Times-7 is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance RAIN RFID antennas, known for delivering innovative and reliable antenna solutions to businesses across a wide range of industries.
Known for it's expertise in RF engineering and commitment to quality, Times-7 delivers the broadest portfolio of fixed RAIN RFID antennas on the market, covering a range of sizes. At the Wireless IoT tomorrow 2024, the company launched its new A3042 antenna.
Interview with Times-7
1. RFID systems often face challenges in industries like supply chain and retail, especially in tough environments. What are some of the key issues businesses encounter, and how does the A3042 Robust High Gain Antenna help overcome them?
Daniel Eisen: Many businesses struggle with maintaining RFID accuracy in harsh conditions such as exposed dock doors, warehouses, and space-constrained areas. The A3042 antenna is designed to handle these challenges with its robust build, high gain, asymmetrical beamwidth, and compact form factor. The antenna also uses solar-resistant materials, ensuring consistent and reliable RFID performance in extreme weather.
The durability of the antenna is enhanced by its flame-retardant ABS plastic radome and riveted metal backplate, which protect its internal components from solar radiation and provide enhanced physical protection. Its textured white finish also helps reflect heat, ensuring optimal performance even in hot climates. The antenna’s perimeter seal provides an IP54 rating, protecting it from dust and water splashes.
The antenna’s unique 8-patch design delivers a gain of 10.5 dBiC, providing a reliable read range of up to 10 meters. These features combine durability with high performance, making the antenna operable in both indoor and outdoor applications.
The new A3042 Robust Slimline™ High Gain antenna was actually developed as an addition to our high gain antenna range, which includes the A5060. Our customers liked the performance of the flat panel design. However, use cases with semi-exposed areas where you have motor vehicles going past, forklifts or any heavy lifting vehicles required isolated mounting, so we took this feedback from our customers, and started developing the new Robust A30 series antennas – the first of which is the A3042 Robust Slimline™ High Gain antenna.
Daniel Eisen - RFID Engineer
2. How does the A3042 Robust Slimline™ High Gain antenna design address installation challenges, particularly in space-constrained environments and industries like warehousing and logistics?
Daniel Eisen: The A3042 Robust Slimline™ antenna is designed for easy installation, even in tight or difficult spaces. Its Slimeline™ design, with a depth of just 11 mm (0.43 inches), allows it to fit in narrow areas without compromising performance, making it ideal for space-constrained settings like healthcare, retail, and industrial environments.
The antenna's rear RP-TNC connector helps with cable management, reducing strain and minimizing downtime.
A3042
Slimline Design: 11 mm (0.43 inches) in depth
Protection Class: IP54
Supports both ETSI and FCC frequency ranges
Applications: Industrial automation, asset tracking, retail inventory management, and supply chain logistics
Additionally, it's integrated backplate, with M6 mounting studs which is compatible with VESA mounts enables quick, flexible, and secure installations in various environments, from small retail spaces to large warehouses, reducing installation time and costs.
As part of our commitment to product continuity, we have a policy of not taking products off the market. Once it’s been released, it will stay on the market, available for purchase. RFID installations are long lived, and so our antennas are designed to last a very long time. The upcoming launch of the A3042 Robust Slimline™ High Gain antenna is an exciting addition to our comprehensive portfolio.
Daniel Eisen - RFID Engineer
3. In high-density environments like warehouses or retail spaces, interference can affect RFID readings. How does the A3042 Robust Slimline™ High Gain antenna manage interference?
Daniel Eisen: With it’s front-to-back ratio, the antenna minimizes interference from unwanted RFID tags. This ensures more accurate and consistent tag detection, making it a reliable solution for businesses operating in high-density RFID environments.
Times-7
RAIN RFID antenna manufacturer
Products: RAIN RFID antennas
Industries: Retail, logistics, supply chain, industrial production, healthcare
4. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can be a problem in some environments. How does the A3042’s design address this issue?
Daniel Eisen: The A3042 includes built-in anti-static protection, which helps prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging the antenna or connected RFID equipment. This protection is crucial for maintaining long-term reliability, especially in environments prone to static electricity.
Times-7's reputation for quality is evident in the A3042, which is built to meet the high standards of reliability and performance. The antenna reflects Times-7’s dedication to innovation and durability, backed by exceptional customer support, ensuring that customers receive both a high-quality product and the assistance needed for successful RFID implementations.
Daniel Eisen - RFID Engineer
5. The A3042 offers both right-hand and left-hand circular polarization. Why is this important for RFID accuracy?
Daniel Eisen: Circular polarization is key for accurate RFID readings because it improves tag detection, regardless of the tag’s orientation. Offering both Left and Right handed models allows the antenna to be deployed in large multi-reader portal installations without the worry of creating nulls in the read zone.
