Overview
This guide provides the technical framework to implement high-performance RFID on Zebra TC501, TC701, TC201 & ET4 Tablets. It details foundational architectural enhancements, key connection modes, built-in safeguards, and recommended settings to optimize performance on these devices.
Architectural Enhancements
High-Performance Sessions
Reader supports high performance for Session targeting A or B. To ensure seamless software continuity, the standard AB Flip configuration will also be supported in an upcoming SDK release.
Integrated OS Updates
Separate RFID firmware updates are no longer required. RFID enhancements are now part of standard OS updates, which simplifies IT maintenance and ensures greater system stability.
Instant Wake-Up
Periodic Start/Stop Triggers have been eliminated. The system now wakes up instantly only when the scan button is pressed, which eliminates background battery waste.
Focused Customization
The new customization is focused strictly on foundational needs, such as factory reset and region configuration, to provide a more secure and stable platform.
Unified Data Connectivity
DataWedge now connects to both RFID and WAN modes by default, supporting simultaneous tag scanning and cellular connectivity.
Hardware Prefiltering
Post-filtering is no longer used. Instead, prefiltering is utilized early at the hardware level to optimize chip performance.
Optimized Writes & Instant Reads
- Writes: The chip prioritizes core single-write commands to maximize processing speed and save battery. Standard sequential writes are used as an alternative.
- Reads: The chip operates so quickly that grouping data is no longer necessary to save time. Tag reads are sent instantly.
Flexible Connection Modes
There are two primary connection modes available to manage device resources.
RFID_ONLY Mode (Max Performance)
- How it works: Dedicates the device's full resources to the RFID reader while temporarily pausing cellular connectivity.
- Benefit: Eliminates potential radio interference to guarantee the fastest read rates and peak throughput.
RFID+WAN Mode (Real-Time Sync)
- How it works: Allows standard data operations to co-exist simultaneously with active RFID scanning.
- Benefit: Enables instant data updates while keeping cellular data active. It intelligently prioritizes voice calls, pausing RFID scanning only while you are on a call.
API Configuration Control
By default, the device starts in RFID_ONLY mode to ensure the best possible scanning performance right away. Developers can easily switch the device to RFID+WAN mode using this simple code command:
void connect(ENUM_CONNECTION_MODE mode)
Performance Management
WAN State vs. RFID Behavior
The RFID behavior is intelligently managed based on the cellular (WAN) state:
| Cellular (WAN) State | Resulting RFID Behavior |
|---|---|
| Idle | Maximum Performance: Delivers full RFID throughput for high-speed scanning. |
| Hold Voice/Data | Balanced Performance: Enables simultaneous scanning and data use by expertly sharing resources. |
| Active Voice Call | Prioritizes Voice: Intelligently pauses RFID to ensure perfect call clarity, then automatically resumes. |
WWAN + RFID Operations
Overview & Operating Modes
Device behavior depends on the selected operating mode:
- RFID Only Mode: WWAN connectivity is completely disabled, regardless of the number or presence of physical SIMs or eSIM profiles.
- RFID + WWAN Mode:
- When RFID is OFF: Standard WWAN services operate normally with no restrictions.
- When RFID is ON:
- Single Active Subscription: The active SIM/eSIM continues operating normally without interruption.
- Dual Active Subscriptions (Physical SIM + eSIM or Dual eSIM): The Non-DDS (Non-Default Data Subscription) is temporarily deactivated while RFID is active. It automatically resumes once RFID is turned OFF.
SIM Configurations
The following tables outline the definitions for SIM states and the subscription behaviors when RFID is ON across various SIM slot configurations.
