Overview

The TwinCAT 3 RFID Reader Communication library makes communication with RFID readers from the PLC program possible. RFID readers can be read-only or read/write devices.

The TwinCAT RFID library facilitates implementation of a wide range of applications using different RFID reader functions. The implementation expenditure is very low, because no manufacturer-specific interface protocol needs to be investigated in detail and implemented. The library automatically deals with frame configuration, telegram composition, command designation, telegram recognition and some other protocol characteristics.

The following figure illustrates an RFID reader application.

Handling of the library is the same for all supported RFID reader models. In the event of a change of manufacturer, only minor changes to the application are required.

An overview of the supported RFID reader models can be found in the section Technical introduction > RFID reader hardware. Supported models include devices from manufacturers such as Balluff, Baltech, Deister electronic, Leuze electronic and Pepperl+Fuchs.

The Compact RFID reader is optionally available for Beckhoff multi-touch control panels. In contrast to the other RFID reader models, this one is not addressed from TwinCAT using the TF6600 RFID Reader Communication, but only using the TF6340 Serial Communication. A product description of the Compact RFID Reader and a PLC example showing communication with this device can be found in the Online Information System in the section Industrial PC > Compact RFID Reader.