Correct selection of antennas for an RFID installation

by Jordi Torné, 2023-06-12

Antennas are an essential component of any RFID installation. They are responsible for the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals between readers and RFID tags. Therefore, the correct selection of antennas is essential to guarantee the success of an RFID installation.

Factors to take into account

When selecting antennas for an RFID installation, several factors must be taken into account, including:

• The operating frequency: RFID antennas are available in a wide range of frequencies, from 125 kHz to 915 MHz. The operating frequency chosen must be compatible with that of the RFID tags to be used.

• Read range: Read range is the distance at which a reader can read an RFID tag. The desired reading range should depend on the specific needs of the installation.

• Transmission power: The transmission power of an antenna determines the distance over which it can transmit a radio frequency signal. The desired transmission power should depend on the desired reading range and the density of RFID tags.

• The installation environment: The installation environment can also influence antenna selection. For example, if the installation is in an environment with a lot of electromagnetic noise, antennas with higher sensitivity will be needed.

Types of RFID antennas

There are two main types of RFID antennas: omnidirectional antennas and directional antennas.

• Omnidirectional antennas: Omnidirectional antennas transmit and receive radio frequency signals in all directions. They are suitable for applications where extensive coverage is required, such as in warehouses or production plants.

• Directional antennas: Directional antennas transmit and receive radio frequency signals in a specific direction. They are suitable for applications where more specific coverage is required, such as at checkpoints or in restricted access areas.

Other factors

• The orientation of the antennas must be adequate to cover the areas where the labels to be read are located without interference, shielding, or signal bounces.

• The default expected use of the infrastructure. Whether it is to control the passage of objects, perform a continuous inventory, or determine an ongoing process, a suitable antenna can improve the reliability of the readings.

Tips for antenna selection

To select the appropriate antennas for an RFID installation, it is important to consult with a specialized supplier. The supplier will be able to advise you on the factors to take into account and help you choose the antennas that best suit your needs.

It is also important to ensure that the reader supports the selected antenna types and that the reader control software can manage the corresponding parameters. Our etaggate product allows you to define these parameters for most antennas and readers on the market.

Conclusions

The correct selection of antennas is essential to guarantee the success of an RFID installation. Therefore, it is important to take into account all relevant factors when making a decision. Without reliable reading of RFID tags, key readings can be lost to understand what asset movements occur in an RFID installation.