RFID for ITS: Kathrein Validates MLFF and High-Speed Performance
Kathrein Solutions provides RFID-based systems for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), covering tolling, vehicle identification, and registration. Certification tests near Berlin validated system performance in multi-lane free flow scenarios and at speeds up to 200 km/h, confirming applicability for modern traffic infrastructures.
RFID as a Technology Layer in ITS
Intelligent Transportation Systems integrate sensors, communication, and data processing to improve traffic efficiency, safety, and sustainability. RFID enables reliable and contactless vehicle identification within these architectures, independent of environmental conditions.
Kathrein Solutions develops RFID components tailored to ITS environments, including readers, antennas, and transponders. These systems support applications such as tolling, access control, parking, and smart city infrastructure, where continuous and accurate data capture is required.
Core Applications in Transportation
RFID-based Electronic Toll Collection systems enable automated vehicle detection at gantries. Vehicles pass without stopping, reducing congestion and enabling efficient toll processing.
Automated Vehicle Identification supports access control, fleet management, and theft protection. Vehicles are identified in real time, simplifying administrative processes and improving traceability.
Electronic Vehicle Registration systems allow digital handling of vehicle data. Authorities can access and manage information in real time, improving operational efficiency and security.
Functional Principle of RFID in ITS
In ITS deployments, RFID tags are attached to vehicles, while readers are installed at defined traffic points such as gantries or toll stations. As vehicles pass, identification data is captured and transmitted to backend systems.
The collected data is used for traffic control and operational processes. This includes toll management, monitoring traffic flows, and supporting adaptive infrastructure. Integration with other technologies such as cameras or positioning systems extends functionality.
Certification Testing for MLFF Scenarios
Kathrein Solutions conducted ITS certification tests at Eberswalde Airport near Berlin. The validation was carried out by an external institute and focused on real-world traffic scenarios.
Tested configurations included:
Multi-Lane Free Flow with RFID gantry
Single-Lane Free Flow with RFID gantry
Multi-Lane Free Flow with RFID InLane reader
The tests verified system stability, detection performance, and suitability for large-scale ITS deployments.
High-Speed Detection and Antenna Optimization
The certification included validation of a new generation of security transponders in combination with established readers such as the RRU 7700 and RRU 7800.
Reliable detection was achieved at speeds of up to 200 km/h. This is relevant for highway tolling and high-throughput traffic systems.
Antenna configurations based on WiRa 40° PRO and WiRa 25°/35° PRO were evaluated for multi-lane environments. These setups support defined read zones and reduce interference between lanes, which is critical for accurate vehicle assignment in MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) systems.
UHF RFID WideRange 25° 35° PRO Antenna
The Wide Range 25°35° PRO antenna enhances lane-specific vehicle RFID detection with focused, high-gain outdoor design.
InLane Reader for Subsurface Deployment
The InLane reader was tested under varying traffic conditions and speeds. The device can be installed below the road surface and is designed for reading license plates with integrated transponders, such as IDePLates.
The system demonstrated reliable vehicle detection and the ability to determine direction of travel. This is enabled by an integrated antenna that switches between four orthogonally aligned beams.
Security and Standards Compliance
Data security is a central requirement in ITS applications. Kathrein Solutions integrates protection mechanisms against unauthorized access and ensures data integrity.
The RFID systems comply with standards such as ISO 18000-63, supporting secure and interoperable deployment in critical infrastructure.
Partner Perspective
The long-standing partnership with Tönnjes GmbH shows how strongly RFID development in the ITS sector depends on cooperation between specialized technology providers. Olaf Renz, Managing Director of Tönnjes GmbH, highlights the collaboration with Kathrein Solutions as a driver for new perspectives in RFID technology.
For more than 15 years, both companies have worked together on solutions that bring vehicle identification into demanding traffic environments. Renz points in particular to developments such as the IDeREADER InRoad, which demonstrate how combined expertise can create tangible added value for customers and push technological progress in the industry.
The IDeREADER InRoad is a jointly developed solution by Tönnjes and Kathrein Solutions. It combines Tönnjes’ RFID-based vehicle identification expertise with Kathrein’s reader and antenna technology. Integrated into the road surface, the system is designed to read RFID-enabled license plates such as IDePLates from Tönnjes and support vehicle detection and direction recognition in ITS applications.
Relevance for ITS Integrators
For system integrators and infrastructure operators, the validated performance in multi-lane free flow and high-speed scenarios provides a reference for deployment in tolling and traffic management systems.
The combination of gantry-based and subsurface RFID solutions enables flexible system design depending on infrastructure and application requirements.