When CAEN RFID, a leading RAIN RFID reader and reader modules manufacturer, needed to better understand how surrounding electronics influence sensitivity performance of their readers, they called on CISC’s Xplorer.

CAEN RFID’s goal was to decide on architecture and configurations in reader design for optimized reader sensitivity to better accommodate the latest generation of low-operating-power and lowbackscatter-power RAIN tag chip generations. Through intensive tests and learnings via the Xplorer, CAEN RFID achieved optimized reader sensitivity and saved development time. This is how they did it:

Phase-Shifter for Reader Behavior Understanding

When CAEN RFID started to evaluate how to optimize their reader sensitivity, CISC provided the measurement solution matching the overall requirements. CISC’s great expertise in the testing market, plus the phase shifter feature for verifying problems in the RF-chain, became the primary reasons why CAEN RFID decided to purchase Xplorer.

“After receiving Xplorer, we used it intensively and discovered interrelations that we could not quantify in the past”, says Gabriele Isola, RF R&D Manager of CAEN RFID s.r.l.. “The new insights helped us to advance our products in terms of quality and performance while shortening our development time. We can now use the time gained for customer support.”

CAEN RFID used the Xplorer performance test, which supports a variation of backscatter strength and BLF, to understand which parameters and other impacts are essential to get the best reader sensitivity. An interesting add-on came with the phase-shifter feature. It helped to understand how the reader changes its performance in dependence of various tag signal parameters additionally to BLF variation. This fine control was key to success. Additional evaluations have been done by the sniffer for reader to tag communication with focus on protocol and timing, supporting software verification.

Explore tag-reader interactions with the RAIN Reader Sensitivity Testing whitepaper.

“CISC’s test equipment was fundamental for developing the architecture of our new products according to ISO/IEC 18046-2 and with improved reader sensitivity.” says Isola, “The test results showed us how surrounding electronics have an effect on the performance of the reader: e.g. the effect of the switching mode power supply on the sensitivity.”

As a result of this advanced reader performance, CAEN RFID:

  • Achieved advanced performance of their readers while saving development time
  • Gained instant feedback on reader performance on different reader architecture and settings
  • Strengthened its reader product offering with best-in-class performance
  • Enhanced understanding on reader characteristic based on the surrounding electronics
  • Saved time to better spend on technical support for their customers

Discover more case studies to reach your goals, plus the latest in major markets, trends, and more in the fourth “What is RAIN RFID?” eBook where this use case was originally published.

About CISC

CISC Semiconductor is adding trust in a connected world by providing hardware and software solutions that enhance quality and performance for wireless communication in the Automotive and Identification market.

CISC is a leading standardization consultant and an active member of the AIM Germany, emi3, ETSI, IEC, ISO, NFC Forum, and RAIN Alliance. CISC is headquartered in Klagenfurt, Austria, with subsidiaries in Graz and Mountain View (CA), USA.

About CAEN RFID

CAEN RFID is a leading company in Automatic Identification (AutoID) and it has focused its activities in the RAIN RFID technology (passive UHF RFID conforming to GS1 EPC Class1 Gen2 or ISO 18000-63 standards).

CAEN RFID has developed its easy2read© and easy2log© product lines according to the RAIN RFID standards. Our team of engineers designs state-of-the-art devices and provides continuous support and feedback to customers. This provides our customers with a better understanding of RAIN RFID technology and our products, enabling their use in a more efficient and performing way.