State Definitions
| State | Description |
|---|---|
| In Service | SIM/eSIM is present and network cellular service is actively connected. |
| Not Active | SIM/eSIM is present, but cellular network service is temporarily disconnected/deactivated. |
| Not Present | No physical SIM card is inserted or no eSIM profile is loaded in the slot. |
Combination Matrix
| Operating Mode | Scenario / Setup | Default Data Sub (DDS) | Physical SIM | eSIM Slot 1 | eSIM Slot 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RFID Only | Physical SIM / eSIM present or not present | N/A | Not Active | Not Active | Not Active |
| RFID Only | No Physical SIM & No eSIM | N/A | Not Present | Not Present | Not Present |
| RFID + WWAN | 1 Physical SIM & 1 eSIM | Physical SIM | In Service | Not Active | Not Present |
| RFID + WWAN | 1 Physical SIM & 1 eSIM | eSIM 1 | Not Active | In Service | Not Present |
| RFID + WWAN | 1 Physical SIM & No eSIM | Physical SIM | In Service | Not Present | Not Present |
| RFID + WWAN | No Physical SIM & 1 eSIM (Slot 1) | eSIM 1 | Not Present | In Service | Not Present |
| RFID + WWAN | No Physical SIM & 1 eSIM (Slot 2) | eSIM 2 | Not Present | Not Present | In Service |
| RFID + WWAN | No Physical SIM & 2 eSIMs | eSIM 1 | Not Present | In Service | Not Active |
| RFID + WWAN | No Physical SIM & 2 eSIMs | eSIM 2 | Not Present | Not Active | In Service |
Coexistence Scenarios
The following table details system and priority behaviors during simultaneous voice, data, and RFID operations:
| Scenario | Condition & User Action | System / Device Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Data & RFID | • A: Active WWAN data transmission; user initiates RFID in RFID + WWAN mode. • B: Active WWAN data transmission; user initiates RFID in RFID Only mode. |
• A: Both WWAN data and RFID operate concurrently. • B: RFID is active; WWAN data transmission is blocked. |
| Voice Call (Near Head) (Devices with Proximity Sensor only) |
• A: User is on a handset call (near head) and attempts to use RFID. • B: User is actively using RFID in RFID + WWAN mode and a call is attempted. • C: User is actively using RFID in RFID Only mode and a call is attempted. |
• A: RFID will not connect; the WWAN call remains active uninterrupted. • B: WWAN call takes priority; RFID disconnects and displays a user notification. • C: WWAN call cannot be established; RFID remains active. |
| Voice Call (Handsfree) | • A: User is on a handsfree/speaker call and attempts to use RFID. • B: User is actively using RFID in RFID + WWAN mode and a call is attempted. • C: User is actively using RFID in RFID Only mode and a call is attempted. |
• A: RFID connects successfully; the WWAN call is placed on hold. • B: WWAN call takes priority; RFID disconnects and displays a user notification. • C: WWAN call cannot be established; RFID remains active. |
Built-in Safeguards
Several safeguards are in place to ensure reliable and safe operation.
USB & Charge Protection
To ensure a stable data connection and prevent conflicts, RFID is not active while the USB cable is plugged in for charging or data transfer.
Low Battery Protection
To preserve power for critical functions, the RFID reader automatically enters a low-power state when the battery drops below 15%. In low power mode user will not be able to connect, the reason behind this is to prevent RFID disturbance and emissions down to the AC line.
Airplane Mode
As required by aviation regulations, all radios, including RFID, are disabled when Airplane Mode is active.
Idle Power-Save
To maximize battery life, the RFID connection automatically sleeps if idle for more than 9 minutes and instantly wakes when you resume scanning. This Idle Power mode exclusively applies to inventory rounds, saving power without disrupting other system tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is RFID enabled when in an eConnex cradle?
A: Yes, it is enabled. However, it is automatically disabled under two specific conditions:
- When the device is actively charging.
- When an external RFID reader is attached to the cradle.
Q: Does the "Low Battery" state affect transmit power or duty cycle?
A: It directly reduces transmit power to conserve the remaining battery life.
Q: Does "Idle Power" mode impact all device functions?
A: No, it exclusively applies to inventory rounds, saving power without disrupting other system tasks.