RFID antennas are a valuable component of any RFID system. Antennas don’t work in isolation. These are always deployed with Fixed RFID Readers to boost the RF signal from the reader to the tag and from the tag to the reader.
UHF RFID antennas, in particular, are popular for their higher gains and long read range. These antennas are attached to RFID Readers. For example, the Zebra FX9600 RFID Reader comes with 4 and 8 antenna ports and uses RF cables. For that, HLF 200 and LMR 400 cables are the most suitable. It can easily connect 4/8 antennas, offering a wide coverage area in a warehouse.
Now, coming to the cost of RFID antennas, the cost of any antenna depends on several factors, including the antenna design, build quality, IP sealing, antenna gain, as well as the brand of the antenna.
In this blog, we will explore the cost of various RFID antennas based on their polarization, use, antenna gain, and brand.
Types of RFID Antennas and Cost of Antennas
RFID antennas are typically categorized into linear polarized antennas and circular polarized antennas. These antennas are suitable for distinct use cases, namely warehouses, dock doors, retail supply chain and logistics, retail store operations, parking management, access control in schools and colleges, healthcare facilities, etc.
Cost of Linear Polarized RFID Antenna
Linear polarized RFID antennas are known for their unidirectional long-range since they effectively propagate RF signals in only one plane. They emit and receive signals in a straight line, which can be effective in certain applications but may require precise alignment with the tags. UHF Linear polarized RFID antennas are specifically deployed where the orientation of RFID tags is known and consistent. These antennas are quite effective in optimizing the read range and accuracy.
These antennas are available in various gain options and can be used for situations like manufacturing lines, assembly lines, and controlled environments like warehouses, where tags are placed in a uniform position.
The cost of these RFID linear polarized antennas ranges between INR 8,000 and INR 18,000, depending on the antenna gain, build quality, and brand.
Let’s see some popular Linear Polarized antennas and their cost in detail:
This 9dBi Linear polarized antenna is a popular UHF RFID antenna that works on UHF 865-86 MHz and offers a long read range. It is a high-performance antenna offering long read range and accuracy in RFID applications such as logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain. Designed with polycarbonate covering with plenum ratings, these antennas provide fire resistance, and the IP65 rating ensures that these work in outdoor environments as well.
The cost of these 9dBi gain linear polarized antennas is INR 9,000, and one can procure these antennas from EnCstore.com.
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The SlimLine RTAS UHF RFID Race Timing Antenna is specifically engineered for applications in race timing and event management, where high performance and adaptability to movement are essential.
Applications and Versatility
EnCStore provides the SlimLine RTAS UHF RFID Race Timing Antenna for a variety of sectors, including:
1.Retail and customer interaction
2. Conference and attendee tracking
3. Race timing
4. Baggage handling
5. Logistics and supply chain asset management
This high-performance antenna is constructed from durable materials and features a slim profile, making it suitable for confined spaces and challenging outdoor conditions. It boasts a gain of 10 dBi and operates within the UHF frequency range of 860-960 MHz.
The antenna is made from rugged polyurethane, allowing it to emit a highly directional beam of radio waves capable of reading UHF RFID tags from athletes at considerable distances, even in crowded or noisy settings.
The cost of these antennas depends on the region and the supplier, as these antennas are created by Times-7, a brand based in New Zealand. One can procure these ground antennas from EnCstore.com at competitive prices.
Cost of Circular Polarized Antenna
The RFID Circular polarized antennas are quite versatile and known for transmitting RF signals in horizontal and vertical directions. These antennas emit signals in a spiral pattern, making it ideal for environments with multiple orientations of RFID tags, such as crowded areas or when tags are moving.
With circular polarization, these antennas don’t have to be aligned with tag orientation and can work with ease, offering great efficiency in tag reading in various applications where tagged items are coming in with no specific tag orientation.
RFID circular polarized antennas offer lower read range or coverage than a linear polarized antenna of the same antenna gain. These antennas are used in retail and warehousing, inventory management, etc.
The cost of circular polarized antennas ranges between INR 8,500 to INR 18,000, and these antennas can be bought from EnCstore.com, where we offer Pan-India delivery.
1. Zebra AN480 RFID Antenna and Cost
The Zebra AN480 is a popular UHF RFID antenna from Zebra Technologies, a USA-based brand offering all kinds of RFID antennas, readers, mobile computers, and printers.
The Zebra AN480 RFID Antenna is a state-of-the-art wide-band UHF RFID antenna designed for precise and dependable tracking of inventory and assets. This antenna features circular polarization, allowing it to be configured for left or right polarization, and includes an N-type female connector with a rear connection. It delivers optimal performance in the 865-965 MHz frequency range and is also compatible with the 865-867 MHz UHF frequency used in India.
The Zebra AN480 boasts a compact and sleek design with dimensions of 259.1 mm x 259.1 mm x 33.5 mm, facilitating easy installation in various settings. It is certified with an IP54 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water particles, making it suitable for installation in dusty environments.
This RFID antenna can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or poles, providing flexibility in placement. Its robust design guarantees long-term performance, even in challenging conditions. For the latest pricing and quotations for the Zebra AN480 UHF RFID Antenna in India, contact EnCstore.com.
