OEM reader module
Integrated / embedded
What is it?
An OEM reader module is a bare circuit board that provides RFID read/write capability for embedding into another product. These are the building blocks that go inside kiosks, vending machines, smart shelves, drones, robots, access gates, and any custom hardware that needs RFID. The module handles the RF protocol - everything from carrier generation and modulation to anti-collision and tag memory access - while the host system provides the enclosure, power, antenna, and application logic.
How it works
The module contains the RFID transceiver IC, power amplifier, receive chain, and a microcontroller running the air-interface protocol (EPC Gen2 for UHF, ISO 14443/15693 for HF, ISO 11784/85 for LF). It connects to an external antenna via a coaxial connector and to the host processor via UART, SPI, or USB. The host sends commands (inventory, read, write) over the serial interface; the module executes them and returns results. Power consumption ranges from under 100 mW for LF modules to 2–3 W for UHF modules at full transmit power.
Industries
Use cases
- Embedding RFID into custom kiosk hardware
- Drone-mounted inventory scanning systems
- Robotic inventory robots in warehouses
- Smart shelf and smart cabinet builds
- Access control gate integration
- Custom RFID-enabled medical devices
Pros
- Maximum design flexibility for custom products
- Smallest physical footprint of any reader type
- Low cost at volume ($50–$200)
- Available in LF, HF, and UHF variants
- Full protocol support without writing RF firmware
Cons
- Requires antenna design expertise for optimal performance
- No enclosure - host product must handle environmental protection
- Regulatory certification (FCC/CE) may need to be re-done for the final product
- Limited technical support compared to finished reader products
- Integration requires firmware development on the host side
Specifications
| Category | Integrated / embedded |
|---|---|
| Frequency | UHF (860–960 MHz), HF (13.56 MHz), or LF (125–134 kHz) |
| Read range | Depends on antenna design - module provides RF power |
| Environment | Indoor & outdoor |
| IP rating | N/A - module only; enclosure determines IP rating |
| Connectivity | UART/Serial, SPI, USB, GPIO |
| Antenna configuration | External antenna connector (U.FL, SMA, or MMCX); antenna sold separately |
| Price range | $50–$400 per module (volume pricing available) |