IndustryInsight tion 2 standard created by RFID standards body EPCglobal. This upgrade was certified by EPCglobal as complying with all aspects of the Generation 2 protocol, including Dense Reader Mode, which helps many RFID readers interoperate in one location. Since Mercury readers are full-fledged network devices, they could easily be remotely updated with the Tesla upgrade. This is a key proof point for the benefits of SDR in RFID: all other non-SDR-based RFID readers had to either be replaced, or required the installation of new circuit boards, in order to work with the Generation 2 standard. The latest major upgrade to this software, MercuryOS 2.4 Yagi, is scheduled for release this month. It improves overall tag reading performance by up to 400% and enables the Mercury5 to read 180 unique RFID tags per second, far more than other RFID readers. The MercuryOS consists of two parts: a user-programmable network operating system based on Linux, and a real-time SDR system. The network OS uses a full Linux 2.4 kernel, the same one used on many PCs and servers, but compiled for a different processor. This OS enables high-performance threading, scheduling mechanisms, memory protection and networking. The company’s engineers also developed a Reader Query Language (RQL) server as a simple but general network protocol that allows the use of syntax similar to Structured Query Language (SQL) to perform tag operations. No client software is required other than a standard Telnet application. Additional RQL commands that are not included in SQL allow RQL to support time-based operations. The server also provides tag-specific data (id, protocol_id) as well as event metadata (antenna_id, read_count, frequency) and enables timesynchronized operations. Developers can also use APIs, giving them a powerful way to customize Mercury readers to suit their needs, by enabling access to higher-level functions beyond what is available via RQL. Developers can write customized APIs, as well as use APIs created by ThingMagic. With the release of MercuryOS 2.3 Tesla, the ability to use Windows-based APIs is included, offering the flexibility to program in either Linux or Windows environments. The onboard Web server supports typical Web server functionality, including CGI
scripting. It can be used to serve static content such as help pages, dynamic read-only content such as status pages, forms to update settings and client-side Java applets. The Web server can be used to upload firmware, configuration files and user programs, and to perform firmware updates. The radio features of the SDR are controlled by the Mercury OS server. Protocol modules are stored in flash memory, which can be expanded to include as many additional protocols as required over time. By using an innovative SDR-based design, networked RFID readers can be
quickly and remotely upgraded with a single keystroke. This replaces the laborious handling of every deployed reader. In environments with dozens, or even hundreds, of deployed RFID readers, the upgrade efficiency delivered through SDR-based design dramatically increases ROI and maintains a reasonable total cost of ownership. ThingMagic Cambridge, MA. (866) 833-4069. [www.thingmagic.com].
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