Understanding the CSL CS108 Ordering Options

                                                         CSL CS108 Sled Handheld for RFID/2D Barcode

Understanding the CSL CS108 Ordering Options:

CSL 108 is a type of RFID reader developed by Convergence Systems Limited (CSL), a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of RFID hardware and oftware solutions.

The CSL 108 is a compact and versatile UHF RFID reader that operates at a frequency range of 860-960 MHz. It supports multiple protocols, including EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2, ISO 18000-6C, and ISO 18000-6B, and has a read range of up to 8 meters (depending on the tag and environmental conditions).

The CSL 108 is commonly used in applications such as inventory management, asset tracking, and supply chain management, where fast and accurate identification of RFID tags is required. It also has a built-in antenna and supports both USB and RS-232 interfaces for easy integration with various systems.

This is a great, simple-to-use RFID device that can take your solution to the next level, but first, you’ll need to understand how to select the correct ordering options!

Selecting the CSL108 Operating Region Options:

Governments regulate the correct frequency band for RFID systems to ensure that they operate within a specified range that is safe and does not interfere with other radio signals. The frequency band used by RFID systems can vary depending on the type of system, the intended application, and local regulations. Each region or country has their own rules for RFID operations, and they differ by frequency band used, allowed transmitted power, number of channels, channel usage and other parameters.

As you will see on the CSL CS108 Product Page in RFID4USTORE, the first ordering option that must be selected is “Operating Region.” Governments regulate different frequency bands in different regions, which is why RFID readers, among other devices, must be tuned to the correct frequency. The CS108 is a multi-regional handheld RFID reader, so all you must do is select the operating frequency where you will be using the reader. If you do not see your specific region under the ordering options, your location may still fall within one of the other categories. A simple Google search can help you determine what UHF frequency band is approved in your region.

Selecting the CSL108 Polarization Options:

RFID antennas can be polarized in different orientations to optimize the performance of the RFID system in a specific application. In RFID systems, polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field of the radio waves transmitted and received by the antenna.

CS108 has an antenna integrated into the reader. The polarization option you select will determine the radiation pattern of the antenna.

There are two main types of RFID antenna Polarization:

• Circular Polarized: Circular polarization antennas transmit and receive radio waves in multiple directions simultaneously, with the orientation of the electric field rotating in a circular pattern.
• Linear Polarized: Linear polarization antennas transmit and receive radio waves in a specific direction. Linear polarization antennas are typically used when the orientation of the tags is known and consistent.

Further Linear Polarized Antenna divided into two parts:

• Horizontal Linear Polarized Antenna.
• Vertical Linear Polarized Antenna.

                                                 Fig: Circular Polarized                        Fig: Horizontal Linear Polarized

As, we typically associate polarization with antennas, but the CS108 has an antenna integrated into the reader. The polarization option you select will determine the radiation pattern of the antenna.

If you select a “Linear” option, you will be enabled with the long-range RFID features of the reader, giving you a read-range of up to 20 meters. In fact, even with the circular polarized antenna option, you will still get a long range of up to 15 meters, but the linear selections will always have a longer read range. Linear polarized antennas typically have a straight-shooting pattern, meaning they are best used when the items you are scanning with your reader are all in a uniform location where the RFID tags will always be facing the reader. An example of this would be a warehouse setting. A “Circular” polarized antenna is better used for applications that need a wider read range, such as picking up tags off a pallet of items.

Selecting the CSL108 Barcode Options:

The next step is to decide whether you would like to have a 2D barcode scanner module on your RFID device. The CSL108 comes with the option of a detachable barcode module, shown below. This module has connector pins in the back that make it very easy to install into your handheld reader. If you are slowly moving from barcode to RFID, or if you have a combination of barcode labelled and RFID tagged items, you’d like to keep track of, it would be ideal for you to select the 2D Barcode option.

                                                                 CS108 2D Barcode Module

Selecting the CSL108 Charging Cradle Options:

CSL108 Charging Cradle is a device designed to charge CSL108 barcode scanners. It is a compact and easy-to-use cradle that allows users to charge the barcode scanner quickly and conveniently.

The charging cradle typically comes with a USB cable that connects to a computer or a wall adapter. The CSL108 barcode scanner can be placed in the cradle, and it will start charging automatically. The cradle usually has LED indicators that show the charging status of the device.

The CSL108 Charging Cradle as shown is below, is an essential accessory for users who rely on the CSL108 barcode scanner. It ensures that the scanner is always charged and ready to use, eliminating the need to replace batteries frequently.

To order the CSL108 Charging Cradle Click Here.                  

                                                                       CS108 2D with Charging Cradle

Selecting the CSL108 Reader Accessory Selection Guide:

The CSL108 Reader Accessory Selection Guide provides information on the various accessories that are available for the CSL108 barcode scanner.

When choosing accessories for your CSL108 barcode scanner, consider your specific needs and usage patterns. Each accessory can enhance the functionality and convenience of your scanner in different ways.

Below the ordering options, you will find optional accessory add-on options. For information on these options, please view our blog post titled CSL CS108 UHF RFID Reader Accessory Selection Guide.

If you would like assistance in determining which options you need to select for your CS108, please Contact us!