What is an RFID Antenna?

The simplest RFID systems can consist of mobile handheld RFID readers (with integrated antennas) and RFID tags, while more complex systems use multi-port readers, GPIO boxes, additional function devices (such as stack lights), and multiple Antenna and cables, RFID tags, and complete software setup.

RFID antennas are an essential element in an RFID system because they convert the RFID reader's signal into radio frequency waves that can be received by the RFID tag. Without some type of RFID antenna, whether integrated or standalone, an RFID reader cannot properly send and receive signals to and from RFID tags.

Unlike RFID readers, RFID antennas are dumb devices that receive power directly from the reader. When the reader's energy is delivered to the antenna, the antenna generates an RF field, which in turn transmits the RF signal to nearby tags. The efficiency of an antenna to generate waves in a particular direction is called the antenna gain. Simply put, the higher the gain, the stronger the RF field of the antenna and the wider the area of effect.

RFID antennas emit RFID waves along a horizontal or vertical plane, which is described as the polarity of the antenna. If the RF field is a horizontal plane, is it described as horizontally linear, the same principle applies to RFID antennas that generate vertical planes.

The polarity of the antenna can have a major impact on the read range of the system. The key to maximizing read range is to ensure that the polarity of the antenna is aligned with the polarity of the RFID tag. If these do not match, such as vertically linearly polarized antennas and tags with horizontally linearly polarized antennas, the read range will be severely degraded.

Circularly polarized antennas emit waves that rotate continuously between horizontal and vertical planes in order to provide increased flexibility for applications by allowing RFID tags to be read in multiple directions. However, because the energy is divided between the two planes, the read range of a circularly polarized antenna is shorter than that of a linear antenna of similar gain.

As with most RFID devices, RFID antennas can be divided into different categories that help narrow down the optimal antenna range for an application. Although antennas are grouped by several different factors, the most common groupings for RFID antennas are polarity (circular vs. linear) and durability (indoor vs. outdoor).

Frequency range: 902 – 928MHz, 865 – 868MHz, 860 – 960MHz

Polarity: Circular, linear

Rugged: Indoor IP rating, outdoor IP rating

Read range: Proximity (near field), far field

Mounting type: Shelf antenna, ground antenna, panel antenna, gate antenna

Most RFID antennas are typically priced between $50 and $300 per antenna, but some are more expensive due to critical, application-specific factors, such as ground/mat antennas. These antennas are designed for applications such as race timing and must be strong enough to survive and perform well when people, bicycles, or even carts run over them. Dedicated antennas can add significantly to the cost of the system, but are also an investment that can be the difference between a functional system and a non-functional system.

What read range do you need?

In your application, is it possible to always know or control the orientation of the RFID tag relative to the antenna position?

Are there any excessive environmental conditions that need to be considered? Overheating, overcooling, humidity, impact, etc.

Is the antenna installed indoors or outdoors?

Size restrictions?

The above briefly introduce what an RFID antenna is. If you want to know more or want to buy an RFID antenna, please contact us.

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