Ultimate guide to RFID antennas


Shop for RFID Antennas Get The free Guide

If you’re implementing an RFID system in your business, choosing the right RFID antenna is crucial. It handles the transmission and reception of radio waves, ensuring seamless communication with RFID tags and labels. The right antenna can make all the difference in your system’s performance.

What is an RFID antenna?

RFID antennas are the key element between the tag and the reader. This element transmits power and captures the return signal from the tag with its code.

Key components of an RFID system

Let's take a look at the key components of an RFID system.

  • Tags: There are three types of tags, the passive tags, the active tags and the semi-passive tags. Passive tags don't have their own power source, they rely on the power transmitted by the RFID reader. Active tags, on the other hand, have their own power source, usually a battery. Semi-passive tags have a battery, but they depend on being read to function.
  • Reader: The reader sends and receives the data transmitted by the tags via radio waves.
  • Antenna: Both tags and the reader have an antenna. The reader's antenna emits radio waves and the tag's antenna powers the tags to send data back.
  • Software: The software used processes the data collected by the reader. It then collects the data and integrates it into the database. The software allows you to manage and analyse the information.

How RFID antennas work

RFID antennas emit radio frequency energy that is picked up by the RFID tags attached to a product. The tag uses this energy to send back data from the embedded chip. The returned radio frequency signal is picked up by the reader's antenna and decoded by the reader.

Types of RFID antennas

There are 3 main types of them.

❯ The universal RFID antennas
Can be used in a variety of RFID applications and systems. They are typically used in warehouses or industrial processes, but cannot be used outdoors.

❯ The long-range RFID antennas
Are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Using UHF frequencies, they can detect tags up to 18 metres away.

❯ Short-range RFID antennas
Are used in dense liquid and product environments. They are fast and efficient: there are no blind spots, everything within its surface is detected.

Choosing the right RFID antenna

To choose the right RFID antenna you must consider a few factors.

Required reading distance

This is an important factor to consider.Some antennas can read over long distances using UHF. Others use LF and HF and are more suitable for short-range reading

Operating environment

The environmental conditions of your business will have a significant impact on the antennas. You'll need to consider the humidity or the presence of metals, both of which require one to ensure optimum performance

Tag orientation

You'll need to consider the orientation of the tags to choose the right polarisation for your antenna. If the tags are consistently oriented, choose a linear polarisation. If the tags change position, choose a circular polarisation.

Compatibility with RFID readers

If you already have RFID readers, you'll need to make sure that the antenna is compatible with your readers.

 

Another important aspect when selecting your RFID antenna is the frequency band. They are typically designed to work either on a narrow band (targeted frequency) or a wide band (broad frequency range).:

  • Narrow band antennas operate on a precise, focused frequency range, excelling in noisy environments and dedicated industrial applications where an RFID system is tuned for a specific regional channel. They offer superior performance by minimising interference outside their specific band.
  • Wide band antennas, conversely, support a broader frequency spectrum. This versatility ensures compatibility across different regulatory regions (such as ETSI in Europe and FCC in the US), making them often preferred for mobile or global operations where frequency agility is key.

 

Top RFID antennas for fixed RFID readers

We offer a wide range of RFID antennas for fixed RFID readers. Let's take a look at our top antennas.

GA30 RFID antenna for FR22 fixed RFID reader

Our Brady GA30 RFID antenna for FR22 fixed RFID reader is used for asset tracking, inventory and inspection labelling, RFID tagging and temperature tagging.

BFA868 RFID antenna for FR22 fixed RFID reader

Our Brady BFA868 RFID antenna is an advanced overhead beam-forming RFID device that leverages 28 software-controlled beams and an integrated sensor to provide immediate, actionable alerts via its loud buzzer and high-visibility LEDs, optimising real-time tracking and safety in dynamic industrial environments.

BFA915 RFID antenna for FR22 fixed RFID reader

The Brady BFA915 RFID antenna, with its 28 software-controlled beams and dual polarisation, ensures optimal RFID reading range and accuracy for comprehensive data capture in diverse industrial applications.

Brady XA20 UHF RFID antenna EU

Our XA20 UHF RFID antenna can be used for asset tracking, component and equipment identification, data and telecommunications labelling, electrical labelling, facility identification, general identification, inventory and inspection labelling and security identification. It is shock and vibration mechanics tested to IP67.  It has an RP-TNC RF (Radio Frequency) connector for robust connection.

Flat antenna FA1515e 868/UHF RFID

The flat antenna FA1515e 868/UHF RFID is perfect for environments where size is an issue. It has a unique radiation pattern that allows it to be mounted directly on surfaces, including metal surfaces, without compromising UHF RFID reading performance.

Special antenna SA0408 868/UHF RFID

The special antenna SA0408 868/UHF RFID is also ideal for environments where size is an issue. Like the flat antenna, it can be mounted directly on any surface, including those on metal without compromising UHF RFID reading performance.

Brady GA25 antenna

Our Brady GA25 antenna is a robust and extremely cost-effective circular polarisation device. It has a long RFID reading distance and can be used on any surface, including metal. It has ideal performance in any orientation. It is compatible with the Brady FR22 fixed reader and the Brady FR22 LITE fixed reader.