Applications of the Zebra AN480 UHF RFID Antenna
The Zebra AN480 UHF RFID Antenna is suitable for various applications, including:
1.Retail and point-of-sale operations
2. Supply chain management
3. Enterprise and office environments
4. Healthcare access control systems and tool tracking
5. Hospitality services
The cost of the Zebra AN480 RFID Antenna can vary, however, one can purchase these antennas for INR 15,000 from EnCstore.com when purchased in bulk, along with Zebra RFID Readers and printers. The Zebra AN480 Antenna comes with a standard 1-year warranty from Zebra Technologies, effective from the date of purchase.
At EnCstore.com, we also offer other Zebra RFID Antennas, such as AN440, AN510, and AN610 RFID antennas, as well as Zebra Readers and Printers, and Mobile Computers.
This UHF RFID antenna is a popular, cost-effective RFID antenna offering high gain of 9dBi and long read range in demanding environments. These antennas are suitable for tracking RFID-tagged assets in retail, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare applications.
The antenna is designed to withstand harsh indoor and outdoor environments with its IP68 rating. The 9dBi gain and circular polarization allow it to offer high performance in high tag volume environments while offering a long coverage area. This antenna comes with a compact, low-profile polycarbonate covering with a plenum rating and fire-resistant feature.
The antenna also supports an SMA female-type connector that can be connected to an RFID reader like the Zebra FX9600 with great ease, using HLF 200 and LMR 400 RF cables.
The cost of these 9dBi circular polarized antennas is around INR 9,000, and we offer Pan-India delivery.
Cost of RFID Antenna based on Antenna Gain
Another important thing to note is that antenna gain plays an important role in deciding the cost of the antenna, apart from brand, shape, and size. Antenna gains refer to directional capabilities and overall effectiveness in transmitting or receiving radio waves.
A higher gain antenna costs more and can concentrate more power in a specific direction, leading to a stronger signal and potentially longer range in that direction. Antenna gain also affects the quality of the signal received, as a higher gain can improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Zebra Technologies offers RFID Antennas in various gain options with varying costs:
1.Zebra AN440 UHF RFID Antenna- 6dbi Gain
2. Zebra AN510 UHF RFID Antenna- 8.5 dBi Gain
3. Zebra AN520 UHF RFID Antenna- 5.5 dBi Gain
4. Zebra AN610 UHF RFID Antenna- 5 dBi Gain
5. Zebra AN720 UHF RFID Antenna- 3.5 dBi Gain
Cost of RFID Ground Antenna/Race Time Tracking Antenna
There is another type of RFID antenna that is popularly used for events and race time tracking. These are called RFID Ground Antennas or RFID Mat Antennas. RFID race time tracking antennas as deployed on the race ground and helps detect the RF signal from the RFID bib tag attached to athletes. RFID readers like the Zebra FX9600 are separately deployed for this purpose.
The cost of RFID ground antennas/RFID mat antennas varies on the antenna brand and the design and size of the antenna. These mat antennas have a slim profile and can be bought from EnCstore.com.
To conclude, RFID Antennas are crucial for any RFID-based application, and the cost of these UHF RFID antennas varies depending upon the design, antenna gain, IP rating, brand, polarization, etc. These antennas are available in linear polarization, circular polarization, as well as in the form of ground antennas that are used in race time tracking as mat antennas and for event management applications.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID Antennas
1. What are RFID antennas and their primary applications?
RFID antennas are crucial components of RFID systems, responsible for capturing radio frequency signals from RFID tags. They are widely used in various applications, including:
1.Retail Operations: For inventory management and theft prevention.
2. Supply Chain Management: To track goods throughout the logistics process.
3. Healthcare: For access control and tracking of medical equipment.
4. Hospitality: To enhance guest experiences through efficient asset management.
2. How does the design of an RFID antenna affect its performance?
The design of an RFID antenna significantly impacts its performance, including its read range and signal capture capabilities. Key design factors include:
1.Size and Shape: Compact designs are often preferred for space-constrained environments.
2. Material: Durable materials enhance longevity and performance in various conditions.
3. Polarization: The type of polarization affects how the antenna interacts with RFID tags and the environment.
3. What are the advantages of circularly polarized RFID antennas?
Circularly polarized RFID antennas offer several advantages:
1.Versatility: They can read tags regardless of their orientation, making them suitable for dynamic environments.
2. Improved Read Range: They often provide better performance in dense settings, such as retail stores or warehouses, where multiple tags may be present.
4. How much do RFID antennas typically cost?
The cost of RFID antennas can vary widely based on factors such as design, performance specifications, and brand. Basic models may start at a lower price point of INR 8,000, while advanced antennas with specialized features can be more expensive, going up to INR 20,000. For specific pricing, it’s best to consult with suppliers or product specialists like EnCstore.com. We also offer free quotations for various RFID products.
5. Can RFID antennas be mounted in various locations?
Yes, RFID antennas can typically be mounted in a variety of locations, including walls, ceilings, and poles. Various antennas are designed for the same purpose with Flush and VESA mount options, offering flexibility in optimal placement to maximize performance based on the specific application and environment.
6. What is the warranty period for RFID antennas?
Most RFID antennas come with a standard warranty, which typically lasts for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defect in materials and workmanship, providing peace of mind for users.
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