
In any high-performance IoT system, the antenna is the unsung hero. You can have the most advanced chip and the most powerful reader, but the final, crucial link to the physical world is the antenna. For system designers, it is often the most challenging component, a delicate balance of physics and engineering where signal reflection, interference, and challenging materials can make or break a project's success.
The difference between a successful deployment and a costly failure often comes down to the antenna's ability to perform reliably in a specific, often difficult, environment.
This week, we are focusing on the art and science of antenna design. We will explore the innovations from four industry leaders who are solving some of the toughest challenges in the field—from achieving powerful reads in ultra-slim form factors to delivering military-grade performance for commercial IoT. This is the technology you can see firsthand at WIoT tomorrow 2025.
Times-7: Versatile, Robust Antennas for Any Environment
Times-7 is renowned for its broad portfolio of fixed RAIN RFID antennas, engineered for performance in a wide variety of applications and environments. Their approach focuses on delivering reliable performance across different RF characteristics, sizes, temperatures, and IP ratings, making their antennas suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Their A5020 Antenna Series, a flagship product, exemplifies these values with its robust yet compact design.
Why It Matters for System Designers:
- Performance Anywhere: The slim design of the A5020 makes it suitable for use inside or out, offering flexibility across deployment locations.
- Extreme Durability: It boasts IP68-IP69K ratings, ensuring performance even in wet, dirty, or high-pressure washdown locations – critical for industrial and demanding retail environments.
- Reliability in All Conditions: Leading temperature performance guarantees reliable operation across a wide range.
- Simplified Mounting: Designed for easy installation using standard VESA mounts.
For deployments requiring specifications not met by the standard portfolio, Times-7 also offers custom antenna solutions designed and manufactured to meet specific needs, including customized RF or mechanical specs, IP ratings, sizing, enclosures, and connector types.
To see how you can integrate high-performance RFID into diverse applications, meet the experts from Times-7 at booth L3-08.
KATHREIN Solutions: Brand New Gen4 RFID Readers for Unparalleled Performance
For industrial automation, logistics, and automotive production, reliable data capture is paramount. KATHREIN Solutions GmbH is a powerhouse in delivering robust, integrated systems, and their brand new 4th generation RFID Readers (RRU 45xx / ARU 35xx) are set to redefine performance in complex IoT applications.
These readers combine proven Kathrein technology with modern innovation, built on the powerful Impinj Ex10 chipset. They are compatible with previous systems but introduce groundbreaking new functions.
Why It Matters for System Integrators:
- Significantly Increased Performance: The new generation offers ten times greater sensitivity than its predecessors. This drastically improves reading accuracy in challenging environments with a lot of metal, or with difficult/small transponders in multi-tag situations.
- Digitally Controllable Precise Reading Ranges: The innovative "phased array" antenna system of the ARU makes it possible to precisely define reading ranges in width and depth. This allows reliable transponder detection often without the need for a separate RFID gate, making processes more efficient.
- Real-Time Inventory in Motion: When installed on a forklift, an ARU Gen4 can detect all transponders on a pallet, even while in motion, transmitting information directly to the ERP system via integrated WLAN or 5G.
- Location Tracking: Integrated GNSS allows readers to determine their position outdoors, enabling location tracking for pallets or boxes to optimize search times.
- Scalable & Efficient: Gen4 readers can connect up to eight antennas in series (32 cascaded Smart Shelf antennas total), enabling rapid inventory (e.g., a Kanban shelf in ~1 second) for "just-in-sequence" processes.
- Improved Efficiency: Power consumption is reduced by 40%, and housing volume by 50%, resulting in a more cost-efficient and sustainable device.
To learn how you can achieve unparalleled performance and efficiency in your industrial IoT systems, speak with the KATHREIN Solutions team at booth L4-05 and L3-08.
Mti Wireless Edge: ATEX-Certified Antennas for Hazardous Environments
Mti Wireless Edge brings decades of experience from demanding sectors to commercial IoT, resulting in antennas that are exceptionally durable and reliable under any condition, including hazardous ones.
Their MT009D09RH UHF RFID Antenna is a prime example, specifically designed for explosion-hazardous areas and harsh outdoor environments.
Why It Matters for System Designers in Demanding Industries:
- ATEX Certified & Extreme Durability: It is ATEX 95 (Directive 94/9/EC), Group I, M1, ia certified, making it suitable for use in mines, chemical plants, and oil & gas industries. With an IP67 rating and a temperature range of -55°C to +71°C, it resists moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
- High-Gain Long Range: Delivers ~9.5 dBiC gain (max 12.5 dBiC), enabling reliable, long-range reads for yard management, container tracking, and smart city infrastructure.
- Global Standards Support: Its broad UHF spectrum (865-956 MHz) fits ETSI, FCC, and Japan regulations, allowing for a single antenna model for worldwide deployment.
- Consistent & Robust Performance: Circular polarization ensures stable read quality and high antenna performance regardless of tag orientation.
To discuss your most demanding outdoor or hazardous location RFID projects, connect with the experts at Mti Wireless Edge at booth L2-12.
FlexiRay: Ultra-Slim, Modular, Aesthetic
FlexiRay brings an elegant engineering approach to RFID antenna design, combining high performance with a slim, modular form factor ideal for space-sensitive deployments.
Their SFR5 Series is just 14 mm thick yet delivers reliable UHF RFID reading in retail, logistics, and industrial environments. With IP65-rated protection, it resists dust and moisture for indoor and outdoor use.
Why It Matters for System Designers:
- Space-Saving Design: The ultra-slim profile allows discreet integration in tight or visible areas without sacrificing performance.
- Modular Flexibility: Available in different lengths to match specific installation needs.
- Easy Mounting: Supports VESA 75 standard for consistent, simple installation.
- Reliable Performance: Maintains stable, long-range reads while preserving an aesthetic, unobtrusive look.
To see how FlexiRay’s antennas enable clean, efficient RFID zones in challenging or design-sensitive environments, meet their team at booth L2-10.
MAC Technologies: Compact Ceramic Patch Antennas, Precisely Tuned
MAC Technologies develops high-performance ceramic patch antennas, backed by proprietary materials expertise and multiple international patents. As RFID antennas become smaller and lighter, MAC focuses on precise tuning and impedance matching to maintain optimal performance across real-world conditions.
Resonant frequencies of ceramic antennas shift depending on ground plane size, casing materials, and integration. A 25 × 25 mm patch may resonate at 1575.42 MHz on a 70 × 70 mm plane—but drop to 1555–1565 MHz once embedded. MAC provides tuning and matching services to compensate for these shifts and maximize signal quality and read range, especially for GNSS and RFID reader systems.
With innovations such as circularly polarized antennas, long-range air patch antennas, and miniaturized dielectric designs, MAC’s solutions support demanding applications across industries.
Visit MAC Technologies at booth L4-14 to discover how antenna tuning impacts connectivity performance.
Conclusion: The Right Components for Real-World Challenges
As these innovations from Times-7, KATHREIN Solutions, and Mti Wireless Edge demonstrate, tackling real-world RFID challenges requires more than just basic components. It demands specialized design, rugged durability, and intelligent system integration.
From versatile antennas for space constraints to powerful new readers for industrial reliability and certified antennas for hazardous locations, the technology is evolving to meet the toughest demands.
Understanding these specific solutions and seeing the hardware in person is what empowers system designers and integrators to build successful, reliable, and cost-effective IoT deployments. To get this crucial insight, there is only one place to be. We look forward to seeing you at WIoT tomorrow 2025.