| Image | Part Number | Description / PDF | Quantity | Rfq |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sumida Corporation |
ANTENNA |
1609 |
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Sumida Corporation |
ANTENNA RECEIVER |
30360 |
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RF/IF (Radio Frequency/Intermediate Frequency) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) antennas are critical components in wireless communication systems. These antennas enable the transmission and reception of radio frequency signals for data exchange between devices and RFID tags. Their importance spans industries such as logistics, healthcare, automotive, and retail, where they drive applications like asset tracking, access control, and inventory management. RFID antennas operate across low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), ultra-high-frequency (UHF), and microwave bands, adapting to diverse environmental and technical requirements.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Dipole Antennas | Balanced radiation patterns, linear polarization, wide bandwidth | UHF RFID readers, warehouse management systems |
| Loop Antennas | Compact size, high magnetic coupling efficiency | HF RFID access control, contactless payment systems |
| Fractal Antennas | Multiband operation, reduced physical size | Mobile RFID readers, IoT devices |
| Planar Inverted-F Antennas (PIFA) | Low profile, high efficiency, impedance tunability | Smartphones with NFC, wearable RFID tags |
| Flexible Antennas | Conformal design, durability in dynamic environments | Logistics tracking, textile integration |
RFID antennas typically consist of conductive elements (copper, aluminum, or printed silver ink), dielectric substrates (FR4, Rogers materials), and impedance matching networks. Dipole antennas use two symmetrical conductive arms, while loop antennas form closed-loop structures. Fractal designs employ self-repeating geometric patterns for multiband functionality. Flexible antennas integrate conductive polymers or textiles for bendable applications. Advanced models incorporate RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit) chips for signal processing and impedance matching.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | Defined band (e.g., 125kHz, 13.56MHz, 900MHz, 2.4GHz) | Determines compatibility with RFID protocols and regulatory standards |
| Gain (dBi) | Signal directionality and strength | Affects read range and interference resistance |
| Impedance Matching ( ) | 50 or 75 standardization | Ensures maximum power transfer and minimal signal loss |
| Polarization | Linear, circular, or elliptical wave orientation | Impacts performance in orientation-sensitive applications |
| Environmental Tolerance | Temperature (-40 C to +85 C), humidity, and vibration resistance | Guarantees reliability in industrial settings |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Alien Technology | ALN-9662 | UHF R420 reader antenna with 8dBi gain, IP68 rating |
| Impinj | ItemSense Platform | High-accuracy UHF antenna arrays for inventory tracking |
| Nordic Semiconductor | nRF52840 DK | Multiband BLE/NFC antenna reference design |
| Texas Instruments | RI-AMC-4C18-EM | HF 13.56MHz antenna for contactless payment systems |
| Honeywell | XF5800 | Industrial RFID reader with adaptive polarization control |
Key considerations include:
- Frequency alignment: Match antenna bands with RFID protocol requirements (e.g., ISO 14443 Type A/B for HF).
- Environmental factors: Choose waterproof (IP67+) models for outdoor use.
- Read range: High-gain antennas (>6dBi) for long-range UHF applications.
- Integration constraints: Flexible antennas for curved surfaces or wearable devices.
- Cost-efficiency: Passive antennas for low-power systems, active designs for extended coverage.
Future developments include:
- Millimeter-wave RFID: 60GHz+ antennas for sub-centimeter accuracy in RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems).
- AI-optimized designs: Machine learning-driven impedance matching for dynamic environments.
- Energy harvesting: Integrated solar/RF energy collection for battery-free IoT nodes.
- Biodegradable antennas: Eco-friendly cellulose-based substrates for disposable RFID tags.
- 5G convergence: MIMO antenna arrays supporting both RFID and cellular IoT protocols.