ID ANT.U LOCFIELD®

Flexible UHF RFID antenna for customized reading zones in industrial automation, logistics and smart infrastructure

Flexible UHF RFID Antenna for Customized Reading Zones

The ID ANT.U LOCFIELD® from FEIG Electronic is a flexible UHF RFID antenna designed to create precisely defined reading zones in industrial and commercial environments.

Unlike conventional RFID antennas with fixed radiation patterns, LOCFIELD® can be arranged along the areas where tagged objects need to be identified. Its flexible design allows installation in straight lines, curves, meandering patterns or circular configurations.

This makes it possible to integrate RFID identification into smart shelves, industrial machinery, cabinets, doorways and conveyor systems without relying on multiple conventional antennas.

The technology is particularly useful in applications where limited installation space, metallic structures or complex equipment layouts make traditional RFID antenna placement difficult.

LOCFIELD® Technology: Controlled RFID Detection

LOCFIELD® enables users to design application-specific UHF RFID reading zones by adapting the physical arrangement of the antenna.

Instead of covering a large area with a conventional directional antenna, the flexible antenna can be positioned along the required identification zone.

Its radiation characteristics allow RFID transponders to be detected close to the antenna, with reading distances adjustable through the connected reader's RF output power and the selected antenna configuration.

Depending on the RFID transponder, antenna variant and reader, reading ranges between 1 cm and 150 cm are possible.

The antenna uses linear polarization. By arranging it appropriately, RFID transponders can be identified in a wide range of orientations.

LOCFIELD® is also suitable for applications involving metallic structures. Its design reduces the challenges associated with reflections and interference in complex installation environments.

For optimal performance, the antenna should not be installed directly against metallic surfaces or arranged so that different antenna sections touch each other.

Applications in Factory Automation and Smart Infrastructure

The flexible LOCFIELD® antenna supports UHF RFID identification in environments where conventional antenna installations may be impractical or costly.

Typical applications include:

• Smart Shelves: Automatic identification and inventory monitoring of RFID-tagged products and materials.

• Industrial Machinery: Integration of RFID detection into machines, production equipment and automated workstations.

• RFID Gates and Doorways: Identification of tagged objects moving through defined passageways.

• Smart Cabinets: Automated inventory control and tracking of tools, components and stored equipment.

• Conveyor Systems: Identification of tagged products and transport containers along material-handling processes.

• Healthcare: RFID-based tracking and inventory management of medical equipment, supplies and other tagged items.

• Retail and Logistics: Product identification, stock monitoring and controlled RFID detection in storage and handling systems.

The antenna's flexible installation geometry allows reading zones to be adapted to the physical environment rather than requiring equipment layouts to be redesigned around conventional antennas.

Four Antenna Variants for Different Installations

FEIG Electronic offers the ID ANT.U LOCFIELD® in four versions with different active lengths, total cable lengths and diameters.

The variants cover active antenna lengths from 0.37 m to 2 m, allowing users to select a suitable configuration for compact reading areas or longer identification zones.

Available versions include:

• 037-080-28: 0.37 m active length, 0.80 m total length, 2.8 mm diameter.

• 100-150-28: 1.00 m active length, 1.50 m total length, 2.8 mm diameter.

• 200-250-28: 2.00 m active length, 2.50 m total length, 2.8 mm diameter.

• 200-300-50: 2.00 m active length, 3.00 m total length, 5.0 mm diameter.

EU and FCC frequency versions are available.

The antenna connects through a standard SMA male connector and supports operation with compatible FEIG UHF RFID readers.

Easy Integration with FEIG UHF RFID Readers

LOCFIELD® is designed for straightforward installation and adjustment.

The antenna can be shaped to match the required detection area. The desired reading range can then be configured by selecting an appropriate RFID reader and adjusting its RF output power.

According to FEIG Electronic, compatible readers include the ID LRU1002, ID LRU3000, ID LRU3500, ID LRU1002X, ID MRU102 and ID MRMU102.

This combination provides flexibility for applications requiring different reading distances, installation geometries and identification processes.

FEIG Electronic and Wilmsmeier Solutions

FEIG Electronic offers the ID ANT.U LOCFIELD® as a standalone flexible UHF RFID antenna for customized installations.

The LOCFIELD® technology is also incorporated into the Easy-LOCFIELD® Bumper from Wilmsmeier Solutions, a ready-to-install industrial antenna profile made from soft PVC.

While the standalone FEIG antenna allows users to create individually shaped RFID reading zones, the Wilmsmeier product integrates the technology into a protective profile for applications such as smart shelves, gates and conveyor systems.

Both solutions demonstrate how localized UHF RFID identification can be adapted to different industrial requirements.