RFID Handheld: Windows CE powered handheld reads barcodes and RFID

From WindowsForDevices, CA ... has announced what is claimed to be the world's first fully customizable rugged "Auto-ID platform" for reading both barcodes and RFID tags. ...

The Di-400 from Diagnostic Instruments Ltd. is claimed to be the world's first fully customizable rugged "Auto-ID platform" for reading both barcodes and RFID tags. The device, which is based on a 400MHz Intel XScale processor running Windows CE .NET, is expected to find applications in the asset management, inspection, maintenance, and homeland security markets, according to its maker.

The Di-400 offers a choice of fully integrated RF readers (125kHz, 134.2kHz, 13.56MHz) in combination with a traditional barcode scanner, enabling maximum flexibility for data capture solutions along with the unique ability to integrate emerging RFID technologies as required, according to the company.

There are three off-the-shelf RFID options to choose from: low frequency, 125 kHz (Hitag, EM Marin); low frequency, 134.2 kHz (TI - Tiris LF); and high frequency, 13.56 MHz (ICode, MIFARE, TI). However, the company says that its unique customizable design means that other reader options could be incorporated, such as UHF (862 to 928 MHz). Other ID technologies such as a Smart /Contact ID card reader can also be combined using the internal PCMCIA/CF interface.