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 (CSP)
The new CSP 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 Use Cases
SIM & eSIM Combinations
The system behavior varies based on your SIM configuration:
In case of “RFID Only mode” Mode
- WWAN will not be available irrespective of number of Phy SIM or eSIM presence.
In case of “RFID + WWAN” Mode
- If RFID is OFF then there will not be any impact to WWAN service.
- In case of RFID in ON
- If only one SIM/eSIM active then it will continue in the same state, no impact.
- If two subscriptions are active ( Phy SIM+ eSIM or eSIM+eSIM ) then Non DDS (non default data sub) subscriptions will get deactivated as soon as RFID is ON and resume back once RFID is OFF.
Not Active : SIM Present, Network Removed
In Service : SIM present, Network service Active
Not Present : No SIM Present
| Scenario | RFID | Default Data Sub | Physical SIM | ESIM 1 | ESIM 2 | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical SIM, E-SIM, Either Present or not Present | ON | NA | Not Active | Not Active | Not Active | RFID Only |
| No Physical SIM, No ESIM | ON | NA | Not Present | Not Present | Not Present | RFID Only |
| 1 Physical SIM & 1 ESIM | ON | Physical SIM | In Service | Not Active | Not Present | RFID + WWAN |
| 1 Physical SIM & 1 ESIM | ON | ESIM | Not Active | In Service | Not Present | RFID + WWAN |
| 1 Physical SIM & NO ESIM | ON | NA | In Service | Not Present | Not Present | RFID + WWAN |
| No Physical SIM & 1 ESIM (1st Slot) | ON | NA | Not Present | In Service | Not Present | RFID + WWAN |
| No Physical SIM & 1 ESIM (2nd Slot) | ON | NA | Not Present | Not Present | In Service | RFID + WWAN |
| No Physical SIM & 2 ESIM | ON | ESIM | Not Present | In Service | Not Active | RFID + WWAN |
| No Physical SIM & 2 ESIM | ON | ESIM | Not Present | Not Active | In Service | RFID + WWAN |
| # | Scenario | Device Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WWAN data + RFID usage A) User is in WWAN Data Mode and attempts to use RFID in RFID + WWAN mode B) User is in WWAN Data Mode and attempts to use RFID in RFID ONLY mode |
A) Both WWAN Data and RFID scanning shall work B) RFID is active, no WWAN data transmition |
| 2 | {ONLY ON DEVICE WITH PROXIMITY SENSOR} WWAN call near head + RFID usage A) User is in WWAN call with device near head and attempts to use RFID B) User uses RFID in RFID+WWAN mode and WWAN call attempts C) User uses RFID in RFID ONLY mode and WWAN call attempts |
RFID restricted due to SAR prevention A) RFID shall not connect, WWAN call remains active B) WWAN call is active, RFID disconnects with a notification C) WWAN call cannot happen in RFID ONLY mode, RFID is still active |
| 3 | WWAN call hand free + RFID usage A) User is in WWAN call with device in Handsfree mode and attempts to use RFID B) User uses RFID in RFID+WWAN mode and WWAN call attempts C) User uses RFID in RFID ONLY mode and WWAN call attempts |
Limited to toggle mode (due to QC WWAN/RFID design) A) RFID shall connect, WWAN call goes on hold B) WWAN call is active, RFID disconnects with a notification C) WWAN call cannot happen in RFID ONLY mode, RFID is still 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.