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Manufacturing IT hardware
News Release from: Diagnostic Instruments | Subject: Di-400
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 May 2004
Flexible range of RFID solutions
Flexible range of RFID solutions on new rugged customisable handheld.
Diagnostic Instruments Ltd announces the launch of their new XScale based Auto ID handheld This device, thought to be the world's first fully customisable rugged Auto-ID platform, will further expand DI's RFID product range
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Apr 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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The handheld offers a choice of fully integrated RF readers (125kHz, 134.2kHz, 13.56MHz) in combination with a traditional barcode scanner, allowing maximum flexibility for data capture solutions and the unique ability to integrate emerging RFID technologies as required.
The unit will find applications in the asset management, inspection, maintenance, and homeland security markets.
With increasing importance being placed upon accurate tracking and recording of high value products and safety critical assets, and the rapid adoption of ID technologies for security applications, the ability to choose the right combination of technologies for each project is crucial.
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DI's powerful Auto ID platform provides the key: a flexible RFID and Barcode handheld suited to a wide range of applications - without the need to compromise.
There are three off the shelf RFID options to choose from: low frequency 125 kHz (Hitag, EM Marin) and 134.2 kHz (TI - Tiris LF) or high frequency, 13.56 MHz (ICode, MIFARE, TI).
However, the handhelds unique customisable design also means that other reader options could be incorporated, such as UHF (862 to 928 MHz).
This gives solution providers the flexibility to implement an auto identification solution that meets their exact requirements, based on either currently established or emerging RF transponder formats.
Other ID technologies such as a Smart /Contact ID card reader can also be combined with the base RFID platform.
These can be integrated by means of the internal PCMCIA/CF interface whilst still retaining the units' rugged design.
This unique ability to provide multiple functionality as required creates a handheld ideally suited for applications such as transportation security, border control or protecting critical infrastructures and assets.
Called the Di-400, this powerful new platform features a 400MHz Xscale processor running the CE.NET v4.2 OS, with an all weather 1/4 VGA colour display, integrated graphics controller as standard, and options for wireless data transfer including 802.11b, GPRS and Bluetooth.
Standard memory options are available up to 128 Mb Flash and 128 Mb RAM.
Utilising the SD, CF and PCMCIA card ports, or additional internal CF interface can further increase storage, or functionality.
Another unique feature of this new Auto ID platform is its four user definable fast function keys, which reduce the need to drive applications via a touchscreen/stylus combination, allowing for improved efficiency and simplified stylus free user operation if required.
As standard, the unit is sealed to IP65 (dust and waterproof) and has a 2 metre multiple drop rating, making it an extremely rugged device ideal for use in industrial environments.
DI's hardware platforms all have a full range of customisable features that go far beyond simple cosmetic branding (choice of plastic colour, badge labelling etc) by providing the capability to fully integrate additional technologies, thus creating a uniquely tailored mobile solution.
Custom features include the option to integrate your own electronics, utilise high speed internal communications, configure your own input/output panel, use the optional on-board DSP or high specification data acquisition (DAQ) capabilities.
As a result, this device offers user who cannot find their exact solution from off the shelf products the option to combine Auto ID with other technologies to create a tailored and rugged solution that fully meets their needs - without compromise.
Gareth Bruce, Sales and Marketing Executive at DI commented, "The RFID market is still evolving.
Standards are being set and new technologies emerging.
But RFID is only part of the story for sophisticated users who need to leverage its benefits in combination with other technologies such as WiFi, GPS, Smart Cards, or Biometric ID.
The new Di-400 Auto ID platform fills a big gap in the market, and allows these users to specify exactly what they need.
We work closely with our customers.
And our 'total product and lifecycle management' approach carries this forward to ensure that they get guaranteed supply, quality, warranty and support - all at a competitive price!" Full details of the new Di-400 Auto ID platform can be found on www.ruggedhandheld.com/instrument_computing/autoid.htm.
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