The Siemens 6GT2821-6AC10 is a SIMATIC RF200 series RFID reader, model RF260R, with an integrated antenna and an RS422 interface using the 3964R protocol. It operates at 13.56 MHz, supporting ISO 15693 and ISO 18000-3 transponders, with a maximum transfer rate of 26.5 kbit/s. The housing is anthracite PA6.6, sealed to IP67, and rated for -20 to +70 °C operation and -25 to +80 °C storage.
The IP67 rating means the reader body and integrated antenna withstand washdown and dust ingress — suitable for food-and-bev lines or outdoor conveyor stations. The 13.56 MHz HF band gives reliable reads through non-metallic materials and liquids, unlike UHF. Read range is listed at 135 mm maximum, but that's dependent on the transponder type; for a given tag, expect less through metal proximity. The M12 8-pin connector handles RS422 communication and 24 VDC power (20.4–28.8 V range, 0.05 A typical draw). Shock resistance to EN 60721-3-7 Class 7M2 at 500 m/s² and vibration at 200 m/s² means it survives on robot arms or near press lines without losing alignment. The silicon-free marking (Product Feature / Silicon-Free: Yes) matters for paint-shop or potting applications where silicone outgassing can cause adhesion failures.
Interface and cabling
The RS422 interface supports cable runs up to 1000 m, so the reader can sit at the far end of a long conveyor while the controller stays in the cabinet. The 3964R protocol is Siemens-specific; if your controller speaks Modbus or PROFINET, you'll need a communication module (the reader is designed for connection to such modules per the suitability note). Read and write access per byte both take 0.6 ms typical — fast enough for part tracking on a medium-speed line, not for high-speed sortation.