ThingMagic has introduced a new Astra integrated RFID reader/antenna for asset management applications. Astra's features such as low profile, unobtrusive design and Power over Ethernet (PoE) and WiFi options make it suitable for asset management in offices, healthcare facilities and other environments where ease of installation and deployment flexibility are essential. The reader features EPCglobal Generation 2.0 (ISO 18000-6C) support with anti-collision, Dense Reader Mode (DRM) and advanced anti-jamming functionality. The Power over Ethernet (PoE) option reduces cabling and electrical outlet proximity requirements. The WiFi option provides low-cost integration with existing enterprise WiFi networks, and supports enterprise WiFi security standards including TKIP, AES and EAP-TLS. The reader features an integrated 865-956 MHz, circularly-polarised antenna, which has a gain of 6dBiL and beamsidth of 65o. Also, 16Mbyte of Flash and 32Mbyte of RAM are available for reader-hosted applications. The reader also features an external antenna port. Driven by ThingMagic's Mercury5e embedded reader module, the Astra integrated reader features a read range of up to 30 feet for Generation 2 RFID tags, and can read over 190 tags per second. Fully supporting ThingMagic's enterprise-class MercuryOS software, Astra's network management and security features include DHCP for configuration and firmware management, as well as SSL/SSH-based security. The reader is available in a package measuring 10.2x10.2x3 inches.
