A decoupled RFID reader for reading an RFID tag using a single interrogator and a plurality of reader modules. The interrogator transmits an RF signal to supply power for the tag, and also sends commands to the tag. One of the reader modules communicates with the tag to trigger the tag to transmit a tag response including tag identification data. The first one of the reader modules receives the tag response and communicates the tag identification data of the tag to all of the other reader modules.