1. TC501 Product Reference Guide
  2. Data Capture
  3. Integrated RFID
  • TC501 Product Reference Guide
Integrated RFID

Integrated RFID

This section provides an overview of the device's integrated RFID reader capabilities, connection modes, cellular coexistence behaviors, and physical operating limitations.
The
TC501
's RFID reader features a built-in encoder/reader. Observe the following device capabilities and constraints before beginning your scanning session:
  • Read Range: Maximum tag read range of
    2.0 m (6.5 ft)
    .
  • Read Speed: Speed of up to
    200
     tags per second.
  • SDK APIs: The system disables RFID by default. You must enable or disable RFID using the RFID SDK APIs.
  • WWAN Coexistence: RFID and WWAN can co-exist on the device. RFID operates in two connection modes: RFID ONLY or RFID+WWAN. Note that certain design limitations apply when co-existing.
When you use the
TC501
 near the body in handset mode (for example, holding the device to your ear), the device automatically disables RFID power to comply with SAR regulations. Refer to the Regulatory Guide for more information.
Review the following functional behaviors and limitations when using the RFID reader alongside other device operations:
Connection Modes:
  • RFID Only Mode: Dedicates the modem entirely to RFID operations. This mode provides the fastest RFID performance but disables WWAN capabilities (blocking data and voice calls).
  • RFID+WWAN Mode: Shares processing time between RFID and cellular operations. If the modem detects no WWAN activity, RFID operates at maximum capacity. Active WWAN operations split modem time evenly (50%) between WWAN and RFID.
WWAN and RFID Coexistence Behaviors:
  • Wi-Fi Connection Active: RFID and Wi-Fi data transmission work simultaneously. However, if the device receives a Voice over IP (VoIP) call, the RFID reader stops operating to prioritize the voice call and proximity sensor.
  • Cellular (LTE) Connection Active: RFID and LTE data transmission work simultaneously. However, if the device receives a standard cellular phone call, the RFID reader temporarily stops operating to prioritize the phone call.
  • Suspend and Resume: When the device enters suspend mode and then resumes, RFID continues reading without requiring a manual restart.
Dual SIM (eSIM + Physical SIM) Behaviors:
  • If you configure only one SIM (either physical SIM1 or eSIM SIM2), the device cannot support concurrent RFID and cellular calls. VoIP calls get received over data.
  • If you configure both SIMs and set one as the data preference (for example, SIM1), RFID can co-exist with data apps and VoIP. However, when RFID is active, the device temporarily disables the secondary SIM that lacks data preference (for example, SIM2).
Read Rate Impact:
  • Idle State: Best performance (full RFID throughput).
  • Hold Voice/Data: Reduced performance (approximately a 50% drop in read rate).
  • Active Voice Call: RFID is completely non-operational.
The following conditions prevent RFID operations:
  • Airplane Mode: RFID cannot operate when you activate Airplane Mode because the device turns off the RF radios.
  • USB Connection: RFID cannot operate while you connect a USB cable because RF conducted emission regulations restrict transmission.
  • Low Battery: The device disables RFID operations when the battery level drops below 10%.
  • Firmware Upgrades: The architecture does not support standalone RFID firmware upgrades. You must perform a complete BSP update to update the RFID firmware.