SAM500

SAM500
Part of the SAM series
Programmable RAIN RFID module with -82 dBm and 700 tags/s

The SAM500 packs an Impinj Ex10 reader and a dual-core MCU into 32 x 36 x 4 mm, so applications run on the module itself. Sensitivity reaches -82 dBm and the read rate 700 tags/s.
Your own application runs on the module and has to handle more tags, faster. 700 tags/s and -82 dBm sensitivity in 32 x 36 x 4 mm. The middle of the SAM line.
Fewer tags? Choose the SAM300. Need the top speed, 1,100 tags/s? Choose the SAM700.
Features
- Dual-core 32-bit MCU, 240 MHz, 8 MB flash, 4 MB PSRAM
- MCU can be bypassed for direct access to the Impinj chip
- Works alone or alongside an external host
- USB, 2 SPI, I2C, 2 UART and 8 GPIOs
- Wi-Fi 802.11n and BLE 5 on board
- Band set by software, 865-928 MHz; +5 VDC
Applications
- Handheld readers and sleds
- RFID reading stations
- Smart shelves and cabinets
- Connected refrigerators
- Fixed RFID readers
Technical specifications
| RFID standard | RAIN RFID SOM module, EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-63 |
|---|---|
| Frequency band | Worldwide (FCC, ETSI, Anatel, etc.), configurable via software, 865-928 MHz |
| Max. RF output power | Up to +33 dBm (programmable 0 to +33 dBm) |
| Output power range | 0 to +33 dBm (programmable) |
| RX sensitivity | -82 dBm (max) |
| Read rate | up to 700 tags/s |
| Read range | Up to 20 meters or more, depending on antenna and tag configuration |
| RFID chipset | Impinj Ex10 RAIN RFID reader chip |
| GEN2X | Impinj GEN2X support |
| Antenna ports | 4 RFID antenna ports (connector type not stated) |
|---|
| Connectivity | USB, SPI, I²C, UART, Wi-Fi, BLE |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11n, 2.4 GHz, 150 Mbps |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5 |
| GPIO | 8 × GPIO |
| Interfaces | 1 × USB; 2 × SPI; 1 × I²C; 2 × UART; 8 × GPIO |
| Processor | Dual-core 32-bit microcontroller up to 240 MHz (ESP-32-S3 per SAMDK datasheet) |
| Memory | 8 MB Flash; 4 MB PSRAM; 512 KB SRAM; 384 KB ROM |
| Power source | +5 VDC |
|---|---|
| Max. consumption | 9 W peak while transmitting (at +33 dBm) |
| Dimensions | 32 × 36 × 4 mm |
|---|---|
| Certifications | FCC and Anatel |
Questions we hear
How does it differ from the SAM300 and SAM700?
Same size, MCU and connections. Read rate and sensitivity change: SAM300 250 tags/s at -75 dBm, SAM500 700 at -82, SAM700 1,100 at -86.
How can I try it before designing a board?
A SAMDK development board carries a Raspberry Pi and a reader on one 9 to 28 V supply, so you can build the app first.


