Astra-EX is an easy to install, unobtrusive, integrated 2-port reader/antenna designed for office and commercial environments. Driven by ThingMagics powerful Mercury6e (M6e) UHF RFID Module, Astra EX’s Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and Wi-Fi options allow for flexible, low cost, single cable installations. Astra-EX blends in well with corporate IT infrastructures and office layouts, and offers full support for ThingMagic’s enterprise-class MercuryAPI software.

Key features of Astra-EX reader include:

• High performance, EPCglobal Gen2 (optional ISO 18000-6B) support with anti-collision Dense Reader Mode (DRM) and advanced anti-jamming functionality.
• A fully integrated 8.5 dBic circularly-polarized antenna and an RP TNC connector to support an optional secondary external antenna.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) reduces cabling and electrical outlet proximity requirements.
• WiFi option, providing low cost integration with existing enterprise WiFi networks. Supports enterprise WiFi security standards including TKIP, AES and EAP-TLS.
• 32MB of flash and 64MB of DRAM available for reader-hosted applications.
• LLRP v1.0.1 with multiprotocol extensions.
• A small form factor (10.2”H x 10.2”W x 3”D).
• An easy to use Development Kit for customized applications, settings, deployments and management.

High-performance capabilities and application-specific features include:

• Separate read and write levels, adjustable from 5 dBm to 30 dBm on the integrated antenna and up to 31.5 dBm on the external antenna port.
• A ‘fast search’ mode for reading tags affixed to fast-moving objects.
• Read rate over 750 tags per second with high-performance feature settings.
• Read range up to 30 feet for Generation 2 UHF RFID tags.
• The ability to rapidly adapt to changing tag populations.
• The ability to obtain 128 bytes of data with every tag read.
• Support for the full cool-Log™ command set for IDS SL900A sensor tags.