Embedded Planet is shipping a compact, “low cost” RFID reader development kit that includes Linux support and a sample RFID application. The kit comes with a PC/104 form-factor single-board computer (SBC) and a PCMCIA-based RFID reader engine.

(Click here for larger photo of the RFID Reader Kit)

The SBC that is included in the RFID Reader Kit is based on a Freescale PowerQUICC I PowerPC-based network processor, and can be configured with up to 64MB of flash, 128MB of RAM, up to two 10/100 Ethernet ports, up to two RS-232 serial ports, and up to two PCMCIA slots.

The Kit's PCMCIA RFID Reader Engine (shown in the above photo) is offered in two configurations — one with an integral antenna for handheld and short-range read operation, and another with connectors for external antennas for longer read range applications. The reader engine is firmware upgradeable to ensure compatibility with future RFID standards, according to the company.

Key features and functions of the RFID Reader Kit include:

• Freescale PowerQUICC I PowerPC-based network processor
  
• Up to 64MB of Flash and 128MB of RAM
  
• Up to 2 PCMCIA slots, 1 for RFID Module and 1 left for expansion (802.11x, CompactFlash)
  
• Up to 2 10/100 Ethernet and 2 RS-232 Serial Ports
  
• Full Linux Board Support Package, including sample RFID application and development tools
  
• PC/104 mechanical form-factor and fully customizable for embedded applications
  
• Standard PCMCIA form-factor RFID Reader engine with integral antenna or separate high-gain antennas and cables to connect to dual MMCX antenna ports.
  
• EPC Class 0/1 and 0+ compliant. Firmware upgradeable for next generation tag standards
  
• Included Linux driver for simple integration and application development

“The market for RFID solutions is starting to explode,” said VP of sales and marketing Matt Hoover. The “RFID development kit provides customers with an open platform for rapidly developing and deploying RFID applications that are only limited by their imaginations,” he added.

The RFID Reader Kit is available immediately, according to Embedded Planet. The company says that it can customize the kit to meet OEM requirements, and that it can provide various RFID-related services to its customers, including development, production support, and training.

For further details visit Embedded Planet's website.

 
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