An RFID reader accessible thorough a personal computer and includes a PC card interface and a controller both operating according to clock signals from a crystal oscillator. The RFID reader further includes a linearized power amplifier modulator in a transmit path, a receive chain capable of demodulating EPCglobal Class_1 and Class_0 signals from RFID tags, and an integrated switching device for selecting one of a plurality of antenna for transmitting or receiving RF signals.