Leuze Launches RFID Readers: IO-Link + NFC for Ultimate Industrial Flexibility

Leuze, a global leader in optical sensor technology and industrial automation solutions, has announced the launch of its new RFID readers featuring IO-Link and NFC functionality. Designed to enhance flexibility and efficiency in production and logistics environments, these readers combine advanced technology with compact design, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

The new RFID readers, part of the RDH 100 and RDH 200 series, operate in the high-frequency range and offer reading ranges of up to 100 mm. Their compact design and flexible mounting options allow for easy integration into tight spaces, such as production cells or assembly workstations. The RDH 100 series, with its cylindrical shape and a diameter of just 30 millimeters, is particularly suited for applications where space is at a premium. It features a robust metal round sleeve version with an M30 x 1.5 thread, providing optimum mechanical protection and an IP67 ingress protection rating, ensuring reliable performance even in harsh environmental conditions.

The RDH 200 series takes versatility a step further by including NFC functionality. This allows the readers to be used for authentication on machines via NFC tags, expanding their application scope beyond traditional RFID tasks. Despite their advanced features, both series maintain an extremely compact form factor, with the RDH 200 measuring just 68 x 68 x 42 millimeters. The back of the device is designed as a mounting plate, enabling flexible and quick fastening with screws and providing good accessibility. This design also allows the reader to be mounted directly on metallic surfaces.

One of the key highlights of these new RFID readers is their IO-Link interface, which simplifies integration and enables fast, uncomplicated use at the sensor level. IO-Link technology allows for seamless communication between the sensor and the control system, facilitating real-time data exchange and diagnostics. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

In addition to their IO-Link capabilities, the new RFID readers are also temperature-resistant, capable of operating in temperatures as low as -32°C. This makes them suitable for use in deep-freeze warehouse applications, where traditional RFID readers may struggle to perform reliably.

Leuze's new RFID readers with IO-Link and NFC functionality represent a significant advancement in industrial automation technology. By combining compact design, robust performance, and advanced connectivity options, these readers offer a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of applications in production and logistics.