SAMDK series
Turn a Raspberry Pi 4 into a four-port RAIN RFID reader
SAMDK boards add a RAIN RFID reader on Impinj chips to a Raspberry Pi 4: four SMA antenna ports and up to +30 dBm. The three models share the hardware and differ in sensitivity, speed and chip.
Choose your model
You are prototyping a reader on a Raspberry Pi, or building a small reader that runs your own app. Four antenna ports, up to +30 dBm, 250 tags/s. The entry level of the SAMDK line.
Details →You are building on a Raspberry Pi and need to read faster or pick up weaker tags. Same board and +30 dBm as the SAMDK-300, with 700 tags/s and -82 dBm sensitivity.
Details →You are building a Raspberry Pi reader where speed matters most, with many tags passing fast. Impinj E710 chip, up to 1,100 tags/s and -86 dBm sensitivity, at +30 dBm.
Details →Compare the models
| SAMDK-300 | SAMDK-500 | SAMDK-700 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | ID-SAMDK-300 | ID-SAMDK-500 | ID-SAMDK-700 |
| Performance | |||
| Frequency band | Worldwide RAIN RFID regulatory domain support including USA (FCC) and Europe (ETSI) | ||
| Max. RF output power | Up to +30 dBm | ||
| Output power range | From +0 dBm to +30 dBm, configurable in increments of 0.5 dBm | ||
| RX sensitivity | -75 dBm (max) | -82 dBm (max) | -86 dBm (max) |
| Read rate | up to 250 tags/s | up to 700 tags/s | up to 1,100 tags/s |
| RFID chipset | Impinj E310 | Impinj E510 | Impinj E710 |
| GEN2X | Impinj GEN2X support | ||
| Antenna and RF | |||
| Antenna ports | 4 x SMA female | ||
| Antenna connector | 4 x SMA female | ||
| Connectivity and interfaces | |||
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and BLE via the ESP-32-S3 MCU embedded in the SAM module (can be disabled by software) | ||
| GPIO | One opto-isolated GPI; one high-power GPO (+12 VDC) with output voltage configurable via software | ||
| Host interface | Raspberry Pi host (cape for Raspberry Pi 4 per catalog); host link via I2C, UART or high-speed SPI | ||
| Signaling | Two programmable RGB LEDs and a 110 dB programmable buzzer | ||
| Status LEDs | Two programmable RGB LEDs and buzzer | ||
| Real-time clock | Internal RTC with supercap for date/time retention on RPi | ||
| Power | |||
| Power source | DC power supply +9 VDC to +28 VDC via P4 connector; single supply for reader and RPi | ||
| Mechanical and environment | |||
| Dimensions | 90 x 70 x 45 mm | ||
| Weight | 180 g (SAMDK PCB and case) | ||
| Operating temperature | -20 °C to +50 °C | ||
| Humidity | 5-95% non-condensing | ||
| Certifications | FCC, Anatel and CE | ||
Features
- Impinj E310 chip, four antenna ports
- Output power from 0 to +30 dBm in 0.5 dB steps
- Host link to the Pi over I2C, UART or high-speed SPI
- Wi-Fi and BLE through the module's ESP32-S3, which software can disable
- One opto-isolated GPI and one +12 V GPO with software-set voltage
- Two RGB LEDs, a 110 dB buzzer and an RTC with supercap
Applications
- Development kit for SAM modules
- Raspberry Pi-hosted RFID readers
- Standalone embedded reader board
- On-reader apps running on the Pi
Questions we hear
What do I need besides the board?
A Raspberry Pi, one 9 to 28 V supply for both, and antennas. The board talks to the Pi over I2C, UART or SPI. Identix does not supply tags.
Does it have wireless?
Yes. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE come from the module's ESP32-S3, and software can turn them off.
