Background – Purpose of the Project
The Fairgame RFID Display project was initiated to develop a compact, cost-effective and robust device that combines an RFID reader, host communication module, OLED display, multi-colour LED indicators, and Wi-Fi connectivity on a single PCB.
The aim was to:
- improve device reliability,
- enhance RFID performance in electromagnetically noisy environments,
- enable wireless debugging and remote firmware updates,
- simplify integration with host systems via the RS485 communication protocol.
Another core objective was to support external RFID antenna functionality without any degradation in signal strength or accuracy.
Challenges to Address
At the start of the project, the client relied on an early-stage prototype consisting of:
- a basic 2×16 OLED display,
- individual LED indicators,
- a separate RFID reader,
- and communication with host software over RS485.
This prototype lacked:
- robustness in environments with nearby metal objects,
- advanced diagnostic capabilities,
- and required physical access for firmware updates.
No off-the-shelf solution existed that could combine:
- compact and interference-resistant RFID performance,
- RS485 and Wi-Fi connectivity,
- external antenna support,
- real-time debugging and diagnostics.
The main challenge was to integrate all these capabilities into one compact, reliable, and scalable platform.
Technology Developed
To overcome these technical barriers, our engineering team carried out extensive R&D, EMC testing, and iterative hardware/firmware optimisation. Key innovations included:
- Iterative PCB design and EMC testing to isolate analogue and digital circuits, minimising interference between RFID, Wi-Fi and RS485 modules.
- Advanced RFID antenna tuning and shielding to ensure stable performance even in the presence of metal objects.
- Development of a dual-antenna system, allowing automatic switching between onboard and external antennas depending on installation conditions.
- Implementation of a lightweight, secure Wi-Fi stack for remote firmware updates and real-time debugging without compromising RS485 performance.
- Communication protocol optimisation, including error detection and retry mechanisms, to increase stability and data throughput.
This technology platform set a new standard for performance and integration within a single PCB.
The Final Product
The result is a fully integrated RFID reader with OLED display and LED indicators, offering:
- Exceptional EMI resistance and reliable RFID performance,
- Fast and stable RS485 communication,
- Wi-Fi-based remote firmware updates and diagnostics,
- Clear visual feedback through OLED and LED indicators,
- Flexible installation with external antenna support.
The solution was designed for industrial environments and demanding applications such as access control systems, building automation, and IoT networks.
Field tests in September 2024 confirmed that the new design outperformed the earlier prototype in terms of reliability, signal stability, and ease of maintenance.
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Project Impact
The Fairgame RFID Display represents a significant technological advancement in RFID system design.
By integrating reading, communication, and UI functions on a single, interference-resistant platform, it reduces installation complexity, increases uptime, and simplifies maintenance workflows.
This approach goes beyond standard integration and demonstrates original engineering solutions in embedded systems, RFID communication, and wireless debugging.
The Fairgame RFID Display project demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can combine RFID technology, robust communication, and user-friendly interfaces into one compact, reliable device. By integrating Wi-Fi connectivity, RS485 communication, an OLED display, and LED indicators, this solution eliminates complexity, improves performance in challenging environments, and reduces maintenance time.
If you’re looking for a custom RFID solution that offers high reliability, flexible installation, and seamless integration — contact us at sales@eccel.co.uk.
Contact our team to learn more about how Fairgame RFID Display can be tailored to your specific application or incorporated into your next project.
