CookTek Incogneeto: Innovative Under-Counter Induction Hob Redesigned by Eccel Technology

Background – Purpose of the Project

In 2023, Eccel Technology was approached by a leading U.S.-based manufacturer, to explore the feasibility of redesigning its Incogneeto under-counter induction hob system. The primary reason for this initiative was the imminent obsolescence of the RFID reader (Tagsys Medio P232/P233) and the RFID tag used in the existing product line.

The Incogneeto system is a breakthrough in kitchen technology, transforming a regular kitchen work surface into an induction cooking zone without the visible presence of a hob. This makes the kitchen more versatile, aesthetically clean, and easy to maintain, while also providing the performance benefits of induction cooking.

However, the future of this product line was at risk. Several critical components, including RFID readers, temperature-sensing tags, and associated electronics, had reached the end of their production life and were becoming obsolete. Without a complete redesign, continued manufacturing of this hidden induction cooking system would not be possible.

The first collaboration between us had been completed successfully (read more here), which encouraged the client to entrust Eccel with a second, even more challenging project.

Eccel’s main objective was to evaluate whether the product could be redesigned to maintain its high performance, extend its lifecycle, and reduce production costs — all without compromising on quality. The goal was to design an RFID reader that would fully emulate the behavior of the obsolete reader and have all its functions.

Challenges to Address

The existing Incogneeto product faced several technical and production-related challenges:

• Component Obsolescence: The company that manufactured the previous RFID reader was acquired by another company and they stopped selling the existing readers.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Operating in a high-noise, metal-rich environment posed significant challenges for consistent RFID performance.
• Large Antenna Requirements: A 350 x 175 mm RFID antenna was needed (much larger than standard e.g. 40 x 40 mm NFC antennas), which had to work reliably despite interference from induction coils and metal enclosures.
• Cost and Assembly Efficiency: The older design relied on complex wiring and manual assembly, increasing both production time and cost.
• Temperature Sensing Accuracy: The temperature sensor in the Magneeto locator disc needed to accurately measure the temperature of the cooking contents.

Eccel’s task was to overcome all these barriers while ensuring full compatibility with customer’s requirements and existing product ecosystem.

 

Technology Developed

To address these challenges, Eccel Technology developed several advanced solutions:

Advanced Antenna Design

• Designed a custom arch-shaped RFID antenna that could achieve a 50 mm reading range across its entire length.
• Implemented 1% tolerance components and fine-tuned each unit individually to ensure consistent performance in the presence of metal and electromagnetic noise.

RFID Reader PCB

• Reused a custom RFID reader PCB from a previous project for this customer, improving logistics and reducing stock complexity.
• Upgraded firmware with new commands (e.g., “Get temperature”) and increased the baud rate from 4800 to 9600 for faster communication, which was required by the host device.

Tadpole-Shaped RFID Tag with Temperature Sensor

• Replaced the discontinued TAGSYS tags with a newly designed tadpole-shaped PCB.
• Integrated a temperature sensor directly into the PCB tail, ensuring that it directly contacts the cookware for highly accurate readings.
• The temperature sensor is powered by the energy harvested by the RFID tag

 

 

Field Detector PCB

• Redesigned the field detector (used to align cookware with the induction coil) as a single PCB unit.
• Eliminated manual soldering steps, reducing errors and production time.

Manufacturing and Cost Optimization

• Replaced complex discrete wiring with factory-produced PCB assemblies.
• Reduced production complexity, improved assembly reliability, and lowered costs.

 

The Final Product – RFID reader, arch-shaped antenna and wireless, self-powered temperature sensor

The redesigned RFID reader with an external antenna represents a significant leap in both performance and reliability for the Incogneeto – under-counter induction hob system. The final solution includes:

• A custom RFID reader PCB with improved firmware and high-speed data handling.
• An oversized, arch-shaped antenna tuned for challenging kitchen environments.
• An RFID tag with integrated, self-powered temperature sensor, designed for easy integration into the Magneeto disc.
• A simplified field detection system, enabling quick cookware alignment through visual LED feedback.

The redesigned product underwent rigorous testing under real-world conditions. Thermal imaging calibration was employed to ensure precise temperature readings, while multiple test cycles confirmed signal stability and interference resistance.
With these improvements, the customer’s Incogneeto system is now ready for production securing its position as a pioneer in under-counter induction hob technology.

 

Need an RFID retrofit for foodservice or industrial equipment?

Contact us to discuss a tailored RFID solution for your project.