Abstract: Systems and methods for using a multimodal handheld reader are described. The reader can be used to read non electronic labels, passive RFID tags using backscatter modulation techniques and battery based active RFID tags using a single handheld. The reader deploys a multiplexed antenna design and thereby contains a method to read a group of passive RFID tags and at the same time the reader can isolate a single passive RFID tag from amongst a group of passive RFID tags within close proximity. All such passive RFID tags use backscatter modulation techniques and are in the readers own RF zone.