Adaptive RFID antenna improves flexibility and reliability in production and logistics

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With the Simatic RF680A, Siemens is offering an adaptive antenna for its RF650R, RF680R und RF685R UHF readers. The variable-polarisation antenna (linear or circular) simplifies the commissioning and planning of RFID applications, and the automatic antenna adjustment facility makes for increased read and write reliability.

These benefits create enormous flexibility for users, as it is frequently not possible to know during the planning phase whether linear or circular polarizing antennas will be required. The RF650R and RF680R readers have ports for four external antennas, allowing the implementation of four read points. In conjunction with the RF685R, two read points are possible.

Where the ambient conditions differ (reading distance, tag positioning, reflections), the user can adjust the antenna's polarisation. Alternatively, the reader uses special algorithms to automatically select the right antenna configuration for each individual read operation. This not only saves time during commissioning but also improves reliability, particularly in highly reflective wireless environments.

The improved front-to-back ratio reduces reflections and the resulting interference or falsified read results. A large multi-colour LED clearly indicates antenna activity, recorded tags and errors.

In addition, Siemens is also launching another circular antenna Simatic RF650A. In combination with the Simatic RF650R, this is ideally suited as a cost-effective system for use in industrial and logistics applications.

Both new antennas share the same high protection rating (IP65) and compact dimensions
(198 x 198 x 60mm) as well as an extensive temperature range (-25 to +75 °C). The wide transmission frequency range of 865 to 928 MHz allows both devices to be used with the utmost flexibility anywhere in the world.

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