A radio frequency identification (RFID) controller within an RFID system includes an RFID interrogator interface configured to receive signals from an RFID interrogator. The RFID interrogator receives data from RFID tags. The RFID controller also includes a user interface configured to receive a selection of data processing units and an arrangement of data processing units. The RFID controller further includes a controller core configured to process the signals received from the RFID interrogator interface and configured to modify processing of the signals from RFID interrogator based on the selection and the arrangement of the data processing units.