inside the tag?
Since Ascendent ID's products are designed for commercial and industrial applications, the tags are completely sealed to prevent foreign material and moisture from entering the tag. The battery is sealed inside of the case making it impossible for users to change the battery.

Antenna


What is antenna polarization?
The patch antennas provided with Ascendent ID's Reader Kit are linearly polarized. This means the electric field stays in the same orientation. There is a line on the back of the antenna which shows the orientation. When that line is horizontal the electrical field is horizontal. The patch antennas can be installed in any orientation with either horizontal or vertical orientation.
What happens when the polarization of patch antennas and tag antennas do not match?
As the orientation of the tag changes from a perfect match (horizontal to horizontal polarization) to a mismatch (horizontal to vertical polarization) the signal received is greatly reduced.
How far can the antennas be positioned from the reader?
There are a number of factors that affect the distance of the antennas from the reader including: the inherent loss of the cable, the distance from the antennas to the tags, and installation specific factors. As a general rule, even with a high-quality, low-loss cable, the distance from the reader to the antenna will be 100 feet or less.
How far should the transmit antenna be from the receive antenna?
Generally, the transmit antenna should be about 24 inches or 60 cm from the
receive antenna.

General


Can this system be customized to provide solutions to business opportunities?
Yes. Ascendent ID has the solution to reliably capture your RFID transactions, allow you to apply business-specific rules, send valuable alerts, and present the data in a user-friendly and easy to interpret reporting structure.
What databases can be integrated with the system?
Ascendent ID's Avera software is database neutral meaning that most enterprise-level databases can be integrated with Avera. Our systems can be used as the primary mission-critical system or configured to supplement existing legacy systems.
What components are included in the 4120 Reader Kit?
4120R Reader (1), Power Supply (1), Coaxial Antenna Cable (2 minimum required),8.5 dB Antenna (2 minimum required), 37-pin Interface Cable (1), Mounting Brackets (2) Optional, CD and documentation, Sample tags
Do I need a special site license for Ascendent ID's readers and tags?
If Ascendent ID's readers are installed as specified, they are FCC Part 15 compliant and no site license is needed.